Methods To Buy A Western Saddle For Your Child

When picking the right western saddle for any child there are numerous choices to make. A great many children develop a fascination and love for horses at an early age. Who knows why. It is just a inescapable fact. Children are usually entirely unafraid and mesmerized by these large, gentle animals. This particular relationship is one that will last a life time. That old saying that “horses come between toys and boys” for girls may perhaps be many parents wishful thinking.

Children frequently start riding the moment they are able to sit up by themselves in a saddle. The saddle is easily the most costly piece of equipment you will purchase after buying the horse or pony. The saddle will need to fit the horse as well as the child. It is best to have the horse or pony your child is going to be riding before getting the saddle. A good quality saddle lasts for very many years. However, a child can quickly grow out of a small saddle. Keeping this in mind, you need to decide how much money you are able to invest in a saddle. If there are several children in the family that will be using the saddle may help ease the financial pain.

A number of factors to take into consideration prior to you buying your saddle are:

1. Leather of excellent quality will last a very long time. Watch out for poor quality of leather.

2. Artificial (man made materials) includes canvas cloth, cordura or neoprene among other types of materials. Synthetic saddles are generally lightweight saddles and come in a variety of bright colours.

3. Used or new.

4. Style of Saddle. Will this saddle be used for pleasure or shows.

5. Cost – Amount of cash you want to spend.

One feature which is extremely important when looking for a western saddle for your child would be the height of the cantle. The actual cantle is the raised rear section of the saddle seat. The taller the actual cantle, the deeper the seat, the better with regard to aiding the child stay seated in the saddle. Choose a 5″ cantle height. Barrel racing style western saddles will often have deeper seats. You’ll find normally a more substantial selection of small child size saddles any time looking at the barrel style western saddles.

In order to measure the western saddle, take a ruler or tape and measure from the back of the swell-pommel, just underneath the horn base and move straight across the seat towards the inner rim of the cantle. Western saddles that can sometimes be used on a horse or even pony may be as small as 7″ and as large as 20″.

Below is a general Western saddle size guideline.

7″ to 8″ for the Very Small Child, Toddler under 3 years

10″ for an Average Size Small Child, 3-6 years old

12″ for an Average Size child, 7-10 years old

13″ for an average Youth size or large child

14″ for a Small Adult size

15″ for an Average Adult size

16″ to 20″ for Larger Adults

A number of small riders have a difficult time reaching the stirrups. All of the leather, padding and skirts on Western saddles make it more difficult to raise the stirrups short enough for little, short legs to reach them. Measuring the child’s inseam gives you an idea of just how short you need the stirrups to go. On the saddle, measure from the center of the seat right down to the place that the foot rests within the stirrups when the stirrups are pulled up as high as they’ll go.

A common rule of thumb for the 10″ western saddle is 20″ at the shortest. Any shorter and the stirrups have difficulty turning and so the child’s toes are pointed forward. The 12″ western saddle stirrup length is generally 22″ at the shortest. There are numerous different “stirrup helpers” readily available. These consist of nylon webbing with stirrups attached. The nylon webbing normally wraps around the saddle horn and the stirrups can be adjusted to fit the shorter legs.

By using good care and maintenance, a saddle can last for many years. The Western saddle’s design and style as well as fit might have a big affect on both the horse’s overall performance as well as the rider’s position and comfort. An ill fitting saddle may cause the horse considerable discomfort and also physical damage. The perfect situation is if you can try out the saddle for a couple of days. Check it fits your child as well as the horse or pony it’ll be used on prior to making ones final decision.

About the Author

Wanting to find the best deals on Big Horn Saddles, then go to Reg’s web site to find the best help and advice on Horse Saddles For Sale for you.

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