The right horse saddle is an essential part of your horse's equipment, and it should fit you as well. Finding the right fit can be tricky, but with some planning and patience, it can be done! Here are some tips for picking the best fitting western saddle.
The first step to choosing the right saddle is understanding what types of saddles are available. There are three main types: reining, cutting, and english. A reining saddle will be used by a rider who competes in roping events or other competitions that require him or her to stay close to the cow while working it. It's also called a "lazy" type because it doesn't have any padding on it; this allows you to feel every little bump in your horse's back as well as any swelling that may occur from exertion during competition days.
Western saddles are the most popular type of saddle for trail riding and horseback riding in general because they offer plenty of comfort without sacrificing support; these models have thick padding which makes them easy to sit in for hours on end without feeling sore. The leather used is also very durable as well as flexible enough to allow your horse to move freely while still being able to keep its balance while traveling through uneven terrain even if it does get caught up in something (like a bush or fallen branch).
If you're a trail rider, then the saddle will be more comfortable and supportive. For competitions, the seat will be more durable and also allow for better protection from the elements. The panels on this particular saddle are quilted to provide rigidity and stability, which is great for barrel racing or eventing—but not so good if you just want something that looks good (and can hold up).
If you want something for fun but don't mind getting muddy-footed in your quest for adventure, then go ahead and pick up an authentic western saddle like this one! It's made by hand by artisans in Italy using only premium leathers like bridle leathers from Argentina or cowhide here in America; no plastic here! And even though it has been made specifically with competitive events in mind (like rodeos), it still feels comfortable enough during everyday rides as well...so maybe we'll do another article about how Riders need cool gear too?
The right seat size is important, but it isn't the only factor that determines a saddle's fit. There are many other factors to consider when choosing your horse's new saddle:
Your horse's length of thigh should be considered when determining the correct size for his or her back and shoulder area. If your horse has a short leg (like a Quarter Horse), then they'll need a wider saddle than if they had longer legs like Arabians or many English breeds.
In addition to measuring the length of their thighs, you also need to measure how far out from their withers your horse sits in order to determine where on each side of their body you want them sitting when mounted up in front of you!
You can measure the length of your horse's back by placing a measuring tape at the widest part of their shoulders and then measuring down to their buttocks. As a general rule, most horses will need a saddle that is at least 4" wider than this measurement in order to allow for proper clearance when mounted up.
The tree is the part of the saddle that holds your horse's back. It should be wide enough to fit your horse, but not too wide. The tree should also be deep enough to support his or her back and neck, so it's best not to go too narrow or deep if you have an active, spirited youngster in mind.
The tree should also be long enough to support the back of your horse, but not so long that it interferes with his stride. If you're going to use a western saddle on an English-style horse, make sure that the tree is cut at least two inches shorter than what's recommended for an English saddle.
The seat of the saddle should be large enough to support your weight, but not so large that it interferes with the horse's movement or causes discomfort. The fenders (the leather flaps on either side of the stirrup bar) are important for keeping you in place and should fit snugly against your legs.
Finding a fitter who knows their stuff is key to finding the right saddle. You don’t want someone who only knows how to tack up horses with saddles that fit their clients, but not yours. Your fitter should be able to help you find the right saddle for your needs and preferences, as well as give advice on how best to use it in various situations (e.g., trail riding).
If possible, get recommendations from other riders or “word of mouth” recommendations from friends/family members who have tried out different brands and styles of western saddles before settling on one that works well for them personally—and then stick with it!
The size and fit of your saddle are also important factors in how comfortable it is. If you have a small seat, you’ll want to look for a smaller western saddle—one that fits you perfectly! The same goes for someone with larger thighs; if they sit too far back on their horse, they may find themselves riding uncomfortably (or even dangerously) high off the horse’s back.
Be honest about your budget. Your budget will determine how many years the saddle will last, so be sure to choose one that fits within that price range. If a saddle is too expensive for your needs, then it's probably not worth buying at all!
Be honest about what type of riding you like best—or if there are certain styles or activities that appeal more than others (like trail riding). This will give the fitter an idea of whether they should focus on certain aspects of the design before moving forward with creating something new altogether.* Be honest about what type of horse they ride: do they have short legs or long? Do they have a large build or small build? These details matter when determining how much material needs put into making each individual piece fit together exactly right."
Be honest about what type of riding you like best—or if there are certain styles or activities that appeal more than others (like trail riding). This will give the fitter an idea of whether they should focus on certain aspects of the design before moving forward with creating something new altogether. Be honest about what type of horse they ride: do they have short legs or long? Do they have a large build or small build? These details matter when determining how much material needs put into making each individual piece fit together exactly right."
It's important to take some time to get used to the saddle before deciding if it's the right one for you, but don't wait too long! If you've been riding in your current saddle for a while, you may be so used to it that just changing saddles feels weird. Take this into consideration when choosing.
If at all possible, try different saddles on different horses and find one that fits both horse and rider best. If they don't seem like they'll work together very well (for example, if one of them has already had an injury) then there's no harm in trying something else out first—you can always return later if necessary!
The best way to find what works for you is to try out different saddles. There are lots of ways to do this, but your first stop should be a tack shop or equestrian store. If possible, try on as many different brands and styles as possible—they may not all fit the same way on your horse's back!
A good fit is essential in a saddle. You want to make sure that both horse and rider are comfortable, which means the saddle should not be too big or small. It should also fit the horse's back, so it can be ridden comfortably for long periods of time.
You may think this sounds like common sense, but there are many people who have bought saddles without even knowing what they were buying!
If you are buying a saddle for the first time, there are several things you can do to make sure it fits your horse. The first thing is to measure your horse's back, and then compare that measurement with the size of the saddle. If you have a local tack store or other equestrian center nearby, they might be able to help with this process.
So there you have it: the seven most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a new Western saddle. The most important thing is to know what kind of rider and horse you are, so that you can choose the right seat size for both of them. You should also take some time to get used to the saddle before making your decision, but don't wait too long! And if all else fails, ask for help from a fitter who knows their stuff!