The Simplest Way To Choose A Western Saddle For Your Child

Whenever picking the best western saddle for a child there are several choices to make. A lot of children develop a fascination and love for horses at an early age. Who knows why. It is just a fact. Children are generally totally unafraid and also mesmerized by these large, gentle animals. This kind of relationship is one that can last a lifetime. The old saying that horses come between toys and boys for girls is most likely a number of parents wishful thinking.

Children generally start riding as soon as they are able to sit up by themselves in a saddle. The saddle is easily the most expensive item of equipment you will purchase after getting the horse or pony. The saddle should fit the horse as well as the child. It’s best to have the horse or pony your child will be riding before getting the saddle. A good saddle will last for many years. Unfortunately, a child can quickly grow out of a small saddle. Keeping this in your mind, you have got to make your mind up how much money you would like to invest in a saddle. In the event that there are quite a few children in the family that will be using the saddle can help ease the financial pain.

Various factors to bear in mind before buying your saddle are:

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

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

3. New or Used.

4. Type of Saddle. Will this saddle be put to use for pleasure or perhaps shows.

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

One feature that is very important when searching for a western saddle for your child is the height of the cantle. The cantle is the raised rear part of the saddle seat. The taller the actual cantle, the 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 will often have deeper seats. You will find normally a larger selection of small child size saddles any time looking at the barrel style western saddles.

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 to the inner rim of the cantle. Western saddles that can sometimes be used on a horse or pony might 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

Many small riders have a difficult time reaching the stirrups. All 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 need the stirrups to go. On the saddle, measure from the center of the seat right down to the place that the foot rests in the stirrups when the stirrups are pulled up as high as they will go.

A general 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 usually is 22 at the shortest. There are numerous different stirrup helpers available. These consist of nylon webbing with stirrups attached. The nylon webbing ordinarily wraps around the saddle horn and the stirrups can be adjusted to fit the shorter legs.

Together with proper care and also maintenance, a saddle will last for several years. The Western saddle’s design and fit may have a big affect on both the horse’s performance as well as the rider’s position and comfort. An ill fitting saddle could potentially cause the horse considerable discomfort as well as physical damage. The perfect situation will be if you’re able to try out the saddle for a couple of days. Check it fits your child as well as the horse or pony it will likely be used on before making your final decision.

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