Select A Riding Style Before Selecting The Saddle

The first step in selecting a saddle is to determine which style of riding you prefer. For many riders this may not be important. The decision probably was made long before and the horse purchased specifically for that style. For a beginner selecting the riding style may pose more of a problem. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages.

Even though one riding style may have been selected, there is a great deal of variation among the saddles within it. Tradition, experience and exposure to other riders must then be considered.
Western or stock saddles tend to be large and heavy. They are difficult for youngsters to handle. But they offer a great deal of security for a beginner. The thickness of the saddle and the amount of leather under the leg, knee and seat isolate the horse from the rider. Western saddles are probably more versatile, rugged and durable than other styles. They are available in a wide range of designs and prices.

Hunt-jump saddles are usually rather light and easily handled. They also offer a wide variety of designs and prices. This type of saddle allows the rider to sit closer to the horse, to feel the horse and to communicate more readily with seat and legs. As a rule, these saddles require more training of the rider in developing a sure seat than with stock saddles.

Saddles used to ride and exhibit gaited or park horses are rather limited in use. They retain many of the advantages of the hunt-jump saddles — they are lightweight and allow ease of communication. However, they place the rider so far behind the withers that the only way for the rider to be in balance with the horse is to have the horse well collected and working off its quarters. This style of saddle provides minimum security for the rider; any rider must learn to ride such a saddle properly.

Dressage saddles are designed for accommodating women's ankle-length skirts. Although they are used for other styles of riding, they are not preferred. The design of this saddle provides the rider with maximum ease of communication with the horse and keeps the rider in perfect balance and form, whether the horse is highly collected or mildly extended, all within the rather narrow limits of tradition.

There are many saddles designed for very specific purposes. These include sidesaddle, trick saddle and special show or display saddle. These saddles are very specific in their design. Using them for anything other than their intended purpose should be discouraged. Safety, comfort of the rider and ability to maintain soundness of the horse must be considered before beauty or the desire for a unique design.

The style of riding dictates the general type of saddle. Consider four basic criteria: 1) the saddle must fit the horse; 2) the saddle should not interfere with the performance or the ability of the horse to perform; 3) the saddle must fit the job or the activities desired; and 4) the saddle should fit the rider physically.