Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Should You Buy An English Saddle or Western Saddle When Looking at Saddles For Sale?

By Jodie Daisy

When it comes to saddles, the first thing most people want to know is the difference between the English and Western saddles for sale. When looking at saddles for sale, the most obvious difference you will notice between the two will first of all be the horn that is present on the western saddle. The design will also be an obvious difference. The western saddle is a bit heavier than the English saddle.

Which saddle is best for regular riding?

Western saddles are designed for rough and regular use, as well as optimum comfort. These saddles are made with durability and usability in mind while also taking into consideration amenity for both man and beast. Western saddles were once made strictly from rawhide to make sure that they would last in the ranching industry, but many saddles for sale nowadays are made from man-made materials and not simply leather.

If you look at all the available horse saddles for sale, you will find there is also a difference in Western saddles that are made for pleasure or work. The balance of the saddle and the horn may be different depending upon the purpose for which you are buying the saddle. Jumping saddles allow the rider closer contact with the horse. Providing a better seating for the rider during jumps, the English saddle is not as deep as the Western saddle.

The distinctions between the two main types of saddles for sale

English saddles are generally not as heavy or bulky as western saddles. Their stirrups are usually bare of leather. English saddles are also designed to expand for the horse to breathe better during vigorous aerobic activities. Furthermore, they do not come with fenders. Riding boots are used instead to protect the rider from injury in this case.

On the other hand, Western saddles do come with protective fenders. Obviously, most cowboy sorts do not wear boots up to their knees, so it is good to have an extra level of shielding from impact or pinching in between the saddle and the horse's back. Stirrups on western saddles also have leather wraps to add friction for a better hold on the slick bottom of a cowboy boot. Western saddles for sale will also have scurry trim which should not be warped if you are going to make a purchase.

Trail Saddles and Show Saddles

English saddles for sale, in general, are not meant for rugged use. You can purchase an all purpose western saddle if you engage in multiple riding styles. Be sure that you know well what you are using your saddle for before you spend a lot of money of new saddle.

Trail saddles and show saddles also have different constructions. Wooden trees covered in fiberglass or ralide are generally used for western saddles. These may also be crafted with rawhide. Synthetic lighter saddles are covered in leather or other skin. Show saddles also come with detailed embellishments including silver and other precious metal lacing.

English saddles have steel or man-made trees that are also wrapped in leather and stuffed with foam. Usually english saddles are less detailed and decorative than most western saddles for sale.

Finding and purchasing saddles for sale

Buying a cheap saddle is not usually a great idea. Remember that you get what you pay for. And you may have to replace a cheaper saddle as many times as it would have cost to buy a better one. Cheaper saddles can also fit your horse improperly and sour its attitude during performance. If you save money on the saddle but irritate your horse, you haven't done yourself any favors.

Saddles that are poorly built can easily fall apart during regular use. Loose parts and edges can bother and injure both the horse and rider. So remember spending the extra money on a properly crafted saddle can save you a lot of grief.

Whether an english or western saddle is right for you, be sure to choose a saddle that is well-made. It may be a bit of an investment up front, but in the end, it will be well worth it. And you will enjoy riding much, much more.

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