Do arabians need a special saddle?

Question

I ride western, but I do not own a horse. At the moment, I am exercising an Arabian mare. I am about to buy a saddle. I myself am 5'5'' and 120 pounds. I want a nice but not really expensive saddle. Do arabians need a special saddle, or can i make do with one i could use for other horses as well. What show i look for in my first saddle. I always borrowed one, but I think it is time i get my own.

clearly some people aren't "horse people" I am not refering to Arabian people, i am refering to the arabian horse.

Answer 1

No, not really. Go to a specialist saddle shop they can give you advice, some shops let you take your horse and try out various saddles in an arena. Well, the one near me does.

Answer 2

Arabians don't necessarily need a "special" saddle. I own an arab horse and I ride him with a regular barrel racing saddle. Saddles come is several shapes, sizes and styles. For an arab you will possibly need a narrower tree. Be sure to ask when you are looking at the saddles what the bar widths are. You are better off going with a semi-quarter horse bar as opposed to full (this is the width of the tree over the withers). If that is still too wide you can use a built up/cut back pad to make sure the saddle is not setting down to far on the horses withers.

Make sure you sit in the saddle before you buy it! You do not want to be stuck with an uncomfortable saddle. Also you should keep in mind what kind of horse you plan to ride on a long term basis. If this arab is a temporary thing you may want to consider continuing to borrow saddles. No point in buying something to fit her if next month you will be riding a quarter horse.

Answer 3

When buying a saddle for any horse, it is best to be able to try the saddle at all gaits. Yes, arabians have special needs for tack based upon their unique conformation. A typical arab has wider shoulders, higher withers, a shorter back and more well sprung ribs than the typical western tree is designed for. Most western saddles are made on a semi-quarter horse treeas opposed to a full quarter horse tree. This means the tree is a bit shorter than the full tree but also has the typical narrow gullet. Arabs move their shoulders in much longer strides than the typical QH so the gullet ned to be wider and taler to accomodate their withers; andthe tree also needs to flatten out quickly atr the twist so that it doesn't "bridge" the back. The saddle needs to be shorter than a regular saddle so that the Arab's loins aren't restricted. A round skirted saddle is preferred to avoid interferring with the hip motion and so as not to poke the point of hip.

Keep in mind that the fit of the saddle will directly relate to the performance and pleaseantness of your horse. Like us wearing a poorly fitted pair of shoes or jeans- we don't think much about the scenery or the task at nd as long as our feet hurt or the jeans don't let us flex. Take your time in selection, try them out and make sure the saddle fits the horse's back before you focus on how it looks or how it fits your butt!

Also remember that a saddle that fits today, may not it in 6 months as your horse ages or its muscle tone and fat levels change. So be prepared to acquire a few saddles that will fit as the horse you ride changes shape!

While a saddle that fits "close enough" may be tolerated by a nice horse for a short ride of less than an hour; a trail ride or an all day show will soon prove that the sweet horse you thought you had is quite uncomfortable and will ltry to make you aware of too.


Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Yes, Most Arabs cannot be ridden in a western sadle that has full quarter horse bars. This means the bars that support the saddle are too wide and the front fork of the saddle may sit on the withers of your horse. This will cause a very painful gall sore. You want to look for a saddle on a semi quarter horse tree or a saddle built on an Arab tree. The reason is a quarter horse is a more heavily muscled breed and their back is wider with much lower withers. The Arab is a desert bred horse bred for his speed and staminia over the sand and rocks in the middle east.

Answer 5

Just as long as the saddle is well made and the tree fits the horse's back, you should be fine. Because they do tend to be shorter backed than most horses, a lot of people prefer a round skirt as opposed to a square one.

Personally, I would hold off on getting a saddle until you owned a horse. What if the next horse you're working with doesn't fit your saddle? A truly GOOD saddle is going to cost you a good chunk of money, you want it to be an investment that lasts.

Answer 6

no arabs do not need a special saddle u can use any kind of saddle as long as it fits both u and the horse cuz arabians have slightly shorter backs than most horses. as to the question "what should i look 4 in my first saddle?'' u should make sure of these things : its not too heavy to carry around all the time ,it fits the purposes u want to use it 4 ,and its made of good material. dont buy a saddle with a suede seat becuz suede rubs off easily-make sure the seat is leather

Answer 7

The type of saddle is determined by the type of riding, not breed of horse. Therefor, you may want to get a horse first, then get a saddle that fits. A very expeienced rider may have a saddle and then choose from horses within a size range, but a relative novice really should find the right horse first.

Answer 8

Most of the time Arabs can be rode in a traditional western saddle but if yu have trouble finding a saddle to fit you should look more toward the saddles with a small tree b/c arabs are generaly a less brord type of horse.... Ebay is a great place to look for saddles...

Answer 9

I own 30+ Arabians. If you are looking to stay in a western saddle make sure you get a wide tree they call quorter horse bars not " sim-quorter horse". The main reson you have read that you need a shorter saddle is that they are missing one vertabray.. This is not a problem.

Answer 10

not at all. you can find really good deals on saddles on ebay, i bought 2 brand new ones w/ breast collar and headstall and reins for 45.00 and 117.00. really good deals. but you need to get a saddle that fits your seat. if your 5'5 and 120, i would say a 15 or a 16 would work for you just fine...im a little heavier than you and i ride a 17, my husband is 230, and he rides an 18. 16' saddles are the cheapest deal...i just looked and found one on ebay and right now the price is 51.00 w/ calculated shipping. pretty good deal for a brand new saddle! :) good luck