Saddles For Sale: Which One To Buy?

By Richard Burklin

It can be hard for beginners to tell the difference between all of the saddles for sale on the market. For a newcomer, what makes horse saddle unique might not be so obvious at first glance. And some differences are not exactly visible at first.

After you take a saddle home and place it on your horse, you will notice right away that it has it's own feel to it. And again once you yourself climb into the saddle, you will discover that your own body has a lot to with with how well the saddle works out. When you test a saddle, it's a good idea to sit in it and go with your initial reaction to how you like it. But beyond that, what else should you look out for in a saddle?

Let's take a look at a number of them:

The most important thing to consider is how the saddle fits your animal. The saddle's fit should trump any other aspect that may be influencing your decision to purchase. A horse can be hurt and become upset by a saddle that does not fit correctly.

Additionally, it can create a severe hazard for the rider since the improper fit could make staying on the horse difficult. Clearly, both are situations best avoided. The best way to actually avoid this would be to take a proper measurement of the horse prior to purchasing the saddle.

A good way to save on a saddles is to purchase a used one. Just be sure to avoid any that are excessively worn or damaged. Although, this should not be the case with a quality saddle as they are ruggedly constructed.

Then, there are those saddles for sale that would be better off seeing a much needed retirement. So, no matter how great a deal may sound, it is best to stick with a used saddle that is still in decent shape.

Sometimes saddles can be tricky. You may not notice a problem right away. But once you put the saddle on your horse and try it out, sometimes something just isn't right. It could be the fit. It could be a stray part that pokes you. It could be a number of things.

You might find on your first ride with your new horse saddle that it seems to move around a bit too much. Sometimes this happens and you won't know until you have actually tested out your new saddle.

You also need to consider your horse's comfort when looking at saddles for sale. Check underneath the saddle for any dark blotches on your horse. These are probably bruises caused by the saddle and will tell you right away that that particular saddle is not good for your horse.

Yes, it can be a little extra work to select the right saddle and sometimes your selection may not go as intended. But, when you take these extra steps, you will discover your horseback riding sessions to be a lot more fun and a whole lot safer. - 29953

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