Booting Up Your Saddle Hunt
Now that you’ve determined what type of saddle to look for, it’s time to get down to business. Before getting into a saddle hunt, there are some things you should know about the process itself.
One of the most important tips I can give you is finding your horse’s perfect fitting saddle by first assessing their body. Once your horse has been properly evaluated, then you’ll be able to understand how the saddle will fit them and any issues that may arise from a less-than-perfect fit. After this, look at how well the saddle fits your horse. Then test how well you fit into it! If a saddle does not allow for comfortable movement and mobility both for yourself and for your horse, then keep looking until you find one that suits your needs!
Once again, try out different brands to see which ones feel right on both your body type as well as that of your equine partner; remember: quality can make all the difference in your riding experience so don’t skimp here just because they’re all “horse saddles” – each brand offers something different when it comes to comfort level! Also make sure comfort isn’t sacrificed over aesthetics or exterior design – if these aren’t equally important factors than they shouldn’t even be considered during purchase decision making processes (or budgeting).
Leather Or Synthetic?
Now that you’ve figured out what type of saddle might be best for your horse’s shape, it’s time to decide what material the saddle should be made of.
Two common materials used in show jumping saddles are leather and a synthetic material called biothane. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, making this choice a matter of personal preference.
The most obvious difference between the two is their feel. Leather saddles are more flexible than biothane saddles, which makes them more comfortable for your horse on long jumps. This comfort can also help your horse jump better by reducing stiffness. However, leather can be harder to maintain, and if you aren’t prepared to do it properly your saddle could become worn or stained very quickly. It would be helpful to talk to an expert before deciding whether or not leather is right for you. If you don’t want to bother cleaning a leather saddle all the time or just don’t think it will fit into your lifestyle, then a biothane saddle may work better for you.
Biothane is much easier to care for than leather because it does not absorb water (which means no mold) and does not need oiling like leather does (wipe it down with water instead). Biothane also has a longer lifespan than leather; its durability makes it much more resistant against cracking and ripping.
Making the Best of a Bad Fit
In the best-case scenario, you have tried the saddle on your horse and it fits well. In the real world, that may not be the case. If you’re buying a used saddle, you can make some adjustments to increase its comfort for your horse. You can also use this process to check if a saddle will fit your horse before buying it new.
In both cases, checking that a saddle fits is as simple as sliding it on and checking out how it sits on your horse’s back:
- Does it sit flat? There should be even contact with the whole back, without dips or bumps. It shouldn’t be tilted forward or backward either – if so, keep looking for another saddle.
- Is there enough wither clearance? Check that there is at least two fingers of space between the tree points (the part under your leg) and the withers – more if possible. The more clearance there is, the less pressure is put on this area of your horse’s spine.
- Is it too narrow/wide? This requires some experience to answer properly – but in general terms, “too narrow” means that there are unsupported places over the back (e.g., dips), while “too wide” means that pressure is being unevenly distributed over a larger area than needed
When shopping for a saddle, choose one that fits your horse’s body and promotes your balance.
It’s important to choose a saddle that fits your horse’s body and promotes your balance. A proper saddle should be lightweight, just wide enough not to rub the shoulders and withers, and long enough not to restrict the horse’s movement. If a saddle isn’t well designed, it could damage their spine over time.
It’s also crucial to select a saddle that matches your balance as you move across the ground. Try out different models with your trainer. When you have found the right one, ask if they would mind if you purchase it from them so they can set it up for you before you take it home.
Anns is a contributor at EFA National. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
