What is a saddle?

There are many definitions for the word “saddle”, anything from the seat on a bicycle, to the posterior part of a domestic fowl. For the sake of this article we will use the literal term, “a seat for the rider of a horse”.

There are many different kinds of saddles, all of which have evolved from the original designs of centuries ago. Todays saddle styles range from the most basic all purpose English and western saddles, to the most technologically advanced treeless or flex-tree styles.

When purchasing a saddle today, you have many more options than just colour and style. Starting from the tree you must decide whether to choose a wooden, fiberglass, flex tree, or no tree at all! Leather can be different colours, and smooth or rough out leather and now, with the synthetics that are available; whether you have leather at all.

Aside from the tree and type of materials that you want your saddle to be made of, you must also decide whether to buy “off the shelf” or a custom saddle. While there are many high quality models available at your local tack shop, more people are finding out that it is possible to get a custom saddle built specifically for you and your horse, for an affordable price.

Also see; horse saddles.

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.


	Western saddles English saddles Dressage saddles Custom saddles Specialty saddles Mexican saddles New and used