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“Equestrian Saddles – Your Equestrian Guide to Western Saddles”
Equestrian Saddles come in all shapes and sizes.
They offer stability for the rider as she pursues the type of riding of her choice. They come in many forms, numerous enough to make your head spin.
Western Saddles vary depending on the activity you choose. In most boarding barns you will most likely come across generic western show saddles, designed for looks and comfort. But, they come in many other styles depending on what you are doing with the horse..
Western Saddles are designed to accommodate the rider in several specific activities which include roping, cutting, reining and barrel racing.
Roping Saddles are designed to promote the greatest freedom of movement for the rider. They must be able to chase, rope and dally a cow to the horn of their saddle. For these reasons, the horn is stronger than on some other western saddles. It is taller and thicker so the rider can loop the rope around the horn and hold a strong calf at the end.
“Listen to this about Roping Saddles!”
Because doing this requires a very strong saddle, Roping Saddles are massive, heavy and sturdy. When a rider ropes and calf, he will dismount quickly to attend to the calf once roped. Therefore, Roping Saddles have lower cantles (the front part on either side of the horn) so that the rider can easily get off.
“Cutting Saddles are different!”
People that are in the business of cutting need a western saddle with a different design. Cutting horses stop quickly, turn on a dime and can sprint forward to keep a cow away from the herd. They are amazingly quick and it’s up to the rider to stay out of the way!
Because of this, cutting saddles have tall but thin horns for the rider to grasp. And, in contrast to the roping saddle, cutting saddles have high, wide swells that help keep the rider in position. The fenders swing freely also so the rider can better balance herself.
Another design of western saddles accommodates the reiner. Reining horses perform patterns that exemplify the work required on the ranch. They run circles, sliding stops, back, change leads and perform spins. This rider needs to maintain very close contact with his horse to enhance their ability to communicate.
Reining Saddles for reining patterns
Reining Saddles, therefore, will have a lower horn and fork, which helps deter interference with the reins, and the seat is lower and shaped for maximum flexibility for the rider to shift his position. Also, the skirts are cut out for a better ability for the rider’s leg to feel the horse.
Finally, consider the Barrel Racing Saddle. This rider is often out of the seat. The horse is at maximum speed making quick turns. Because speed is paramount, the saddle is lighter than the others. The horn is tall and thin for the rider to hold onto.
“Barrel Racing Saddles built for speed!”
The front and back (fork and pommel) are also higher than in other saddles, to help keep the rider in place. Like the Cutting Saddle, the Barrel Racing Saddle has free swinging fenders so the rider has maximum flexibility to move her legs and balance.
What Kind of Equestrian Saddle Do You Need?
It should be clear that the kind of equestrian saddle you choose will reflect the kind of riding you have elected to pursue. Remember, in this article we are only talking about Western Saddles. There is another entirely different world of English Saddles that vary just as much!
Which riding discipline have you selected? It is important to learn about all the different disciplines before you buy a horse, much less a saddle! But, some of you simply enjoy riding on the trail and around your pasture. In this case, it really doesn’t matter the kind of saddle you select.
I hope that helps. Feel free to post any questions you may have about saddles on this blog.
Lisa Blackstone
American Horse Association
Horse And Rider Club
If you want to know more about equestrian saddles or horses lessons in general visit www.RidingSaddlesGuide.com, www.HorseandRiderClub.com, www.HorseRidingSaddlesGuide.com or www.AmericanHorseAssociation.com
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