Saddle - Finding The Perfect Tack

The quality of equiptment is important to any sport but in horseriding, it is even more vital. The safety and comfort of both the rider and the horse depend upon the tackle, and most obviously, on the saddle. A saddle that is ill-fitting can lead to an un-satisfactory and possibly dangerous ride. It can also cause multiple health problems for the horse.

Unfortunatly, many riding stables continue to use old saddles without keeping them in good enough condition. Whether you own a horse, or you or your child visit a stables regularly, it is much safer and more enjoyable to buy your own saddle.

However, buying this piece of equipment through a regular tack dealer or riding stables can be unaffordable, with prices getting into the thousands. The internet offers a wider range of alternatives, whatever you are willing to pay.

There are specialist dealers in customised saddles, or there are places where you can buy or sell high-quality used saddles. You are more likely to find one that is right for you with this amount of choice.

Which saddle you choose will depend on whether you are a begininer or experienced horse rider. For beginners, buying a very expensive product is not recommended. How you ride will change as you learn, and therefore the fit of your saddle may need to change as your riding style evolves. Furthermore, children outgrow saddles like they outgrow clothes, so a mid-price saddle is best for them.

Next you will need to decide between a close contact or an all-purpose saddle.

A close contact saddle has a flatter seat, and minimised knee-roll, so that the legs of the rider are closer to the horse. This benefits the connection between the two, but means that a rider must be very exact with his or her leg position. Therefore these saddles are better for a rider with skill and experience.

The alternative, an all-purpose model, has a larger area of seat and greater knee-rolls, and conventionally has suede at the saddle flap to help position the knee. This can limit the effectiveness of application of the leg, but this is actually what you need as a beginner. Whilst you are a learning, it is better to let the horse do the work, and increase your ability to control it later.

Before buying online, it can be helpful to visit a shop for the fitting. When trying a saddle you should sit at the lowest point of the saddle and let your legs dangle naturally. They should hand very, very slightly behind you, so you can mantian the best riding position.

If you have your own horse, you can also send his measurements to an online dealer, and they may be willing to fit the saddle specially to your requirements.

A good fit and enjoyable ride is not the only benefit of a top-quality, customised saddle. Most riders wish to sell this piece of equiptment when they have outgrown it, or circumstances have changed. It is notoreously difficult to sell cheap tack but the best saddles can sell for almost the amount you paid second hand!

Find more help at http://www.saddle-supply.info.