Happytohack
Well-Known Member
I am sure I have heard of something that converts the Western girthing system into an English girthing system? Is there something as I have my eye on a saddle on ebay, but don't think I could manage the western girth
Question for western riders
- Thread starter Happytohack
- Start date
Enfys
Well-Known Member
My western cinchs have big buckles at both ends. One side buckles as per usual, the other the cinch strap goes through. You have a choice, use the buckle or use the cinch straps. Tia or someone else can explain it far better than I.
Tia
Well-Known Member
You're absolutely right Enfys - these are the cinches I use too because I do find them more reliable than the knots. Jinglejangle would still have to loop the latigo (the cinch strap) around a couple of times and then buckle it and then place it through the tag as usual.
Suzibn
Well-Known Member
Hey, all you English folk, this is Suzi and I started riding California Spade Bit horses almost before I could walk. I'm originally from Southern California and started riding with Jimmy Williams before we made the switch to hunters and jumpers. Prefer dressage now, but know about western tack so you can all pm me if you want or just ask on here.
Yes, you can use the buckle type of cinch. I personally like the latigo tie, as that's what I have always used, but it depends on what you are doing. It isn't hard to use a western saddle and I can send you a diagram on how to tie the latigo if you want to go that route. Be SURE you understand sizes in Western saddles before you buy. I take a 17 1/2 dressage saddle but ride a 15 1/2 inch Western saddle. The english type saddle is measured from that little spot of silver on the upper flap of your pommel,to the center of the seat, (diagonally) where as the western saddle is measured from the center of the horn cap to the back center of the cantle. So if you say take a 171/2 english saddle and order a western in that size you will swim in it.
Also be careful you aren't getting a Mexican saddle. Better to buy a good American made western saddle used. Mexican saddles, well the leather is cured in urine, and boy do they smell if they get wet. Also the trees in the saddle are narrow and have a lump just under the back of the seat. You can always tell a mexican saddle if you run your hand down the gullet. If it's smooth okay, but if not run fast in the other direction.
Also, trees differ in size too...you have your Arabian tree, your quarter horse tree etc. Make sure what you buy will fit your horse or you will be in a world of hurt!
Just suggestions, take um or leave um.
Love ya anyway
Suzi
Yes, you can use the buckle type of cinch. I personally like the latigo tie, as that's what I have always used, but it depends on what you are doing. It isn't hard to use a western saddle and I can send you a diagram on how to tie the latigo if you want to go that route. Be SURE you understand sizes in Western saddles before you buy. I take a 17 1/2 dressage saddle but ride a 15 1/2 inch Western saddle. The english type saddle is measured from that little spot of silver on the upper flap of your pommel,to the center of the seat, (diagonally) where as the western saddle is measured from the center of the horn cap to the back center of the cantle. So if you say take a 171/2 english saddle and order a western in that size you will swim in it.
Also be careful you aren't getting a Mexican saddle. Better to buy a good American made western saddle used. Mexican saddles, well the leather is cured in urine, and boy do they smell if they get wet. Also the trees in the saddle are narrow and have a lump just under the back of the seat. You can always tell a mexican saddle if you run your hand down the gullet. If it's smooth okay, but if not run fast in the other direction.
Also, trees differ in size too...you have your Arabian tree, your quarter horse tree etc. Make sure what you buy will fit your horse or you will be in a world of hurt!
Just suggestions, take um or leave um.
Love ya anyway
Suzi
KrujaaLass
Well-Known Member
There used to be converters on Ebay.
Suzibn
Well-Known Member
Good idea, but if you're gonna ride western, why not go all the way and learn how to do it right!
Here to help,
Suzi
Here to help,
Suzi