subject: Learn About How To Choose An Equestrian Saddle [print this page] You will come across a number of different types of equestrian saddle, made by a variety of diverse manufacturers, with numerous different models and fitment styles. The first thing you need to do is narrow down your riding purpose, know exactly what you are going to be doing and then select accordingly.
Principally, saddles are categorised according to English or Western configuration. These saddles are very distinctive and not generally interchangeable, so you will select English saddles if you intend to take place in dressage events or jumping competitions, while Western saddles are indicated for traditional Western disciplines, like reining.
You can select an all purpose saddle if you really are not sure what your horse riding future has planned for you. These have been specifically constructed to allow a rider to be comfortable in the most part when riding on the flat, but also in case you might want to participate in a jumping event, or in rugged wilderness riding. The flaps on your all purpose saddle will be more generous in their alignment, allowing for these different styles of movement, while the billet straps will be shorter than you might find in a dressage saddle.
A pony saddle is the right choice if you are just working with your child to introduce him or her to horse riding. Now you will need specific attention to make sure that the saddle fits the animal properly. There are distinctive differences between a fully grown horse and a pony, especially when it comes to the shape of the back and you should not try to make a regular saddle fit when a pony saddle would be more appropriate.
These animals may not take too kindly to the first fitment, so you should make sure that you prepare the pony as best you can, before trying to mount the saddle. Fit the item so that it is sitting squarely on the back in alignment with the backbone and when it is secured, there should be no significant movement from side to side. However, you must ensure that you can get several fingers of one hand underneath and between the saddle and the animals back. When standing at the rear of the pony, you should be able to look underneath the saddle and see daylight at the other end. This means that it is fitted correctly, but not too tight.
It goes without saying that you must pay particular attention to the security of the saddle. Remember that the pony may well be a little jittery anyway and that your child may be in the learning stages when it comes to handling the animal. You do not want the saddle to be an issue as they are both getting used to each other. Make sure that you are close at hand at all times, to ensure that the saddle is indeed the right fit and is the perfect choice for both. If not entirely happy, go back to the drawing board and start again until you are.
