Choose a right saddle with this easy to follow Letsfixit guide. There is nothing like the freedom and fun you can find in horseback riding. Whether you like to walk your horse leisurely through a nature trail or gallop along for the thrill of it the correct saddle is essential. Read on for pointers on how to get the best saddle for recreational riding.
There are many kinds of saddles. A few include dressage saddles, show , hunting , western and general saddles. The kind you choose depends on what kind of riding you do. Most people are more familiar with the western or general saddle for recreational riding. When visiting a saddle shop some questions you might want to ask include How do I choose the right tree size? What size bar do I need? What material is the tree made out of? A good saddle shop can answer these questions and any other you might have.
For recreational riding , you will need a blanket or pad to place on the horse under the saddle. It should be an about an inch thick. Place the saddle that you are considering using on this pad. Pull the cinch around your horse under the belly and tighten. Check all areas of the saddle after it is tightened. Make sure it is not pinching or too tight on any part of your horse. You should be able to slide three fingers under the saddle tree in front below the saddle horn and at the horse's withers. Also make sure the saddle is not too long and too far up on the front of the horses body. Check to be sure the stirrups are hanging evenly and the saddle is level.