Buying the Right Saddle |
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The first step in selecting a saddle is to determine which style of riding you prefer. For many riders this may not be significant. The choice probably was arrived at long before, and the horse purchased specifically for that style. For a novice, though, selecting the riding style may pose more of a problem. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages. Western or stock saddles have a propensity for being big and weighty. They are hard, if not impossible, for young people to manage. Nevertheless, they provide plenty of protection for a student. The thickness of the saddle and the amount of leather under the leg, knee and seat keep apart the horse from the rider. Western saddles are possibly more adaptable, strong and resilient than other styles. They are available in a wide range of designs and prices. Hunt-jump saddles are usually rather light and easily handled. Here, too, a wide variety of designs and prices is available. This sort of saddle permits the rider, in most situations, to ride nearer to the horse, to feel the horse and to communicate more effortlessly with seat and legs. As a rule, these saddles require more training of the rider in acquiring a confident seat than with standard saddles. Saddles used to ride and exhibit gaited or park horses, such as the Lane Fox saddle, are kind of restricted in use. They have lots of the benefits of the hunt-jump saddles — they are lightweight and allow ease of communication with the horse. However, they position the rider so far at the back of the withers that the only way for the rider to be in equilibrium with the horse is to have the horse well collected and functioning off its quarters. This type of saddle provides minimum security for the rider; any rider should become skilled at riding such a saddle decently. Dressage saddles are configured to fit women's ankle-length skirts. Although they are used for other modes of riding, they are not preferable. The design of this saddle offers the rider with utmost ease of communication with the horse and holds the rider in perfect balance and form, whether the horse is highly collected or gently extended, all within the rather narrow limits of tradition. There are several saddles intended for very precise roles aside from those formerly brought up. These consist of side-saddle, trick saddle and special show or display saddle. These saddles are very definite in their design. Using them for whatever function other than their designated use 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. |
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