When you start riding a horse, you probably have a lot of questions. Some are relatively simple, such as “How do I mount?” Others are more complex, such as, “Which type of saddle should I buy?” The answer to the latter question can seem straightforward: pick the type of saddle that matches your riding style and skill level. But that seemingly easy answer actually has several sub-options. If you’re just starting out, it can be tricky to know exactly what kind of riding you want to do and how much time you’ll need to adjust to different types of saddles before you’re ready for something more demanding.There are many different types of horse saddles available on the market today and each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This article will explain the basics of horse saddle types including their advantages and disadvantages so that you can select the best type for your needs.
Full Backs
Full-backs are the most common type of horse saddle. They are also the least expensive, which makes them a good choice for beginners. Full-backs have no panels or covers, so the rider is exposed to the horse’s back and sides. Full-backs are also frequently used for Western-style riding, so they’re a good choice if you want to do some roping or other Western-style events.Full-backs are a good choice for beginners who are just getting started and who want to ride with a minimal amount of risk. Because they have no panels or covers, full-backs help to protect you in case the horse bucks or kicks and they are less likely to make your horse sweat excessively than other types of saddles. This can be especially important in hot weather.
Modified Full Backs
Modified full-backs are the most popular choice for competitive Western-style events like cutting, reining, roping, and saddle bronc. They come in a wide range of sizes, from small to really large, so you can find one that matches your horse’s size.Modified full-backs are made with thicker materials than other types of horse saddles, so they can help keep the rider in place during particularly challenging events like cutting and reining. They also come with added protection features, such as panels, pads, and stirrups, so they’re a good choice for riders who want a more protective, customized fit.Modified full-backs are a good choice for competitive Western-style events like cutting, reining, roping, and saddle bronc.
Spanish Biters
Spanish biters are a hybrid type of horse saddle that combines the best features of the English and Western styles. They’re not as common as some other types of horse saddles, but they offer the rider a nice mix of comfort and control.Spanish biters are made with thinner materials than other types of horse saddles, so they are a little bit more forgiving for beginning riders who want something that will provide more support than a standard full-back. They also come in a wider range of sizes than most other types of horse saddles, so you can find one that matches your horse’s size.Spanish biters are a good choice for beginners who want a comfortable, customized fit with enough support to help them progress with their skills.
Western Saddles
Western saddles are a common type of horse saddle. They are also known as “snaffle bridle” saddles, and they are designed to be used with a snaffle bit. Western-style horse riding is a very popular activity in many parts of the world, including the Western United States, Western Europe, and Australia. Western-style horse riding is very different from English-style horse riding, and Western-style horse saddles are designed to provide the rider with a very different feel and level of support.Western saddles are a good choice for beginners who want to try something new and different. They are often less expensive than other types of horse saddles, so they can be a good introduction to the sport.
Spanish-Style Saddles
Spanish-style horse saddles are a hybrid type of horse saddle that combines the best features of the Western and English styles. They’re not as common as some other types of horse saddles, but they offer the rider a nice mix of comfort and control.Spanish-style horse saddles are made with thinner materials than most other types of horse saddles, so they are a little bit more forgiving for beginning riders who want something that will provide more support than a standard full-back. They also come in a wider range of sizes than most other types of horse saddles, so you can find one that matches your horse’s size.Spanish-style horse saddles are a good choice for beginners who want a comfortable, customized fit with enough support to help them progress with their skills.
Jennings Saddles
Jennings saddles are a type of horse saddle that are named after their original manufacturer, the Jennings Company. Jennings Company made horse and mule harnesses in the 19th century, but they also produced some horse and mule saddles.Jennings-style horse saddles are one of the oldest types of horse-riding saddles still in use today. They are often referred to as “saddle bags” because they are designed to fit over a horse’s saddle and hold items of clothing or other items that the rider needs to keep with them while they ride.Jennings-style horse saddles are a good choice for beginners who want a low-maintenance type of horse saddle. They are often less expensive than other types of horse saddles, so they are a good choice if you’re on a budget.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the best type of horse saddle for your needs, it’s important to consider a few different things. First, you need to decide if you want a western, Spanish, or standard-style horse saddle. Next, you need to decide if you want a full-back, modified full-back, or Spanish-style horse saddle. Once you’ve made those decisions, you need to decide which type of stirrup you prefer – regular or full-sized – and then you can narrow down your search.When you’re shopping for a horse saddle, it’s important to consider your budget, but it’s also essential to select a saddle that is appropriate for your horse.