Are synthetic saddles as good as leather?
Leather English saddles are much easier to re-stuff and fit to different horses. There are limitations, however, so a leather saddle will not fit every horse that comes along. Synthetics are harder to fit and as the materials break down, the saddle may lose some of its shape.
What is the smallest western saddle?
Western Saddle Seat Sizes
- Youth: 12 to 13 inches.
- Small adult: 14 inches.
- Average adult: 15 inches.
- Large adult: 16 inches.
- Extra-large adult: 17 inches.
Can I show in a synthetic saddle?
Synthetic saddles are available in English and western styles. They are durable enough for trail riding, while also some are stylish enough for showing.
What size should my western saddle be?
Western Seat Sizes for the Rider If you know your seat size in an English saddle, a good rule of thumb is to choose a Western saddle with a seat size two inches smaller than your typical English saddle size. Sit in the Western saddle. There should be about four inches between your body and the swell of the saddle.
What are synthetic saddles used for?
For young riders who struggle to heft a 45-pound saddle over their horses’ backs without nailing the horse in the kidneys or withers, synthetic saddles can be ideal, as they weigh up to two-thirds less than traditional saddles. Endurance riders also prefer the lightweight saddlery.
How do you measure your horse for a western saddle?
To measure a saddle, grab a tape measure and vertically measure the length from the back of the pommel to the seam of the cantle. The measurement should usually be between 12 and 19 inches.
Are there lightweight western saddles?
It is still common to see western saddles weighing 30 to 45 pounds, while extremely lightweight high-tech endurance saddles can get down to 4 or 5 pounds. Western saddles are notoriously heavy and bulky. Our Easy fit saddles are lightweight and finish out at about 22 pounds.
How do I know what size western saddle I need?
If you know your seat size in an English saddle, a good rule of thumb is to choose a Western saddle with a seat size two inches smaller than your typical English saddle size. Sit in the Western saddle. There should be about four inches between your body and the swell of the saddle.
How do you measure what size western saddle you need?
It’s easy to measure a western saddle’s seat size. Use a retractable tape measure. Start the tape measure behind the swell and stretch it across the seat to the front of the cantle. That measurement is the seat size.