1. Investigate about the type of saddle you need. There are different kinds of saddles available in the market, which includes- show saddles, dressage saddles, hunting, general, and western saddles. Your selection depends on what type of riding you do. The general or western saddles are most popular saddles for frivolous riding. Inquire about a few things from the shopkeeper when you go to buy a saddle such as the right tree size, the size bar you need, the material of the tree, etc.
2. The correct measurements are necessary for your saddle to fit correctly. If you think that any saddle will fit on your horse, you are mistaken. The second delusion in new riders mind is that they should buy the saddle that fits to their body type only but the fact is that it first has to be fit for your horse. A small saddle will not be fit for a big horse and similarly too big saddle will not fit properly on the small horse.
3. The budget is of course a very important factor to think over. If your pockets don’t allow for a new saddle you can also purchase a used one. However, the new saddles may be most comfortable for your horse but a fine used saddle can also be a good choice provided it fits properly. If you are still a learner, then a used saddle is the best choice. The different prices of the saddles are according to the material used in making it. The leather saddles are generally more expensive than the saddles made through other materials.
4. Get a one-inch thick pad or a blanket to keep under the saddle. Place the saddle over it. After tightening check thoroughly that it is not pinching your horse or is too tight on any body part of your horse. Check whether you can slide three fingers beneath the saddletree. The saddle must not be too long and excessively far up on the facade of your horse’s body. Confirm that the stirrups are lynching uniformly and the saddle is level.
5. When you are now sure that the saddle correctly fits your horse then consider your own saddle fit requirements, too. Your horse may feel okay but if the saddle is not fit for you, you might not have a pleasant ride. You may try sitting in some saddles at the shop or may try it on your horse first. It is up to your own preference. Before paying for it make sure that the width and the depth is fit for your seat. Saddle shops generally have the charts showing the ideal measurements of saddles according to your height and weight. You can select an ideal saddle for you following that chart. Now you are all set to saddle up your horse and have a delightful ride!

Choosing A Horse Saddle

What is Your Favorite Saddle Brand?

This question relates to junior hunter/equitation riders. I would like to know which saddle brand you prefer and why, and what other brands have your tried in the past and what were their pros/cons.

I understand that choosing a saddle has a lot to do with personal preference and fitting the horse. I am in the process of buying a new saddle and would greatly appreciate your thoughts! Serious competitors only please!

Here is a helpful list of brands that I can think of off the top of my head:

- CWD
- Bates
- Beval
- Collegiate
- Crosby
- Henri de Rivel
- Pessoa
- Stubben
- Wintec
- Antares
- Devoucoux
- Butet
- PJ Delgrange
- Hermes
- Tadcoffin

Throughout the years, I’ve had Crosbys, Crumps and various other makes of English saddle, however the saddle that is STILL with me after 37 years is my old Stubben Siegfried. Stubbens hold their value, besides having a deeper seat that keeps you IN it! Especially when you’re going over larger fences.

IF you’ve got the money and you’re showing A shows and hunters, go for the Hermes. It’s a prestige thing because Hermes were the innovators of the close contact saddles.

There’s always Kieffer, Passier and Courbette which are also European brands and hold their value.

Saddles like Wintecs, don’t hold up over time, because of their materials used and the fact that the trees have no give to them you’re limited to what type of horse your saddle will fit, whereas something with the old style spring tree will fit a wider range of horses. My old Siegfried is made on a WIDE spring tree and I’d had it on everything from mutton withered QHs to Arabs and even narrower TBs without issue.

Henri de Rivels, Pessoas and such are cheaper versions of the Crosbys, Crumps and other close contact saddles and are made in Argentina/India. Some use French leather, but the craftsmanship is lacking and they don’t hold up over time.

I hope that this helps in your selection.

About Horse Saddles : Picking a Horse Saddle

How to Choose the Right Saddle for Your Horse is a post from: Horse Training Source