Saddles have been considered a necessary piece of serious horseback riding gear in modern times as we have domesticated the horse for a variety of jobs. Today in the United States, there are two primary saddle forms, with a variety of types in each form. Although the saddle is a fairly straightforward piece of equipment, variety of types and importance of fit require careful consideration.
Types
In the United States, Western saddles are designed after Spanish conquistadors' saddles, with a high front and back for hours of comfort over long rides. All other saddles are considered English. Within each type, there are several types of seats, based on what the saddle is used for. Western types are trail, pleasure, reining, roping and barrel racing. English types include dressage, jumping, eventing and saddleseat.
Considerations
When choosing a saddle, fit is one of the most difficult but important factors. Poor fit of a saddle is comparable to wearing shoes that are too small or pants that are too tight and can ultimately injure a horse, according to author Toni McAllister. When trying the saddle on, it should be placed just behind the horse's scapula, or shoulder bone, and secured beneath the stomach.
Fitting
The saddle has two sides. The top, where you sit, is the seat and should fit you. The underside, which rests on the horse, is the tree and should fit the horse and distribute your weight over the horse's back. Also important to saddle fit are the girth and cinch, the straps that go under the horse's belly to keep the saddle on the horse while you ride.
Care
Saddles are traditionally made of leather. Frequent oiling is not necessary, according to SaddleAdvice.com; instead, regular cleaning with glycerin soap will keep a saddle in good shape. Oil should be reserved for when the leather is beginning to feel dry or stiff. English saddles might need be reflocked at some point to replace the cushioning material inside the leather panels if the panels become lumpy or hard.
References
- HorseAdvice.com: "Saddles: Fitting Horse and Rider"
- "The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds and Horse Care," by Judith Draper, 2008
- "Fitting Tack," By Toni McAllister, 2007
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