The Two Main Types of Saddles For Sale: English And Western?
Wednesday, 2. September 2009
When it comes to saddles, the first thing most people want to know is the difference between the English and Western saddles for sale. When looking at saddles for sale, the most obvious difference you will notice between the two will first of all be the horn that is present on the western saddle. The design will also be an obvious difference. The western saddle is a bit heavier than the English saddle.
Which saddle is best for regular 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.
There is also a difference between trail or pleasure and work or ranch saddles for sale on the market. Different tasks or uses require different balancing and component design such as horn shaping. Barrel saddles provide closer contact. English Saddles sit higher to give the rider better positioning than a western saddle would for that sort of riding.
But what are the real differences between english saddles and western saddles?
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.
On the other hand, Western saddles do come with protective fenders. Obviously, most cowboy sorts do not wear boots up to their knees, so it is good to have an extra level of shielding from impact or pinching in between the saddle and the horse’s back. Stirrups on western saddles also have leather wraps to add friction for a better hold on the slick bottom of a cowboy boot. Western saddles for sale will also have scurry trim which should not be warped if you are going to make a purchase.
Show Riding Vs. Pleasure Riding
A lot of english saddles are intended for lighter riding. An all purpose saddle works for show riding and pleasure riding. You will discover that most saddles for sale are a bit expensive, so it is a good idea to know what you will be using your saddle for before you buy one.
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 have steel or man-made trees that are also wrapped in leather and stuffed with foam. Usually english saddles are less detailed and decorative than most western saddles for sale.
Finding and purchasing saddles for sale
Buying a cheap saddle is not usually a great idea. Remember that you get what you pay for. And you may have to replace a cheaper saddle as many times as it would have cost to buy a better one. Cheaper saddles can also fit your horse improperly and sour its attitude during performance. If you save money on the saddle but irritate your horse, you haven’t done yourself any favors.
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 a new saddle purchase.