Western Saddles | Used Western Horse Saddles

If you are new to horses or are just contemplating a change of discipline you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the differences between English and Western horse tack. From bits to blankets to saddles, each discipline has its own particularities. This article will cover the basic equipment involved for pleasure riding in each discipline.

WESTERN SADDLES

Western Saddles: Used in Western riding, these saddles are associated with cowboys working with cattle. The horn on the saddle aids the rider to rope cattle. Today, Western Saddles are used mostly for trail riding and rodeos. The main difference between English and Western saddles is the size. Western saddles are quite larger and the stirrups are longer to allow the riders legs to rest casually.

ENGLISH SADDLES

English Saddles: Used in English riding disciplines, English saddles were mostly designed for jumping or riding quickly through rugged countryside. These saddles don?t have a horn like Western saddles do. Instead they have a pommel. Other parts of an English saddle are the tree, panels, gullet, seat, cantle, waist, skirt, saddle flap, sweat flap, billets, buckle guard, knee/thigh roll, calf block, stirrup, stirrup leather keeper, and the D-ring.

Differences between the Western and English saddles include: Stirrups. Method of securing the saddle to the horse: rather than buckling on as does the English girth, the Western girth, known as a cinch, is tied on with a strap of leather.

The Western saddle is different from an English saddle in that it has no padding between the tree and the external leather and fleece skirting. The weight bearing area of the saddle is large and usually covered with sheepskin, but it must be padded with a saddle blanket in order to provide a comfortable fit for the horse. Western saddles are extensively decorated?the carved leatherwork is often a true work of art?and intricately carved silver conchos and other additions are frequently added to the saddle for show purposes. More than any other style of saddle, the western saddle can be customized to be a true expression of the rider's taste and style. A fine quality western saddle, properly maintained, is intended to last for a person's lifetime, or even beyond.

Today, many western saddles are made from synthetic materials and the trees are made from fiberglass. Using these materials to build the saddles make them lightweight which is easier on the horse and easier on the rider. One advantage to a synthetic saddle is the ease of cleaning them up. Usually just a wet sponge will take the dirt off. The other main advantage to the synthetic saddle is the lightweight. Some synthetic materials used are Nylon, cloth and neoprene.

For conclusion, Western Saddles can be found in many different sizes. Small 5" Miniature Western Saddles are made for decoration. The 7" and 8" Miniature Horse Saddle is the smallest, useable size saddle manufactured. These adorable, tiny saddles are exactly like the larger western saddles they are modeled after. They are used for the small toddler who is just learning to ride and are designed to fit the Miniature Horse or small pony. They are also used to begin training the Miniature Horse or small pony to carry a saddle.