eahotson
Well-Known Member
Was idley discussing possibility of doing a little western riding next year and was told that saddles are VERY heavy and I would find it difficult to tack up my horse.Is that true?
Question for western riders.
- Thread starter eahotson
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kiritiger
Well-Known Member
Depends, synthetic saddles are much lighter than regular but yes, regular saddles are much heavier than most English saddles and I find them more awkward to carry as well.
Spring Feather
Well-Known Member
There are lots of different styles and makes so some are heavier than others. There's lightweight saddles which only weigh a few lbs so its personal choice what type you prefer.
TTK
Well-Known Member
If you wanted to take western lessons to learn how to do it, you don't actually need the western tack to start with. You & your horse can lean in your English tack. Then, if you like it, you could find out more about saddles. BTW don't whatever you do buy a saddle made in India it will be not very good. Get a real American made one, loads on Ebay. I'm a titch who staggers under the weight of my saddle but there is a knack to putting them on the horses back which you learn.
Lessons: Western Equestrian Society instructors are of a very high standard http://wes-uk.com/instructors/
Lessons: Western Equestrian Society instructors are of a very high standard http://wes-uk.com/instructors/
Enfys
Well-Known Member
Because I have a very tiny horse AND I cannot lift one arm above my shoulder I cheated and bought a synthetic saddle. It isn't pretty, but I don't compete so who cares, but, it is very light and very small. I was having problems finding a 15" seat anyway.
I was taught by a cowboy how to carry a saddle - not like an English one over the arm, just grab the horn, and the cantle if you have to! He just swung the thing over his shoulder! Probably not the proper western way but hey ho. Also how to put it on, you swing it, a controlled swing, but still a swing, the momentum does the work for you. Very handy when saddles can weigh 40lbs +. One of my Boarders has lovely roping saddles, I can't even lift the things
The one for her gelding weighs 48lbs.
I was taught by a cowboy how to carry a saddle - not like an English one over the arm, just grab the horn, and the cantle if you have to! He just swung the thing over his shoulder! Probably not the proper western way but hey ho. Also how to put it on, you swing it, a controlled swing, but still a swing, the momentum does the work for you. Very handy when saddles can weigh 40lbs +. One of my Boarders has lovely roping saddles, I can't even lift the things
The one for her gelding weighs 48lbs.eahotson
Well-Known Member
THANKS.WAS planning to find a trainer and start with British tack in case I don't like western.
Irishcobs
Well-Known Member
A couple of our bigger western saddles weigh about 2 stone! You soon learn the technical when throwing one of those on to a 16.2hh horse!
We have a few synthetics which are a lot lighter.
As for carrying them we either carry them with one hand under the horn and one on the cantle or we put the horn up under our armpit so the saddle lies down the side of our body and hold the top of the cantle, using our hip if the saddle starts to slip. This works well if you need to carry something else in the other hand.
We have a few synthetics which are a lot lighter.
As for carrying them we either carry them with one hand under the horn and one on the cantle or we put the horn up under our armpit so the saddle lies down the side of our body and hold the top of the cantle, using our hip if the saddle starts to slip. This works well if you need to carry something else in the other hand.
Hen
Well-Known Member
Synthetics apart (which, as already mentioned can be significantly lighter) - your endurance style Western saddle is likely to be around the 8-9kg mark; your average leather Western saddle (ie not heavily decorated or a working saddle designed to handle stock work) is likely to weigh in around 13-16kg depending on what the tree is made of etc.; saddles specifically built for stock work will come in much heavier as the trees and horn must be strong enough to handle a cow working against them and they require flank cinches etc- generally the Sherman tanks of the saddle world!
I was always taught to put on the saddle by a 'helicopter swing-type action' - so, holding the saddle toward my right hip with left hand on the horn and right arm outstetched to the right to hold the cantle (at hip level), from the hip swing the saddle around to the left and upward in a rotating movement which in turn causes the offside fender to swing out and the saddle to land gently on the horse's back. I have no idea what other techniques are but this has usually worked for me.
I was always taught to put on the saddle by a 'helicopter swing-type action' - so, holding the saddle toward my right hip with left hand on the horn and right arm outstetched to the right to hold the cantle (at hip level), from the hip swing the saddle around to the left and upward in a rotating movement which in turn causes the offside fender to swing out and the saddle to land gently on the horse's back. I have no idea what other techniques are but this has usually worked for me.
Diesal
Active Member
Agree with HEN. Works for me too.
a kind of magic
Well-Known Member
My saddle is about 2 stone. It's a Westwood platinum. Mine is definitely the heaviest of the 3, the lightest being treeless and other being an Amish made roper. I carry them by holding onto the horn and cantle. To make it easier to swing I often hook the stirrup over the horn too. 