The right western saddle can make your horse look and feel like a star. But finding the perfect horse saddle isn't always easy, especially if you're new to the world of western saddles. To help you navigate this minefield, we've put together this list of factors that will help guide your decision-making process:
The next thing to look at is the brand of saddle. There are two main types of western saddles: Western and English. Each has its own style, quality level and price range.
Western saddles are made from leather or synthetic materials such as vinyl or polyester that have been glued together on the underside with a metal sheet metal top layer (for example, a half-round). They're generally more affordable than English models because they don't require as much craftsmanship for construction; however, they tend not to last as long either because there's less care taken in making them sturdier than English ones do.
English saddles were originally designed by Englishmen who wanted something similar but different from what their continental neighbors had been using up until then—and these days there are many different brands offering variations on this theme!
You can find them in a variety of styles and materials, including leather or synthetic. You'll want to look for one made with thicker materials and sturdier stitching than its western counterpart.
The tree shape of a saddle is important for a comfortable fit. A wide, flat tree will support your horse's shoulders and back, while a narrow, deep seat will prevent him from sliding forward or backward. Your saddle should also be long enough to accommodate the length of his withers (the area between his shoulder blades).
If you are unsure of your horse's size, consult with your veterinarian or a saddle fitter. A good saddle should provide adequate support for your horse's back and should not pinch him anywhere.
The best way to ensure that your saddle fits your horse is to take him for a long, slow ride in it. If at any time he experiences pain or discomfort, remove the saddle and try again with another size or model. If you are unsure of your horse's size, consult with your veterinarian or a saddle fitter.
To choose the right western saddle, you need to consider a few things. First, it's important that the saddle is comfortable for both you and your horse. If it's too small or too large for either of you, then it won't be very effective at helping either of you reach your goals together.
Secondly, make sure the fit of your western saddle matches up with how well-equipped your horse is—both physically and mentally speaking! For example: if he has only one good leg (and maybe even two), then choosing a heavier weight medium-sized or heavy model might not be ideal for him; whereas if she's a naturally fast walker with strong hindquarters but hasn't been given much attention in terms of proper training since birth (or perhaps even ever), then perhaps going with something lighter would be better suited toward achieving those goals sooner rather than later? In other words: don't judge based solely upon looks alone!
The same goes for your own body type and size, too. If you're small in stature and have a larger horse, then it's important that you choose a saddle that can accommodate both of your needs without causing any undue discomfort or pain (for either one of you). You'll also want to take into consideration whether or not you plan on doing any trail riding with this particular model; if so, then making sure the stirrups are positioned just right is crucial for comfort and safety.
Skirts should be long enough to cover the horse's spine. This can be tricky, because some saddles have skirts that are too short and leave a gap between the saddle and your horse's body. If you're riding in a jump arena or on a race course, this won't matter much—the skirt will protect you from getting kicked by another rider or thrown off by an obstacle during competition.
If trail riding is part of your lifestyle, however, it's important to make sure that your saddle has enough coverage for protection against dirt and debris (especially if it'll be carrying over logs or rocks). Some riders prefer shorter skirts so they don't get caught up in brush when going down trails; others find these designs more comfortable because they can easily reach around their horses' backsides without worry about getting snagged on branches while running through thickets at speed!
The type of stirrup leathers you choose will also depend on what type of riding you do. For example, if you're just starting out with trail riding, you may want to consider a pair that has rubber tips on the ends so they won't slip through your fingers when going down steep grades (which can happen when riding in loose dirt or on wet grass).
The gullet width is the distance between the bars at the front and back of your saddle. This can be a bit tricky to measure, but if you have a friend who's fit for a horse (or know someone who has measured theirs), that would be ideal. You'll want to make sure it's wide enough to accommodate your horse's withers, but not so wide as to cause discomfort or injury when ridden by someone else.
The best way I've found to measure this is by sitting on top of my horse while standing up straight in front of him with one hand holding onto his neck while measuring with my other hand—this allows me access both above and below his shoulders without having him move around too much or get uncomfortable under me during these measurements!
I like to measure from the top of my horse's withers to the bottom of his shoulder blades, then add about an inch onto that number (this gives him room for movement and prevents any rubbing). If you're riding with a saddle pad that doesn't already have extra padding built into it, I'd recommend adding about 2-4 inches on top of this measurement as well—this ensures that your horse isn't being squeezed or pinched by anything!
Sizing the saddle is important because it determines the fit of your horse. The seat size is the width of the saddle's seat, measured from front to back. Saddles come in different sizes, so make sure you get one that fits your horse's back and not that of its rider.
If you want to avoid any possible injuries or discomfort for either party involved (you or your horse), it's best if you buy a Western saddle with a forgiving contour design such as cinching bars or shims placed under certain parts of its surface area so they don't press too hard against either person's anatomy when sitting down on top!
The best Western saddles are made from leather and sometimes nylon. Leather is flexible and allows for a custom fit, but it can stretch out over time if you don't take proper care of the saddle.
A saddle’s brand, tree shape and fit are all important factors to consider when choosing a western saddle. A good fit can be achieved by taking measurements from your horse's back and making sure that the saddle fits comfortably on top of their back. You may also want to consider what type of seat pad you plan on using with your new saddle as this will help determine whether or not it will be able to support your horse's weight without breaking down under pressure over time.
A good starting point when shopping for a western saddle would be finding out what kind of tree shape works best for your specific needs as well as taking into account how extensive any adjustments need to be made based on personal preference or riding style (i
In other words, are you looking for something that is fairly basic or do you want a saddle that is customized to your horse's back?). Many western saddles will come with a tree shape as part of their stock design, but if you're looking for something more specific then it might be worth spending a little extra money on custom-made items.
Once you have found the right saddle for your horse and your riding style, it’s time to enjoy a new level of comfort. A quality saddle will last for years and can help you achieve all kinds of goals, from improving your horse’s performance to just enjoying riding.