subject: Everything About English Horse Saddles [print this page] The structure that is put on the back of the animals for the support of the rider or some other kind of load is known as saddle. More commonly these saddles are used for horses. Saddles more appropriately depend on the type of animal it is being used for. Horse saddles are more common and they are an essential piece of thing for any horse rider. It is a must thing for horse training, not only for rider but also for the horse.
Types of Saddles
There are basically two types of horse saddles: Western horse saddles and English horse saddle. These are the most common ones used in equestrian world, apart from this there are many other kinds used all across the world.
English Vs western saddles
Western saddles are heavier than English saddles. Also English ones have steel stirrups. Unlike others, English has elastic cinch and is of those kinds that fit on the horse completely but still the horse has enough space to breathe. This English type of saddles doesnt contain fender straps that pinch your legs which are present in western type.
Use of the English Saddles
These English saddles are the ones that are used for equestrian events in Olympics. This is the most favored type of saddles of English riders. These English saddles are further divided into categories and given different names according to the events for which they are used. This will include events like hunter jumper, saddles seat, horse racing, show jumping, dressage, polo or eventing. The appropriate saddle is used accordingly.
English saddles are more commonly used for show riding. They are also apt for common riding.
Tips for English Horse Saddles
They are used without a pad but tighten the girth.
When you sit on the saddle, the feet should be fit in stirrups
Slide the fingers under the pommel and see if three fingers comfortably fit in the arch below withers of horse and pommel.
The saddles should be so placed that they hamper the movement of the horse and they are comfortable for the animal.
There should be a breathing space for horse, i.e. when you stand aside and see if there should be a little light passing between the saddle and the horse, when the head of the horse is down.
The saddle should not be long; neither should it be too short.
When you go to find English saddles for sale, you will find that they are not very cheap. They are not very expensive either. Therefore, just keep in mind the purpose of purchasing the saddle; be very careful of the use and the size of the animal. The type of saddle you take will also depend on what kind of activity you are mainly using it for.
English saddles are made out of steel reinforced tree that is laminated or of synthetic tree. The stuffing inside the leather or synthetic cover is either horse hair or foam. This is why it makes them a little expensive.
