Saddle

Shortly after taming the horse, humans began to devise easier ways to ride them, ranging from the rough pads used by Native Americans to heavy wooden cavalry saddles. Today, there are two basic types of saddles: English and Western, with a great deal of variety in each style. The purpose is essentially the same: to make the horse and rider comfortable by helping the rider maintain proper position by distributing the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back.

To achieve this goal, however, the saddle must fit both horse and rider properly. Poorly fitting saddles can cause problems ranging from saddle sores to training difficulties. A good quality, well-fitted saddle, if appropriately cared for, can last a lifetime. Ask a knowledgeable horseman whom you trust to help you evaluate saddle and fit before you buy. Be sure to research the types of saddles available, and choose a saddle appropriate for the type or riding you'll be doing. Many saddles might look the same to novices, but competition rules can exclude and disqualify riders who use the wrong equipment.

See also Tack