Most Important Five Pony Saddles

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by: Chris.auber1954
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Word Count: 343
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2011 Time: 11:37 AM
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When I found myself suddenly needing a pony saddle, I soon realized that they were not that easy to find. Not only that, but there were so many different kinds. I didn't know what to choose! I soon learned that that the type I chose depended on the type of riding we would be doing with our pony. These different types of riding styles are called disciplines in horse lingo. I soon found that there were two main types: English and Western saddles. Some of the English saddles were further categorized as all purpose, close contact dressage and leadline.

All Purpose

The all purpose saddle was designed to be used to both over fences and on the flat. Having one saddle that can be used for both is ideal for event riders, because they do not have to changes saddles during each of the phases. The same saddle can be used for dressage, stadium jumping and cross country. Of course this saddle could also be used for hunt seat.

Close Contact

A close contact saddle is designed to be used for hunt seat, which involves working the horse on the flat and over fences. This saddle could also be used for show jumping (jumpers).

Dressage

A dressage saddle is designed to only be used for dressage or in the dressage phase of eventing. A dressage pony saddle is not designed for jumping.

Leadline

A leadline saddle is designed for very young children who are being lead by someone else. They are used in hunt seat shows in leadline classes.

Western

Western saddles are designed for Western pleasure riding and Western shows. They also work well for those who like to do trail riding.

Learning about the types of pony saddle was just the tip of the iceberg. I also needed to know how to measure for a girth or cinch, how to fit the saddle and where to buy pony saddles.

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