Do you need a special saddle for an arabian?

Question

I am looking at western saddles and I saw a arabian western saddle and a regular. Do arabians need the special western?

Answer 1

Arabian? Would that be horse or camel?

Answer 2

Most do.  An arabian is built differently from most other breeds.  the front end is like a separate part of an arabian, then you reach the mid section which is shaped like a barrel...arabians have very well sprung ribs, which is why they are superior endurance horses.  Saddles built for other breeds are not the same as arab saddles.

If your arab is built as is a typical arab, the best fit will be an arab tree with the accommodation for the position of an arab wither.

An atypical arab may fit a semi qh bar tree...but measuring should be done to determine that.  You are safest to purchase a saddle built on an arabian tree.

ADD...the shorter back of the arab is not the major issue...of course the skirt must be shorter, but you can get that in a qh saddle.  The issue is the shape of the arab barrel, and the tree that angles correctly to fit it.  Almost every other answer posted here is incorrect.  (Not Rosi's answer...but most others).

Answer 3

Arabians do not require a special saddle.

Answer 4

Arabs typically have a shorter back, narrow withers but flatter backs than say your typical Quarter Horse.  The saddles are referred to as having Arab trees.

Billy Royal makes some nice Arab treed saddles, so does Circle Y.

Answer 5

my saddle has a narrower tree for my Arab it is also lighter than a lot of saddles

Answer 6

Arabians have one less vertebrae and rib than other breeds.  That's why they need saddles with round skirts typically.

I would suggest if you are buying a western saddle to look for one for an arabian unless he's comfortably used one made for another breed before.  Western saddles are traditionally built for stock horses like QH, Paints, TBs - something more stocky.  

You must ensure the skirts of the saddle and the rigging don't impede the movement of hips and shoulders - so the Arabian saddles are more likely going to be better for the horse you have.

Good luck

Answer 7

They don't need an "arabian" saddle but it might fit better.  I think the arabian part refers to the rounded shape of the skirt.

Answer 8

Arabians do not require special saddles. You would just be wasting you money..... Good luck! :)

Answer 9

Umm, there you go. You just answered your own question. In the additional details. Umm, thanks for the two points, I guess.

Answer 10

I'm not sure about it but I would as the person who works there what they think or go ahead and buy it. More than likely it will fit better than a regular saddle would.

Answer 11

It depends on the arabian. LOL I've heard that the arabian western saddles are better...meaning more money most of the time.  I would go by the tree size.  Wintec has a neat system where you measure your horse before buying the saddle.  The measure tells you what width of a tree you would need.  The best thing to do is go to a nice tack shop and let them help you.  Maybe take some measurements of your horse with you.

Answer 12

i dont think so, just make sure you have a good saddler. Reputation isnt always what makes a good saddler mind, go on your instinct!

Answer 13

Im not sure, google it ;)

Answer 14

well i think it all depends on the horse.because my arabian doesn't fit the arabian or the regular saddle. but most of the time they are smaller and the would need a smaller treed saddle. but my arabian it extra small and i need a pony sized saddle. but good luck

Answer 15

yes some breeds including the arabian have a different body shape so they need a special saddle. if you are getting a saddle for your horse. i would recommend you get a hand made one that you practically design. it will suit you and your horse very well for most likely 30 years!!

Answer 16

For most of them, yes. They have shorter wider backs so western saddles can be made with "Arabian Bars". Most saddles even with Full QH bars are wide enough but have a different bend (usually too long of a bar and causes the saddle to bridge) causing them to still pinch and add uncomfortable pressure.

Answer 17

what the heck?

Answer 18

It depends on the horse back. Arabians tend to be realy refined.  The tree on an Arab saddle is narrower. They have a smaller back then say a quater horse.  Regular western saddle trees on average would probally be to big for a Arab.  But you would have to try it on the horse to know for sure.  You can also use different saddle pads to help the saddle fit right.  

Answer 19

I don't know much about western saddles, but English saddles have different size trees (Narrow, medium, wide, x-wide) If western saddles have similar sizing, maybe one that is advertised as for an Arab is a little narrower?

Answer 20

Because they are shorter backed, most people who ride them use round skirted saddles.  I just looked back at your question and you answered your own question.