Western saddles

[horsey1992devon]

Hi :)
I was wondering if some of you wise people could tell me a little bit about western saddles?
I've always liked the idea of riding in one when I get my own horse, but never properly considered it until I saw some rather nice ones today! :D

Can any type of horse be ridden in one?
Are they comfier than english saddles for the horse and rider?
I presume they still need to be proffessionally fitted like english saddles? Is it hard to find good western saddle fitters in the UK?
Are they quite heavy? (Just because they look as if they would be...excuse my ignorance! :o)
How does your riding position change when in a western saddle?
Can you still do everything you could do in an english saddle in one? E.g jumping, galloping around etc.
Are they accepted by riding clubs/pony clubs in the UK?
How much would you expect to pay for one for general leisure riding? Are they on average more expensive than english saddles?

And anything else you could tell me about them really appreciated please :D
Apologies for the amount of questions :o

[Stormin]

Hi :)
I was wondering if some of you wise people could tell me a little bit about western saddles?
I've always liked the idea of riding in one when I get my own horse, but never properly considered it until I saw some rather nice ones today! :D

Can any type of horse be ridden in one? As long as the saddle fits the horse
Are they comfier than english saddles for the horse and rider? Question of personal opinion
I presume they still need to be proffessionally fitted like english saddles? Ideally Is it hard to find good western saddle fitters in the UK? Don't know, not in the UK
Are they quite heavy? (Just because they look as if they would be...excuse my ignorance! :o) Depends on what they're made of, synthetic are "lightweight", full leather with traditional wooden tree can be heavy - mine weighs about 15 kgs
How does your riding position change when in a western saddle? You'd generally want to be riding with longer stirrups than in a jumping saddle, will depend on the saddle and the rider
Can you still do everything you could do in an english saddle in one? E.g jumping, galloping around etc. I would NOT recommend jumping and certainly not the way it is taught in "english" tack - I speak from experience *ouch*, otherwise fine for all "flatwork" activities
Are they accepted by riding clubs/pony clubs in the UK? You'd have to ask the question but I'm sure you'll get mixed opinions and some very odd looks
How much would you expect to pay for one for general leisure riding? Depends on what it's made of, new or second-hand ? Are they on average more expensive than english saddles? Again, depends on what it's made of, new or second-hand ? I personally think they're generally a bit more expensive than english saddles but it's also an availability issue - much easier to find english than western tack

And anything else you could tell me about them really appreciated please :D
Apologies for the amount of questions :o

Comments in blue.
I'd suggest you try out riding in a western saddle before buying because it's not at all the same feel, especially coming from english tack.
It also depends on what kind of activities you will undertake with your horse and if competing or not. The western saddle is fine for hacking but I think it would be too heavy for someone competing in endurance for example. I can't really imagine a western saddle in a dressage arena either.

Have you considered exploring riding "western" ?

[cvb]

don't forget that western saddles have different designs for different disciplines in the same way english do.

But rather than gp, dressage, working hunter, event etc - it is reining, pleasure, cutting, barrell etc etc

I have used my western saddle for a general schooling session the riding club booked. But I don't expect dressage instructors to cope with unfamiliar kit - I'd always ask them first.

I am aware of *rare* dressage competitions where they free up the tack situation and you can ride in a western, treeless etc. But I've never been able to get to one.

If I was going to do a ridden show class - it would need to be in appropriate tack, however tempting it is, as an appaloosa owner, to turn up in western :o

[western-saddler]

Hi :)

To answer your questions...

As long as the saddle fits the horse it is designed for you can use them on all shapes and sizes ;)
I would say the majority of people I have spoken to find them comfier than english.
They do indeed need to be professionally fitted - they can do alot of damage when fitted badly. :(
They can go up to 40lbs+ in weight, although most of the ones I sell are around 28lbs.
A good quality western saddle is upwards of £1000. You may be able to pick one up for £800+ Both those prices are for new saddles. Second-hand around £400+. So, yes, I think they are more than english saddles.

If you need more help please do check my website or feel free to contact me :)

Maria :)

[horsey1992devon]

Thanks for your replies everyone, they have given me a lot to think about :)

[sotanimals]

I personally LOVE western saddles. In my mind I like em better then English. You don't have to post. They are heavier though, But it's worth it. I have never had a saddle fitted for my horse. Western you just relax, and stay up straight. I mean, we have both kinds, and an Aussie, but the western is the best. You have the gallop if you want it. But not like five foot jumps unless it's a lighter one. I'm in the USA so no clue if you can find a fitter. But if you get one I'd throw it on your horses back, and lead him round first. Just so they get the genral feel for it. K? But I'm only in 7th grade and have had horse only from eleven. So two almost three years I think. Yep. I love western.

[Brychen]

Hi what make of saddle have you bought for your boy? I am looking for a wide fit one.

woops wrong thread!

[Tuff_up]

i have both an english and a western saddle (Soon to be 2 western saddles) and i love my western saddle! I do western pleasure, western equitation, and trail classes (although i have an intrest in reining i haven't competted yet). Western saddles to me feel alot more comfy than english saddles but i also don't feel secure in a "dinky" english saddle with a moody mare. But i know that if your in competition you might want to look into it because all of your discpilines change and you may need to find a new barn or RI that caters to your new intrests. I know lots of people say reining is a western persons dressage so if you were intrested in dressage but want a western saddle then maybe reining is for you.