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Western or English?

3K views 13 replies 11 participants last post by  flamingauburnmustang 
#1 ·
Well, I am starting to look into buying a saddle (or hinting about one to the bf since Christmas is around the corner! lol). I mainly only trailride and have thought about competive trailriding in the future. Up until now I have only rode with western saddles but it was recently recommended to me to try an english saddle. Anyways, I would definitely just be getting a used saddle so I'm not really interested too much in brands I just wanted to know what your opinion was on whether or not I should think about switching.

Oh and also what changes would I notice if I did switch to an english saddle after only riding wester? Would I feel like i'm falling out or the saddle? Do you think it would be an easy adjustment?
 
#2 ·
If you are just going to be doing trail riding I wouldn't recommend an English. I hear that Western saddles are more comfortable and secure. You may want to look into a lighter weight western saddle, or specialised trail/endurance saddle if you wanted to be very competitive, but if you just want to be mainly a pleasure rider a western would probably be fine.

I've never ridden in a western saddle, but i've ridden in a stock one and I felt I had no freedom compared to an english. I felt just like a passenger.
 
#3 ·
Western saddles are much better for the trail. Also, I wouldn't buy an english saddle if you have never ridden english cause what if you hate it? lol You want to make sure you're comfortable english before you purchase an english saddle!
 
#4 ·
Yeah I knew I wouldn't just buy an english, I would absolutely have to try it out first. I had never thought about getting an english saddle until this person recommended it. She said it would be more comfortable for my horse, I guess because he has high withers. But she also said the western saddle I have now fits just fine. But now that I think about it that really doesn't make any sense. What all horses with high withers all have to worn with an english saddle? No.
 
#5 ·
Well english is honestly NOT bad on the trail.
I prefer english and i am looking into buying an all purpose english saddle, because i would like to be competitive, i also just PREFER it over western lol.
i think the only thing i really find different when i switch to different saddles is the stirrups, i really am not comfortable in a western saddle, so it is my two cents, the stirrups on western saddles just REALLY bug my legs lol.
 
#6 ·
I have a paint that I go back and forth with (dressage/western) all the time. I would say to stick to a western type saddle (a lightweight endurance saddle would be a great idea!) for trail riding if you're going for a long distance especially by yourself. The only time I've ever been dumped by my horse was when I was trail riding in my dressage saddle and he flew sideways (in my experience, my dressage saddle wants to slide more than the western, because my horse has no withers) sending me and my saddle over. You might really like to use a synthetic saddle (low maint, too!) for long distance rides, and your horse will, too! Though I will advise not to get a tree-less saddle, because they don't provide enough support for the horse, no matter how nice for the rider.
 
#8 ·
You might like to think of an English cut treeless - they are a half way stop between Western and English.
Depends a little on your weight but they can be very comfortable.

Don't rush into using an English saddle for long rides until you are used to the change in style of riding.

BG
 
#10 ·
I personally prefer a comfy english saddle to a western one to trail ride in. I like how I feel that I have more freedom in an english saddle. I also like it how there's nothing to catch you in the pelvis if you get bucked off, haha (I got bucked off a few years ago in a western saddle and I definitely got the horn smashed into my pelvis, I felt like i was dying for a few days).
If you've never ridden in an english saddle you will definitely feel like there is absolutely nothing holding you in the saddle. It'll feel really weird but after you ride in it for a bit you'll start feeling more comfortable.
Just make sure you test it out first on your lovely equine and yourself and you'll be all good. =)
 
#11 ·
You have more options than simply a "Western" or "English" saddle.

Personally, I don't care for saddle horns, especially when it comes to trail riding. The horn just seems to be in the way.

You could consider an Australian stock saddle. Some are built with a horn, others without. They were designed for long hours of riding, and to hold their rider in the saddle over a variety of terrain.

Or, a simple endurance saddle. I have one that is referred to as a "western" endurance style, in that the overall structure is similar to what you'd find in a typical western saddle, with a round skirt. However, it does not have a horn. There are also endurance saddles made more like an English saddle.

Many online tack stores have demo programs for their saddles so that you can find one that works well for you and fits your horse. A local tack shop might also have used saddles on consignment, and they may allow you to test-ride one, or at least take it to the barn to see how it fits your horse.
 
#12 ·
I have never ridden or known anyone who has a synthetic saddle. But I have heard some people say bad things about them. Are they a pretty durable saddle choice? I realize they are light, comfortable and easy to clean but I don't want something that will need to be replaced in a year or 2. Will they last a decent amount of time?
 
#13 ·
My BO/trainer lady only has Bigfoot synthetic western saddles and they hold up awesome. I know she's had them for atleast 3 years (how long I've been riding with her) and they still look pretty brand new. She doesn't do anything intense with them, just trail riding and lessons but it sounds like that's pretty much what you're going to be doing too. =)
 
#14 ·
What kind of competition are you planning on doing. If you are thinking of doing a discipline that needs an english saddle, you should consider buying one then. If you are doing something western, then get a western, just maybe try to find a lighter one for the trail rides.

At first you may feel very insecure, but after a while you will get used to it. I personally prefer english saddles. But that's my opinion. = D
 
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