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How Can I Be Sure The Saddle Is Comfortable?

By , About.com Guide

Question: How Can I Be Sure The Saddle Is Comfortable?
Answer: No matter what type of saddle you’ve decided on, or how nice it looks, each ride will be a torture if the saddle is uncomfortable. Ride in it to determine if there are any lumps, if it feels too slick, if the seat is too hard, the flaps too short ( For example I am tall, and if a saddle’s flaps are too short I get uncomfortably pinched between the saddle flaps and my boot tops) or anything else makes you feel uncomfortable or insecure. Don't overlook saddle fit for both you and your horse.

Does the saddle sit you in the best position? Do the stirrups seem to hang too far forward or to the rear? English and Western saddles come in different seat widths too. The only way to make sure the saddle suits you is to try it out.

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