Choose The Right Saddle When Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a challenging but wholly rewarding sport. Whether you do it as a hobby or competitively, you should know what saddle to use to make riding easier.

Just as there are different saddles, there are different types of riding. These varied styles means that a general purpose saddle shouldn't be used for jumping or a jumping saddle for dressage. They're made differently and very specifically so before mounting your favorite horse, do it and yourself a favor by choosing the right saddle.

General/all-purpose saddles: These are all-round saddles ideal for beginner or intermediate equestrians who ride not for sport but because they just love to or want to get in some practice. If you fall into this class, this is the saddle for you. It has forward flaps that permit you to hunt, jump and hack, not on a professional level but if you just like to get in some light practice.

Jumping saddles: For jumping low fences, all-purpose saddles can be used. However, for going over larger and higher obstacles, you need a specially designed jumping saddle. It's cushier and has a flatter seat to allow you to get into a jumping position. Saddle flaps are forward cut and much wider to give stability to the knees. It places you closer to the horse for safety and the balance of the seat is father back.

Dressage saddles: In the sport of dressage where the union of rider and horse is tested, a dressage saddle is designed to provide comfort to the rider and enhance his upright riding position. The flaps are long and straight-cut to elongate the legs since dressage events have no need for jumping. Panel stuffing is minimal unlike in a jumping saddle so that the rider can feel closer to and communicate with his horse more effortlessly.

In competitions, the use of a dressage saddle is a requirement so keep that in mind if you ever decide to take up dressage riding.

Hunting saddles: Hunting saddles are designed to keep the rider firmly in his seat as rider and horse leap over tall hedges and travel down steep drops. The pommel and the cantel are cut lower to make jump landings less stressful and the saddle itself ensconces the rider firmly into it. The feet are compelled forward to lessen the chance of getting thrown during a jump or a downward trot.

Racing saddles: Where racing is required, a racing saddle provides the right balance at high speed. It's smaller but longer and much lighter than jumping or all-purpose saddles. Since jockeys rarely sit on the saddle but rather do a half stand when riding, plush comfort is not factored into the design. Similarly, safety features are not usually a part of the design because the horse must feel unencumbered in order to race.

Sidesaddles: No longer popular and difficult to find, you may nevertheless be able to find a sidesaddle at an antique shop or one that manufactures sidesaddles for the niche market. If you plan to take part in a parade or a specialty show, purchasing a sidesaddle may be important though they must never be used for jumping, hunting or any of the many reasons to ride a horse.

The most important thing to determine when choosing a saddle is what type of riding you'll be doing. If you are searching for the finest horse saddles then Saddleworld Dural is the best place to be. Visit their website saddleworldsydney.com.au for additional details.