Top Things You Should Know About Western Saddles Vs. English Saddles

If you are looking to purchase a saddle for your horse, then you might be trying to figure out if you want to purchase a western saddle or an English saddle. Both types of saddles are very popular, and most riders do have a preference. If you aren't sure yet about which type of saddle you want to purchase, you may want to consider the differences between English and western saddles. For example, these are some of the top things that you might want to know about western saddles.

They're Heavier

One of the first things that you might notice about a western saddle is the fact that they are bigger, bulkier, and heavier than English saddles. You should keep this in mind, and consider both the weight of the saddle and the weight of yourself when determining whether or not it's safe for your horse. If you have a smaller horse, for example, you may want to choose a lighter English saddle. If you have a bigger horse that is able to handle more weight, or if you are a smaller rider, then a western saddle might be a good choice.

They're Often More Comfortable

One good thing about western saddles is the fact that they are often more comfortable for riders. You'll have a bit more cushioning in the seat area, for example, and you'll have a horn that you can hold on to. If you want to be as comfortable as possible when riding, or if you're planning on going on long rides—such as long trail rides—then a western saddle is probably going to be the best fit for you.

They're Similarly Priced

You might be concerned about how much you're going to have to spend to purchase a saddle for your horse, and you could be wondering if an English or western saddle is going to be more expensive. You'll probably be happy to find that they are very similarly priced. There are affordable saddles, such as simple saddles made from synthetic materials. There are also higher-end and more expensive saddles that are made from real leather.

You Can Buy Both

If you're still really torn on whether you should purchase an English or western saddle, you should know that it's certainly possible to buy and use both. Your horse might need a little bit of training, but many horses adapt well to both English and western saddles. This can be a good way for you to increase your scope of skills and to help your horse improve, too.