Low-priced and saddle truthfully tend not to go together in the same sentence. Why is this? For the reason that quite literally, you DO get what you pay for if you purchase a cheap saddle. Also it’s not only that you’re going to be uncomfortable, but it will not make your mount very content either, and could actually hurt him.
So you’ve tested cheap and figured out that is not the route to go. You’ve tested high-priced and, well, that worked, but good lord are the prices ever high. So listed here are some recommendations on how to shop for your next saddle.
Saddles may be priced from numerous hundred dollars to upwards of $9000, and specialty or antique saddles can without doubt range into the 10s of 1000′s. You are not going to be spending that sort of cash, but you Will want to spend enough to receive something decent and something that properly fits your horse. You will want to find value, fit, and most importantly fit again Yes that’s right, THE most important point in relation to your saddle is that it fits right. Examine it in this way, if you had a too small or too large set of boxer shorts on you’d be downright fidgety. Why would you wish to saddle you horse with something that does not fit right?
Before you go hunting, know the kind of saddle you want. Don’t just have a vague idea of what may suffice, have in mind a picture of precisely what you need. Then hit the shops and begin searching – for the proper fit.
The saddle must fit you. Western or English, jumping or cutting, gaming or pleasure, you must be comfortable in the saddle all the period of time. You don’t need to be thinking about your saddle when you’re riding. The proper fit makes your saddle seem sort of a natural extension of the butt.
If ever the saddle does not fit your equine, no matter how terrific the purchase price, it was too costly to pay. If you’re looking at ready-made saddles, then you should definitely have the try it before you buy it option. If they will not let you test it, don’t bother – after all you won’t need to ride the horse more than a few minutes to feel the fit. If you put a pad under it and handle it gently, you won’t damage it.
If ever the saddle is a bespoke build, the saddle maker will require measurements of your horse so as to work out the best tree, skirt lengths, gullet, and so forth. That is where you are going to be paying out good money. Emphasis on the good, for the reason that what you get is going to be exactly what you will need and what your horse needs. However, the price must suit your financial plan. And simply because your budget is at a low level won’t mean you can’t find a saddle that has a correct fit. It just means spending some time to uncover it.
Give this a got: if you’re ordering a custom built saddle, advise the saddle maker the most sum you will pay, and let him plan to suit the funds. Saddle makers are often very imaginative and remain in the budget. Or try buying a used saddle that FITS, and is appealing to the eye. That is often better value than a brand new saddle. Just remember the saddle you want must Fit!
If you’re browsing for saddles, horses for sale or ponies for sale, check out The Horse and Pony Directory.