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One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a horse saddle is the difference between english and Western saddles for sale. When perusing all of the various saddles for sale, you will discover a distinct difference between the two most popular types. It is that a horn is used in the manufacture of western saddles. Also western saddles are usually built heavier and sturdier than english saddles.

What type of saddle is ideal for riding?

Western saddles are made with the comfort of the horse as well as the rider in mind. They are larger so that the weight is distributed over a larger area of the horse’s back. Made originally with the cattle drives in mind and the need for keeping the horse from tiring out too quickly, the western saddle is made of rawhide. There are other materials available today and you can find lighter weight saddles for sale. But the originals were made of leather and the underside was either sheepskin or wool.

Pleasure saddles and ranching saddles are other distinctions in the saddles for sale you might find. You will find that work saddles are shaped and built differently than those intended strictly for trail riding or leisure. Another example of distinguishing construction is that racing saddles provide closer contact to the horse’s sides for the rider. English Saddles also form a posture for the rider that is more upright and suitable for precision steering.

The distinctions between the two main types of saddles for sale

English saddles weigh less than western saddles. They also have steel stirrups. English saddles also come with flexible cinching to let the horse breathe more freely. English saddles do not have fenders. That is why it us necessary to wear tall riding boots to protect your legs.

Western saddles do have fenders however due to a greater demand for functional sturdiness and less of a demand for streamlined design. Also the stirrups are wrapped in rawhide or leather to catch on the sole of the boot. Scurrying also trims a western saddle. Be sure when you are looking at any western saddles for sale that this scurrying is not warped or damaged or turned up on any of the edges.

Show saddles are different from pleasure or trail saddles.

Many English saddles are more for show riding than for the hard riding which is done with the Western saddle. Although they can be used for regular riding, there is a choice that can be used for both. The general purpose saddle can be used for show riding and regular riding. Since you will find, when perusing any variety of saddles for sale, that they are not cheap, choosing one or the other is a big decision and will depend upon what you are planning to do.

Trail saddles and show saddles also have different constructions. Wooden trees covered in fiberglass or ralide are generally used for western saddles. These may also be crafted with rawhide. Synthetic lighter saddles are covered in leather or other skin. Show saddles also come with detailed embellishments including silver and other precious metal lacing.

English saddles are constructed on a steel-reinforced laminated tree or a synthetic tree. The covers are leather or synthetic and are not adorned as the Western saddles. The English saddles used to be stuffed with horse hair but today the stuffing is typically foam.

Browsing and buying saddles for sale

Since saddles are so expensive, the temptation may be present to purchase an inexpensive saddle. However, if you expect the saddle you buy to last, do not sacrifice quality for price. The inexpensive saddles will not provide the support that is needed to distribute your weight on the horse’s back. This can cause your horse to have behavioral problems. Think about it, if someone was riding on your back and the fit was not comfortable you would likely not be in a very good mood either.

Not only does the saddle have to fit correctly but the materials should be quality so they can last longer than a year or two. The stitching should remain intact and the fit on the horse should be another consideration. The saddle that does not fit well will make the horse’s back sore and this can be another cause of crankiness your horse will feel.

Whether an english or western saddle is right for you, be sure to choose a saddle that is well-made. It may be a bit of an investment up front, but in the end, it will be well worth it. And you will enjoy riding much, much more.

About the author: Jodie Daisy is happy to share information about saddles for sale with anyone who has any inquiries regarding buying a new saddle.