August 06, 2006

By: Sandra Geldart
Website: http://www.happy-horse-saddles.com

English saddles - how to choose the right one for you

You’re shopping for English saddles. It sounds straight forward enough, go out, find a quality saddle at a fair price, and you’re done. Sounds easy right? Not so fast! There are so many styles of English saddles, that you may want to do some homework first.

The first thing you need to find out is what kind of English saddles are available. What is your interest? Jumping saddles provide closer contact, more forward flaps, and a shallower seat. For dressage you require a more upright position, therefore needing a straighter flap and a deeper seat. For those who want the freedom to ride on the flat and over fences, there are many good quality all purpose English saddles saddles available, giving you the benefit of both a jump saddle and a dressage saddle without having to purchase both. Saddlebreds, Tennessee Walkers and Morgan breeds are often shown in saddleseat classes, which require their own style of English saddles. The Lane Fox is a specialty saddle without knee rolls, having a very flat seat and straighter flaps.

Once you have decided on the English saddle styles that best suit you, you’re ready to shop. You’ll find a great selection of new and used English saddles online and in your local tack shop.

About The Author:

Sandra Geldart is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.happy-horse-saddles.com.  With a degree in Equine Science Technology, Sandra brings you 27 years experience working with horses including showing horses and barrel racing.