Saddle Help for Hunter Princess that is new to Trail riding!

[dontskipthecafe]

[QUOTE=Crazy4aOTTB;7958258]
Should I just look into finding a cheap english saddle or is there a different type of saddle that I’m not familiar with that is inbetween western and english?[/QUOTE]

If you’re looking for something “in between”, I’ve found myself a big fan of Australian saddles! They tend to have a bit less bulk under the leg than a Western saddle, but are more secure and generally cushier than English ones. I ride English, but I have an Aussie that I used to use on a serious bucker. He couldn’t get rid of me for the life of him You can also find them pretty cheap, especially the synthetic models.

[SonnysMom]

[QUOTE=5;8013591]
Get comfortable riding western unless you are bringing your own horse to ride.

I wouldn’t be happy if someone I invited out to ride, brought a saddle that wasn’t fitted to my horse that I provided for the guest to use. It is borderline rude and if his horse winds up sore… well let your mind come up with scenarios.[/QUOTE]

I think a one or two time guest is a bit different than a girlfriend riding regularly with her boyfriend.
For a one off ride I am okay in a Western saddle. But I much prefer an English if it is going to be a regular thing.
I worked for 5 months at a hack barn and rode in a lot of Western saddles so it isn’t for lack of trying exposure. There was one that I didn’t mind but I wouldn’t say I liked it. I don’t remember the brand/type but I do know it was really high end. It was the owner’s personal saddle.

[GaitedGloryRider]

Another option would be to look into getting an endurance saddle. There are many types of endurance saddles out there to choose from and plenty of them ride similar to English saddles yet have features that make them more suitable for trail riding.

[Wonders12]

I’m so glad someone suggested the australian saddles. If you’re serious about getting a trail riding specific saddle, I highly suggest it! I used to ride in my trainer’s on the trail, and it’s the perfect mix of good connection and good security.

Some are very western types, but the one I used was more like this:
http://www.backbarnfarm.com/_wp_generated/wp29398ffe_06.png

Endurance saddles are also an in between option, but I don’t have much personal experience with them.

[cripplecreekfrm]

I trail ride and keep up with all my endurance riding friends while they are out conditioning in my Close Contact saddle that cost me around 3K. I do clean it after every use and I don’t use my leather show girth when I ride I bought one of those fleece ones that I can throw in the washer. My saddle still looks new and I have even had my show horse go down and roll with me in the river. I let it dry in the house and cleaned and conditioned it and it did fine. Saddles were meant to be used. With that being said whenever I do ride in a western saddle everyone laughs at me because they say I ride hunt seat no matter what saddle i’m in which means that I ride in the western saddle with hunt seat length stirrups. I think it tweaks my knees more but I feel way more secure. If you can shorten the stirrups to hunter length if possible it might help you

[wendy]

I’ve always preferred to trail-ride in a forward seat jumping saddle. Lots of people do. We constantly come across downed trees and the like that have to be jumped, and well, western saddles don’t excel for that activity.

[rhinestone_cowgirl]

I compete in endurance/long distance riding in my monoflap eventing saddle! It’s super comfy for me and fits my horse perfectly.

[Mukluk]

I feel most comfortable trail riding in my jumping saddle. I use a washable nylon/fleece girth. Have fun, trail riding is the best. Your own horse might like it too!