Horseback riding is a sport in which rapport with your partner, that is, the horse, is essential. In the same way, before even riding a horse, it is key to ensure the he alth of this noble and sensitive animal, since for it to also enjoy this activity it is simply unthinkable not to commit to taking care of it physically and emotionally.
Choosing a good saddle for your horse is necessary, because riding with an unsuitable saddle will seriously harm your equine's he alth, making an activity that should be pleasant for both of you make it suffer. For this reason, in this article on our site we want to introduce you to the types of horse saddles so that you can choose the best one for your companion.
How to choose the best mount for your horse?
Choosing the best mount or saddle for each rider is very important, as it will affect comfort during the riding session, as well as your safety. Likewise, riding a horse with an inadequate saddle impairs its performance, as well as it can cause chafing, pain, contractures, muscle atrophies… Obviously, all this will cause the horse to have aggressive defense reactions, since if it does not sit down taste or feel pain, will express discomfort by bouncing, tripping, refusing to jump over obstacles, kicking, etc.
Unfortunately, not understanding what the horse is trying to communicate and, much worse, scolding him for it, will cause horse riding to be associated with a negative experience for him, developing rejection towards this activity and even towards the person who is going to ride it, a fact that can also put the physical safety of the rider/rider at risk. To avoid this, we recommend you consult the following article: "Language of horses".
Finally, we must not forget how the use of an inappropriate saddle will affect the physical he alth of the equid in the long term, causing irreversible physical injuries and malformations.
Therefore, when choosing the best saddle to ride your horse, you should not choose the one you like best, but the choice will depend on various aspects:
- Budget: depending on the financial investment you plan to make to purchase the mount, the quality will vary. In other words, you may consider a mount at a very low price and it seems like a bargain, but you should bear in mind that it will hardly last as long as one made with quality materials, as long as you take care of it properly (cleaning and greasing it with frequently if it is made of leather). In addition to all this, for the physical safety of the rider and in order not to cause chafing or injuries to the horse, it is not at all advisable to prolong the duration of the saddle, as well as other equestrian equipment. Thus, once they are worn, because they could break at the least opportune moment or not be suitable for the animal, it is better to replace them.
- Type of mount: As you will see below, not all mounts are suitable for the same type of activity (such as walking, jumping, dressage…). Each type has a specific design to be able to carry out a specific discipline.
- Measures: Without a doubt, it is very important that you purchase the saddle that best suits your horse morphologically. A saddle, however good it may be, if it does not adapt well to the animal's back, it will cause pain and physical malformations over time, a fact that is clearly against its well-being. It is for this reason that, today, it is possible to ask for the help of equine professionals who are dedicated to creating custom-made saddles, known as “Saddle fitters”.
Combined or general use saddle for horses
The mixed mount is one that can be used for different purposes That is, it is not specialized for any particular discipline and is, therefore, therefore, practical and adaptable to different equestrian activities. It is characterized by having a deep seat with a slightly rounded skirt and usually without knee pads.
Its versatility has made it very popular for learning, as you can jump with this kind of mount (by shortening the stirrups), so it is ideal to start in this discipline. In turn, it can also be used by beginners and intermediate level dressage riders. Finally, it can also be used for short-medium duration walks.
Dressage saddle for horses
The dressage saddle is used exclusively for dressage training and competitionThis features a deeper seat and long, straight side skirts, allowing the rider to sit deep in the saddle, while still being able to hold on firmly with their leg.
This saddle also allows the horse to have a freer shoulder and therefore more graceful steps.
Horse jumping saddle
The jumping saddle is specially designed to give the rider balance and safety when jumping. This type of saddle for horses is characterized by have a flatter seat than the dressage one, the low front pommel so as not to hinder and the side skirts designed so that the knees can be bent when executing the jump. Many vault saddles also have padded knee pads that make it easier to support the leg and maintain position during suspension.
Raid, walking and mountain saddle for horses
This type of saddle for horses is perfect for traveling long distances and especially for equestrian tourism, since they are wide and padded for the comfort of the rider. But at the same time, they distribute the weight well on the horse's back so that it is also comfortable for him.
Country and cowgirl saddle for horses
There are several types of country chairs depending on the geographical area, for example the Australian, Portuguese or Camarguese (France), as these types of saddles are commonly used forfield work and management of different types of cattle
These horse saddles arose from the need to spend long hours working in the fields, which is why they are much larger and wider for the rider's comfort. This implies that the first country saddles to be used were excessively heavy and uncomfortable for the horse, but today you can find saddles on the market made with light and flexible materials that do not harm the animal. In addition, depending on the type of mount, they can include a double strap, pannier, panniers, etc.
Within this group we distinguish the cowboy saddle, which as its name indicates, is used for cattle.
Other types of horse saddles
The above horse mounts are the most common, but there are also these others:
- Racing Saddles: Racing saddles are extremely light and flat, so the rider who mounts them does not have to hold on to the body of the horse, but stay elevated in suspension above the saddle, with the stirrups very short.
- Equine therapy and adapted saddles: there are different types of saddles adapted for riders with special needs who want to ride with maximum safety and comfort. Also, do not miss the Types of therapies with horses that can be performed.
- Amazon Mounts: In the past, it was seen as obscene for women to ride because of the position they were supposed to assume. It is for this reason that frames for women were created, which have to sit sideways, that is, with both legs to one side. However, currently both men and women can choose any of the horse mounts that exist.
Remember that the important thing when choosing a mount for your horse is to take into account both the type of activity and the characteristics of the animal to guarantee its well-being and yours at all times.
