Saddle shopping is a complex process that involves all kinds of factors. There are different saddles for different purposes and there are also many different options when it comes to choosing the right one for your horse. So, how do you know which horse saddle will work best for your horse?
Saddles are used to ride horses. They come in many different styles, materials, and shapes--and they can be used for many different equestrian sports. Saddles are also found in a multitude of disciplines including jumping, eventing and dressage.
The first thing that you need to think about when choosing a western saddle is what type of riding style you want to practice. For example, if you're going to be showing horses at shows or racehorses in competitions then choosing a good quality show saddle is essential so as not to compromise on performance or comfort levels for either rider or horse alike.
As well as being comfortable for both rider and animal, another important feature is durability - after all no one wants their new saddle falling apart after only a few months use! This can easily happen if any part breaks down or if wear & tear begins taking its toll on the structure itself making it less effective over time due to reduced strength etc.
To determine the right saddle for your horse, you need to know exactly what you're looking for. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid purchasing something that just doesn't work with their build.
Measure Your Horse's Back: The most important part of measuring a horse's back is measuring from nape (the top) toward tailbone (the bottom). If this measurement is greater than 24", then it might be too big for their build and therefore not ideal for riding in general.
Measure Your Horse's Withers: Next up on our list is measuring from withers down through hips onto hocks/hooves - make sure these measurements are within 3 inches of each other when measured at different angles! If they aren't then there may be some issues with alignment or pain from sitting incorrectly on them over time due to poor padding design etc., which could lead up towards lameness issues later down road as well as causing longer recovery times before another ride depending on how severe those injuries were caused by improper saddles fitting poorly against certain parts of one's anatomy (which would require immediate medical intervention).
It's important to remember that the saddle should fit your horse, not vice versa. A good fitting saddle will also be comfortable and not cause any pressure points. For example, if you have a horse with narrow shoulders and a very wide back that tends to arch when ridden, it can be difficult for him or her to sit comfortably in a saddle that is too big around their middle area.
If your horse has any health issues like hip dysplasia or arthritis then we would recommend using an adjustable panel (the part where you slide your leg over) instead of a fixed panel so that you can adjust how much room there is between his knees and hips by moving it up or down depending on how much he moves forward/backward while riding.
If you are buying a saddle for the first time, please ask your local tack shop for advice on what size to get. If you have an existing saddle that fits well and is broken in, then we recommend ordering the same size as your current one. But if you’re ordering online from a store like Dover Saddlery or SmartPak then it can be difficult to know exactly which size to order without trying them on first.
Leather is the most common material for saddles, but some horses are allergic to it and others prefer synthetic materials. If you have an allergy or prefer a synthetic saddle, make sure that you look at the material carefully before buying one. Leather may be oiled or waxed to help it last longer, but there are also other ways of maintaining your horse's comfort when wearing a leather saddle.
The most important thing about choosing what type of saddle is whether or not it will fit your horse properly! Saddles come in many different styles that vary by design, material and cost:
A western style with no horn on top (like this one!) makes riding easier because there's no risk of hitting yourself with anything if something happens while riding outside; however if you want more protection against injuries then consider getting one with horns instead!
Your first step is to determine the weight and height of your horse. If you have a light-weight horse that is under 70 pounds, then it can be difficult to find a saddle that fits well. It's best to purchase a saddle that fits close around the withers of your horse and comes with cushioning so he doesn't hurt himself when he moves around.
If you own a large or heavy draft-type breed, then look into purchasing one with heavier construction because these types of horses usually need more support during movement. In addition, make sure that whatever type of riding style you practice--whether it be jumping or trail riding--the correct size will allow for proper fit without causing any problems later on down the road when things get tough!
The first step in finding the right saddle is to measure your horse. You can do this by measuring from his withers down to the ground, then multiplying that number by two. This will give you a good idea of what size saddle will fit your horse properly. If you are unsure about anything, take your measurements to a reputable saddlery store and ask for help with buying the correct saddle for your needs!
Measure the length of your horse's back from his withers to the ground, using a flexible tape measure. You may want to use a saddle pad or blanket on the horse while measuring.
Next, measure his girth around the widest part of his chest (the widest part) as well as around where he rests underneath himself when he sits down in a straight line with all four legs extended behind him. These measurements should be taken at both ends so that you can compare them later on if necessary.
Finally, measure how much room there is between the inside edge of one shoe and outside edge of another shoe; this will help determine whether or not you need an aggressive fitting style saddle!
There are a few things you should consider when choosing the right western saddles for your horse. These include:
Make sure it fits your horse--if it doesn't, don't buy it! You can tell if a saddle fits by looking at the shoulders and neckline of both rider and horse. The flaps of leather on both sides should be even, with no bulges or dips in either area. If there is an inequality between them, then either try another style or size down until they're equalized again (this may require more trial-and-error than expected).
Materials and design--the main thing here is comfortability; this means finding something that's well padded but still flexible enough to allow movement without causing discomfort to either rider or animal involved (your horse). Additionally:
Weight range - A good rule of thumb here is never go over 30# (or so) because this will cause dangerous spinal issues down long rides; instead opt for something closer around 27#/20kgs if possible depending on what type of riding experience you have planned out ahead.
If you have a horse, you probably know that they are very special creatures. They can sense your emotions and respond to them with their own, but there's one thing about horses that makes them even more amazing--their ability to move themselves around on four legs! That's right: unlike other animals who rely on their owners or handlers for transportation or security, horses are able to move themselves around using just their mouths and legs. These amazing animals require special equipment in order for them to be able to do this (and not fall down), so let's look at how we choose the right saddles for our horses: