Posted by admin | Posted in tack | Posted on 17-05-2010
Tags: cowboy, cutting, equine, horse, roping western boots, roping western saddles, roping western tack, saddle, trail, tucker, western
What is the difference between a Western and an English Saddle?
I am going to be buying my first saddle for my first horse. I will only be doing light riding, like at a walk, or light jog. What saddle should I get? How do I find out what my size is? I just don't get what the heck the difference is between the 2 , other than the western one has the stirrups attatched and it also has that one rope thing to hold on to at the front of the saddle. THe english one is just a small, plain seat. HELP!
It sounds like you are not an experienced rider (are you sure you should be getting a horse if you don't know the difference between western and English saddles?).
I think the asnswer to this question depends on what your ultimate riding goals are. If you plan to partake in English riding sports like jumping or dressage, I recommend that you start right off the bat with an English saddle. Likewise, if you plan to pursue western sports such as gymkhana/barrel racing/pole bending, I recommend you get a western saddle.
If you plan on being a backyard/recreational horseman, it is still important that you learn how to ride well, however. While good horsemanship is possible in either saddle, an English saddle forces you to learn balance more quickly, so I tend to recommend that.
Of course, if you are a new rider, it also depends on your horse's temperament. If he tends to be spooky, you might want to start with a western saddle, simply because you'll be less likely to fall off if he spooks.
As for the fit of your saddle, there is a lot of advice out there as to how to measure for a correct saddle fit, but if you are confused, it might be best to have a professional fitter do it. There are some good websites online, however:
http://www.fourwinds.net/wither.htm
http://www.todayshorse.com/Articles/FitaWesternSaddle.htm
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