| uality of equiptment is important to any sport – | | | | Next you will need to decide between a close contact |
| but in horseriding, it is even more vital. The safety and | | | | or an all-purpose saddle. |
| comfort of both the rider and the horse depend upon | | | | A close contact saddle has a flatter seat, and |
| the tackle, and most obviously, on the saddle. A saddle | | | | minimised knee-roll, so that the legs of the rider are |
| that is ill-fitting can lead to an un-satisfactory and | | | | closer to the horse. This benefits the connection |
| possibly dangerous ride. It can also cause multiple | | | | between the two, but means that a rider must be very |
| health problems for the horse. | | | | exact with his or her leg position. Therefore these |
| Unfortunatly, many riding stables continue to use old | | | | saddles are better for a rider with skill and experience. |
| saddles without keeping them in good enough condition. | | | | The alternative, an all-purpose model, has a larger area |
| Whether you own a horse, or you or your child visit a | | | | of seat and greater knee-rolls, and conventionally has |
| stables regularly, it is much safer and more enjoyable | | | | suede at the saddle flap to help position the knee. This |
| to buy your own saddle. | | | | can limit the effectiveness of application of the leg, but |
| However, buying this piece of equipment through a | | | | this is actually what you need as a beginner. Whilst |
| regular tack dealer or riding stables can be | | | | you are a learning, it is better to let the horse do the |
| unaffordable, with prices getting into the thousands. | | | | work, and increase your ability to control it later. |
| The internet offers a wider range of alternatives, | | | | Before buying online, it can be helpful to visit a shop for |
| whatever you are willing to pay. | | | | the fitting. When trying a saddle you should sit at the |
| There are specialist dealers in customised saddles, or | | | | lowest point of the saddle and let your legs dangle |
| there are places where you can buy or sell high-quality | | | | naturally. They should hand very, very slightly behind |
| used saddles. You are more likely to find one that is | | | | you, so you can mantian the best riding position. |
| right for you with this amount of choice. | | | | If you have your own horse, you can also send his |
| Which saddle you choose will depend on whether you | | | | measurements to an online dealer, and they may be |
| are a begininer or experienced horse rider. For | | | | willing to fit the saddle specially to your requirements. |
| beginners, buying a very expensive product is not | | | | A good fit and enjoyable ride is not the only benefit of |
| recommended. How you ride will change as you learn, | | | | a top-quality, customised saddle. Most riders wish to |
| and therefore the fit of your saddle may need to | | | | sell this piece of equiptment when they have outgrown |
| change as your riding style evolves. Furthermore, | | | | it, or circumstances have changed. It is notoreously |
| children outgrow saddles like they outgrow clothes, so | | | | difficult to sell cheap tack – but the best saddles |
| a mid-price saddle is best for them. | | | | can sell for almost the amount you paid second hand! |