| The saddle is one of the most important pieces | | | | Horse racing requires a flat racing saddle. These |
| of horse riding apparel, so there are several things | | | | are extremely lightweight and have very short |
| to keep in mind when deciding on horse saddles | | | | stirrups so the rider can lean forward as far as |
| for sale. First, the riding style must be identified. | | | | possible. |
| Usually, this is either English or Western, although | | | | No matter the activity, the next question is the |
| there are also specialty ones for activities like | | | | type of saddle. There are leather saddles, suede |
| polo, dressage, jumping, and racing. In English | | | | saddles, and saddles made from synthetic |
| riding, the rider holds one reign in each hand and | | | | materials. Leather saddles are the most well |
| tells the horse to turn by gently pulling one reign, | | | | known, and a high quality leather saddle can last |
| which applies pressure to a bit in the horses | | | | for years. Synthetic saddles can be lightweight |
| mouth. | | | | and easy to clean, but may not have the |
| Western-style riders hold both reigns in one hand | | | | longevity of a leather saddle. |
| and tell the horse to turn by shifting their weight | | | | The most important factor for saddles is |
| or laying the reigns against the horses neck. The | | | | comfort, for both the rider and the horse. A |
| western ones are larger and heavier than English | | | | saddle that does not fit properly can cause back |
| saddles and were originally designed for hard-riding | | | | muscle bruising on the horse. Saddle sizes are |
| cowboys. The riders weight is distributed evenly | | | | measured in inches, from the pommel to the |
| across the horses back, which allows the horse | | | | cantle. There should be two to three inches of |
| and rider to be comfortable on long rides. | | | | space between the rider and the back of the |
| Dressage saddles allow the riders leg and the | | | | saddle when seated. In addition, the saddle should |
| horse to have the most contact. The flaps are | | | | stay firmly in place without slipping and it should fit |
| cut straight and narrow and these saddles have a | | | | the horse tightly across the shoulders and back |
| different cut than an English saddle. | | | | without digging in. |
| For jumping, a hunt seat saddle is used. This | | | | There are many saddles to choose from, so it is |
| saddle was originally designed for fox hunting and | | | | important to remember your anticipated riding |
| it affords the rider a better position for jumping. | | | | activities when choosing a horse saddle for sale. |