18 July 2009

Saddles For Sale: Don't Pull Your Hair Out!

By Al Paloosa

It can be hard for beginners to tell the difference between all of the saddles for sale on the market. For a newcomer, what makes horse saddle unique might not be so obvious at first glance. And some differences are not exactly visible at first.

After you take a saddle home and place it on your horse, you will notice right away that it has it's own feel to it. And again once you yourself climb into the saddle, you will discover that your own body has a lot to with with how well the saddle works out. When you test a saddle, it's a good idea to sit in it and go with your initial reaction to how you like it. But beyond that, what else should you look out for in a saddle?

Let's investigate some different things to consider with saddles for sale:

First and foremost, it is critically important when you find a saddle for sale that it will fit the horse properly. It is important not to become so fallen with a saddle that looks like the perfect saddle when it is simply not a good fit for the horse. Such a saddle could prove very uncomfortable if not outright painful for the horse.

This is bad for two reasons. If you're horse is angry, you're in danger. And if you're saddle is not properly snug, you're also in danger. Measuring your horse should be your first step before you go looking at any horse saddles for sale.

If you are looking to save money on a purchase, buying used can be a wise idea. However, it is important to inspect the saddle for wear and tear. Some used saddles hold up remarkably well even after having been put through enormous use.

However don't be duped by a name brand if you are looking for a used saddle. If the saddle has seen its day, it's best to move on to another option regardless of the manufacturer or warranty.

Sometimes saddles can be tricky. You may not notice a problem right away. But once you put the saddle on your horse and try it out, sometimes something just isn't right. It could be the fit. It could be a stray part that pokes you. It could be a number of things.

Then, when you ride the horse with the saddle, you may notice that it is loose or unsecured. If this is the case and you cannot fix the problem, it probably would be best to exchange the saddle and select a new one.

Saddles can also cause problems for your horse. Sometimes your saddle can bruise your horse as evidenced by darker spots underneath the saddle on the horse's body. If you notice bruising on your horse, discontinue use of the saddle right away.

Yes, it can be a little extra work to select the right saddle and sometimes your selection may not go as intended. But, when you take these extra steps, you will discover your horseback riding sessions to be a lot more fun and a whole lot safer.

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