When it comes to saddles, the first thing most people want to know is the difference between the English and Western saddles for sale. When looking at saddles for sale, the most obvious difference you will notice between the two will first of all be the horn that is present on the western saddle. The design will also be an obvious difference. The western saddle is a bit heavier than the English saddle.

Which is Better for Riding?

Western saddles are designed for rough and regular use, as well as optimum comfort. These saddles are made with durability and usability in mind while also taking into consideration amenity for both man and beast. Western saddles were once made strictly from rawhide to make sure that they would last in the ranching industry, but many saddles for sale nowadays are made from man-made materials and not simply leather.

If you look at all the available horse saddles for sale, you will find there is also a difference in Western saddles that are made for pleasure or work. The balance of the saddle and the horn may be different depending upon the purpose for which you are buying the saddle. Jumping saddles allow the rider closer contact with the horse. Providing a better seating for the rider during jumps, the English saddle is not as deep as the Western saddle.

But what are the real differences between english saddles and western saddles?

English saddles weigh less than western saddles. They also have steel stirrups. English saddles also come with flexible cinching to let the horse breathe more freely. English saddles do not have fenders. That is why it us necessary to wear tall riding boots to protect your legs.

The Western saddle has fenders to help keep your legs from being pinched. In addition the stirrups are wrapped in raw hide and are wider at the bottom where your foot goes. The Western saddle has a surrounding support called scurrying. This should not be turned up at any of the corners. Keep a watch for this when you are looking at saddles for sale, because it affects the support.

Show Riding Vs. Pleasure Riding

Many English saddles are more for show riding than for the hard riding which is done with the Western saddle. Although they can be used for regular riding, there is a choice that can be used for both. The general purpose saddle can be used for show riding and regular riding. Since you will find, when perusing any variety of saddles for sale, that they are not cheap, choosing one or the other is a big decision and will depend upon what you are planning to do.

Trail saddles and show saddles also have different constructions. Wooden trees covered in fiberglass or ralide are generally used for western saddles. These may also be crafted with rawhide. Synthetic lighter saddles are covered in leather or other skin. Show saddles also come with detailed embellishments including silver and other precious metal lacing.

English saddles have steel or man-made trees that are also wrapped in leather and stuffed with foam. Usually english saddles are less detailed and decorative than most western saddles for sale.

Finding and purchasing saddles for sale

Since saddles are so expensive, the temptation may be present to purchase an inexpensive saddle. However, if you expect the saddle you buy to last, do not sacrifice quality for price. The inexpensive saddles will not provide the support that is needed to distribute your weight on the horse's back. This can cause your horse to have behavioral problems. Think about it, if someone was riding on your back and the fit was not comfortable you would likely not be in a very good mood either.

Not only does the saddle have to fit correctly but the materials should be quality so they can last longer than a year or two. The stitching should remain intact and the fit on the horse should be another consideration. The saddle that does not fit well will make the horse's back sore and this can be another cause of crankiness your horse will feel.

Whatever type of saddle you plan on purchasing, make sure it is of the best quality. It will last for many years. Riding will be a pleasure. You will be happier and your horse will be too.

About the author: Jodie Daisy would love to share everything there is to learn about saddles for sale with everyone online who has any inquiries regarding a new saddle purchase.

Posted under Horses

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a horse saddle is the difference between english and Western saddles for sale. When perusing all of the various saddles for sale, you will discover a distinct difference between the two most popular types. It is that a horn is used in the manufacture of western saddles. Also western saddles are usually built heavier and sturdier than english saddles.

Which is Better for Riding?

Western saddles are made with the comfort of the horse as well as the rider in mind. They are larger so that the weight is distributed over a larger area of the horse's back. Made originally with the cattle drives in mind and the need for keeping the horse from tiring out too quickly, the western saddle is made of rawhide. There are other materials available today and you can find lighter weight saddles for sale. But the originals were made of leather and the underside was either sheepskin or wool.

There is also a difference between trail or pleasure and work or ranch saddles for sale on the market. Different tasks or uses require different balancing and component design such as horn shaping. Barrel saddles provide closer contact. English Saddles sit higher to give the rider better positioning than a western saddle would for that sort of riding.

But what are the real differences between english saddles and western saddles?

The English saddle is lighter than the Western saddle and has steel stirrups. The cinch is elastic and is designed to allow the saddle to stay on the horse but still allow the horse enough give to breathe. There are no fenders to keep the straps from pinching your legs but wearing tall boots will take care of this problem.

On the other hand, Western saddles do come with protective fenders. Obviously, most cowboy sorts do not wear boots up to their knees, so it is good to have an extra level of shielding from impact or pinching in between the saddle and the horse's back. Stirrups on western saddles also have leather wraps to add friction for a better hold on the slick bottom of a cowboy boot. Western saddles for sale will also have scurry trim which should not be warped if you are going to make a purchase.

Trail Saddles and Show Saddles

A lot of english saddles are intended for lighter riding. An all purpose saddle works for show riding and pleasure riding. You will discover that most saddles for sale are a bit expensive, so it is a good idea to know what you will be using your saddle for before you buy one.

Wooden trees are usually use to build out western saddles, including both show and pleasure saddles for sale. If the saddle tree is synthetic, the saddle may still be covered in leather or rawhide. You can also tell a show saddle by the decorative detailing often made from silver or precious stones that add flare to the saddle.

English saddles have steel or man-made trees that are also wrapped in leather and stuffed with foam. Usually english saddles are less detailed and decorative than most western saddles for sale.

Finding and purchasing saddles for sale

Buying a cheap saddle is not usually a great idea. Remember that you get what you pay for. And you may have to replace a cheaper saddle as many times as it would have cost to buy a better one. Cheaper saddles can also fit your horse improperly and sour its attitude during performance. If you save money on the saddle but irritate your horse, you haven't done yourself any favors.

Skilled stitching also comes at a price. You don't want your new saddle falling apart at the seams soon after you buy it or put a little wear and tear on it. This will also lead to a poor fit, once again causing your horse more grief.

Whatever type of saddle you plan on purchasing, make sure it is of the best quality. It will last for many years. Riding will be a pleasure. You will be happier and your horse will be too.

Posted under Horses

A horse that's good for trail riding is one that is trained to travel long distances, calm and obedient, and does not startle at streams, animals, or obstacles such as branches. A good trail riding horse has had adequate work and conditioning in order to handle trail rides physically and mentally. With some horses, it can take months, but some breeds do well as trail horses with only a few weeks of preparation.

Circle Y saddles offer great flexibility for maneuvering around trees, rocks, and other trail riding obstacles. The lightweight design offers comfort to the horse as it conforms to the horse's back. The skirts are specially designed with neoprene. The neoprene filler will absorb shocks and bumps to keep the rider and horse comfortable on long trail rides.

If you're looking to reduce the long saddle break in period, Circle Y saddles offer a product called the Circle Y Softee fender leathers and seat jockey. Another lightweight option is the Circle Y Flex-Lite trail riding saddles that are built for comfort.

The Circle Y saddle company has been under the ownership of the Leland Tucker family for over 40 years. The tradition of quality has been passed down since the company's inception in 1960. New management overtook operations in 2003 and has vowed to continue the Circle Y saddle tradition with a commitment to saddle design, quality and innovation.

Circle Y's patented Flex2 tree design allows saddles to fit well on a broad selection of horses, and it is present in many of Circle Y saddles. The Circle Y Softee seat jockey and fender leather minimizes strain to the rider's knees and ankles and provides a comfortable ride from the outset.

The tradition of designing quality trail riding saddles, ranch work saddles, barrel racing saddles, roping saddles, team penning saddles, and saddles for cutting horses has always been with Circle Y. A Circle Y saddle is the best all around choice for you and the enjoyment of your horse on the trail.

Posted under Horses