Choosing the Saddle

Choosing the right saddle can be a daunting task...There's such a wide range of styles available...and each one designed for a specific purpose...except maybe the general purpose, which can be used for a variety of equestrian disciplines...

It's important to choose the style that suits the sort of riding you intend to do...The important thing though...is that the saddle must not only fit the horseor pony...but it must fit you too...

An ill fitting saddle or bridle can cause un-necessary pain and in the long term...cause injury or permanent damage to your horse's back...

Some of the styles available are:...specialty Western saddles, including models designed especially for reining...roping and barrel racing...

There are also Australian stock saddles...saddle-seat saddles...endurance saddles...treeless saddles...dressage saddles...eventing saddles...hunting saddles...and close-contact show-jumping saddles...

Putting on the saddle

a. Place your saddle blanket on your horse's back...it's a warm layer, reduces rubbing and relieves pressure on pressure points...

b. Lift the saddle up and lower into correct position...making sure the flap on opposite side is laying flat...

c. Make sure numnah is not tight over the horse's withers...It should be tucked up to lie snugly under the pommel of the saddle...clear of the withers...

d. Do up girth straps...

Check out this great video on correctly fitting a saddle...