From Katherine Blocksdorf,
Your Guide to Horses.
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A. To help decide what type of saddle you should buy ask yourself a few questions. Does English or Western style riding appeal to you? As your riding skills improve what sports or disciplines can you see yourself becoming interested in? Do you see yourself mainly pleasure riding?

An all-purpose English saddle will suit most riders who are just starting out in English disciplines. If you are riding a gaited horse you may want a saddle designed for the way a gaited horse moves. There are many specific types of Western saddles available. A sturdy general all-purpose saddle made of plain leather will suit a rider who wants to begin showing or trail riding.

For pleasure riding you have even more choice. You can choose from English or Western saddles, or saddles made specifically for trail riding. Many don’t look like conventional saddles but are very comfortable.

Saddle Buying FAQ Index