When picking the right western saddle for any child there are several choices to make. Countless children develop a fascination and love for horses at an early age. Who knows the reason why. It is just a fact. Children are entirely unafraid and also captivated by these kinds of large, gentle animals. This relationship is one that can last a lifetime. That old saying that horses come between toys and boys for girls is probably many parents wishful thinking.
Children often get started riding as soon as they are able to sit up on their own in a saddle. The saddle is the most expensive piece of equipment you will buy right after purchasing the horse or pony. The saddle should fit the horse as well as the child. You ought to have the horse or pony your child is going to be riding prior to getting the saddle. A good saddle lasts for many years. Unfortunately, a child may quickly outgrow a small saddle. Keeping this in your mind, you will need to decide how much money you are able to invest in a saddle. If there are quite a few children in the family that will be using the saddle will help ease the financial pain.
Some factors to consider before buying your saddle are:
1. Leather of good quality can last a very long time. Beware of bad quality of leather.
2. Artificial (man made materials) includes canvas cloth, cordura or neoprene among other types of materials. Synthetic saddles are light weight saddles and come in many different bright colours.
3. New or Used.
4. Style of Saddle. Will this saddle be used for pleasure or shows.
5. Cost - Sum of money you wish to spend.
One of the things that is extremely important when searching for a western saddle for your child will be the height of the cantle. The cantle is the raised rear section of the saddle seat. The higher the cantle, the much deeper the seat, the better for helping the child stay seated in the saddle. Look for a 5 cantle height. Barrel racing style western saddles usually have deeper seats. You will find normally a bigger selection of small child size saddles when looking at the barrel style western saddles.
So that you can measure the western saddle, take a ruler or tape and measure from the back of the swell-pommel, just below the horn base and go directly across the seat towards the inner rim of the cantle. Western saddles that can actually be used on a horse or pony could be as small as 7 and as large as 20.
What follows 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
Many small riders have a difficult time reaching the stirrups. All of the leather, padding and skirts on Western saddles make it harder to raise the stirrups short enough for little, short legs to reach them. Measuring the child's inseam provides you with an idea of how short you'll need the stirrups to go. On the saddle, measure from the center of the seat down to where the foot rests in the stirrups when the stirrups are pulled up as high as they are going to go.
A general rule of thumb for the 10 western saddle is 20 at the shortest. Any shorter and the stirrups have difficulty turning so the child's toes are pointed forward. The 12 western saddle stirrup length is usually 22 at the shortest. There are several different stirrup helpers available. These consist of nylon webbing with stirrups attached. The nylon webbing usually wraps around the saddle horn and the stirrups can be adjusted to fit the shorter legs.
With proper care and maintenance, a saddle will last for many years. The Western saddle's design and style and fit may have a large affect on both the horse's performance and the rider's position and comfort. An ill fitting saddle can cause the horse considerable discomfort as well as physical damage. The ideal situation is if you can try out the saddle for a day or two. Be sure it fits your child and also the horse or pony it will be used on prior to making your final decision.
Author Resource:
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