would it upset my horse if

[padderpaws]

I used a western saddle (which he has always had) for hacking and then changed to an English saddle ( which he has never had but is going to be fitted for one) for schooling? I am starting to have English lessons on him and my instructor said we would really need an English saddle to get the aids better for English riding. That makes sense but would it upset him?

 

[asommerville]

Mine went from a normal to a side saddle without any drama...just had to do a bit at a time as the places where there is most weight on their back is different. not sure thats something that would affect you though, dont think youd have a problem esp if your instructor doesnt think so

 

[Tickles]

No. As long as both fit you should be fine.

Horse may have a preference but no reason they can't have several different saddles for different activities.

Perhaps to make things clear to start with it may even help if you give western aids (or what ever you usually use) in the western tack and English in the English. But horse won't know which aids belong in which set until he learns them so even that doesn't necessarily matter.

 

[jeeve]

As long as it fits well, should not be an issue, he may prefer the lighter saddle.