How do you know what English saddle to buy?

Question

I have never done anything besideds western riding and want to start english so that I can win some all arounds but I know not a thing about it.

Answer 1

English is way different then western, so you should probably take some lessons, especially if you want to compete. But you have your seat established and are an experienced rider so it wont be hard for you to learn. In the saddle department you should probably not spend a whole lot of money since you don't know if you will even like it...try maybe a wintec or cortina brand.

if you aren't going to take lessons here are some tips:

Posting- stand when the horses outside front leg is forward and sit when it's back...it sounds weird but english posting is almost like a forward pelvic thrust.

another good thing to remember is that your elbows your hips and your heels should all be aligned.

also toes in, and shoulders back, and keep your legs and hands very quiet.

One thing that I do with my more advanced riders is videotape them riding and then have them watch it so they can see what they are doing wrong...

hopefully this is some help to you...good luck!

Answer 2

It depends on your budget. But I would suggest an All Purpose saddle. I have a Collegiate and a Henri de Rivel. If you are just getting into english, I would also suggest lessons. English saddles and western saddles ride very differently. Try going to your local tack shop and talk to them about your plan. They may have suggestions on what saddle to get, and on what size you will need. You will also be able to sit in a bunch of saddles to feel which one you like the best. Also, Dover saddlery offers a "test ride" on some of the saddles they have. I am not sure how they go about doing that, but you would be able to get a feel for the saddle while riding. I know one of the tack stores around me would bring out some saddles and let you test them. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 3

You have made a good choice! English is very fun an gives you a lot more freedom. When you are buying saddles you have to know what type of English you want to do.
Jumping: Close Contact
Flat work and little jumping: All Purpose
Dressage: Dressage

When you are first looking to buy a saddle I would cantact local saddle or tack shops to see if they have used saddles. There is nothing wrong with a used saddle they a broken in a nd less expensive. When sizing a saddle you may need a saddler to come out to you barn to fit you and you horses needs. If you don't have a horse yet I wouldn't recomend buying a saddle. Ebay, and Dover are my top 2 favorite online sites to find saddles!

Answer 4

As a person much like yourself, I do both english and western. A purchased a close contact Kincade for $300. Several reasons for this choice; price, right tree to fit my double wide QH, and it fit me. If you don't have budget constraints, you can purchase a pricey-er saddle. But for any budget, check out statelinetack.com or doversaddlery.com. Both sell english tack at all kinds of prices and styles. Don't buy a jumping saddle for pleasure; buy a multipurpose or close contact. Since your english experience is limited, trying taking a couple of lessons english; either from another barn, or borrow a friend's english saddle and test it out on your horse. It takes some getting used to; but it really helps your horse become more flexible and able to extend. It also improve your balance and coordination. Bottom line, both disciplines combined offer a better horse and rider with more precision and control than just one discipline alone. Good luck!

Answer 5

I have a Collegiate Event Saddle it is a nice cross and sort of an all round English saddle.
Can be used for light dressage and jumping and cross country type things. It is not realy falt like the jumping saddles but not a very deep seat like the dressage saddles it is a nice cross of the two.

Answer 6

well if you've been riding western for a while it won't be that hard for you to learn. i would take some lessons from a good trainer. if your horse is willing you can probably just do english with him. if you have any questions about it you can email me. i've been riding english for 4 years.

Answer 7

English is awesome!!!
lol... anyways, does your horse know english yet?
Lets see, it really all depends on what works for you, and weather or not you can afford it :o) then it also depends on what kind of english you want to do. And also (lol) obviously the fit.

Good luck!!

Answer 8

You don't - Go Western

Answer 9

i have no idea, try reading up on the links provided below, i hope i was of any help.