| Horse saddles and horse blankets are something | | | | Regardless of what your saddle is constructed of, the |
| people usually associate together when the horse | | | | quality and purpose and fit are most important. You'll |
| comes to mind. If you plan to ride your horse, you'll | | | | want your money's worth. |
| need both. Even if you don't have to use the horse | | | | There are several different choices to make before |
| blanket with the horse saddle, you'll still want a horse | | | | purchasing a blanket as well. You must have a |
| blanket for other times. You'll want one when your | | | | blanket under a western saddle for the horse and rider |
| horse is kept in a drafty stall, when your horse is | | | | to be comfortable during the ride. Blankets are made |
| waiting out in the cold weather for a show, when your | | | | for performance, for miniature horses, and for show. |
| horse is waiting in a holding pen for vet's attention and | | | | Although the Navajo horse blanket is a popular choice |
| it is cold outside. | | | | is the western style is a consideration, there are others |
| When you think of buying a new horse saddle, | | | | available. There are quilted blankets, foal blankets, |
| consider the trial period in case you'll want to return it | | | | antisweat sheets, and cooling blankets. |
| for a better fit. Surely you didn't think it would be as | | | | For your added comfort, there are softee seats, |
| easy as just buying a universal saddle fit for any horse | | | | suede seats, and even shock absorbers, which might |
| or rider? | | | | be welcomed after a lengthy time away from riding |
| No, my unsuspecting horse friend, it is, unfortunately | | | | because of medical reasons. Whatever type of |
| more involved than that. Oh, but the journey for the | | | | horse saddle or horse blanket you'll require be certain |
| proper saddle and blanket is well worth the efforts | | | | both will best benefit you and your horse. |
| both for you and your equine partner. Buying a horse | | | | The saddle must fit not only the size of the horse, but |
| saddle that doesn't fit the horse, rider, or the occasion | | | | the size and shape of the rider as well. A poor fit |
| will only cause regrets and soreness that could be | | | | can cause sure muscles, blisters, and bruising for you |
| avoided by a thoughtful purchase. Ask any horse | | | | both. Not only should you consider this for yourself, |
| enthusiast and you'll find that buying the proper gear is | | | | but for children riders. The child will continue to grow, |
| a welcome investment! | | | | but the saddle should fit them at their current size. |
| You'll want to consider what type of riding you'll do. | | | | Saddles used for other than pleasure riding include |
| Saddles are basically wood or fiberglass in frame that | | | | those bought for endurance, show, roping, barrel races, |
| is covered with leather. Although, you'll find technical | | | | and ponies. There are many different brands of all |
| advances have allowed for the more modern | | | | these types of saddles. It's a matter of choice, price, |
| synthetic material in lieu of the leather covering. | | | | and availability. Happy hunting! |