How do i know which saddle to use?

Question

My mom is going to buy me a horse soon and i was wondering how exaclty we find the perfect size saddle for you and your horse,...........is this a dumb question?

Answer 1

The saddle must fit the horse not the rider!  The horse's back is far more important than your backside.

Get a professional saddler to come out and measure the horse and help you pick the saddle you want (general purpose, dressage, jumping, etc).

If your mum is planning on getting you a horse soon, can I suggest that you go and have some stable management lessons at your local stables RIGHT NOW!  Horses are not easy pets to look after and due to their size and strength you, and the horse, may get hurt if you don't know what you are doing.

I'm not trying to suggest that you don't know anything, but the questions you have been asking show a lack of basic knowledge of horse management.

Please make sure you can also afford to look after the horse as they are not cheap!

Answer 2

Not a dumb question at all. My answer assumes you will ride Western and not English.

First, you buy a saddle to fit YOU and not the horse. When choosing your saddle, it's best that the saddle be a tad too big rather than a tad too small.

You need to sit in the saddle (it doesn't have to be on a horse). There should be several inches (maybe 4) between the front of your body and the forks (front end of the saddle). You want your butt resting comfortably on the cantle but not hitting the back of it. And I prefer a lighter weight saddle -- say around 25 pounds or so.

Answer 3

it really depends on the size of your horse. like how wide your is. not only are you going to need sattle, you're also going to need a garth. which goes under the horse's stomach and attaches to the sattle on both sides. You have to look at sattles before you buy one and maybe sit on them as well, just so you know it will feel right when actually ride your horse. I personly ride horses, but I don't own one.

Answer 4

it's not dumb. if you go to ur local tack shop and ask them to help you find a saddle, just tell them what you'll use it for, and your horses measurements. usually they'll let you sit in the saddle, and some will even help you see if it fits your horse(like the tree and stuff...). good luck!!

Answer 5

Err no - the saddle needs to fit the horse and that's the most important thing otherwise it can cause all kinds of spinal issues and problems which can ultimately leave the horse unridable. Once you know what width etc you need to fit the horse, you then decide what size seat you need. For more extensive help, re-post this under Pets - Horses