Shalisha Alston All-Purpose English saddles are one of those pieces of tack that just make early riding life easier, not only for young riders but for parents and trainers, too. With so many riding styles out there (jumping, dressage, pleasure riding, and more), a kid’s interests and skills can mix it up pretty fast. Choosing equipment that … Read more
Getting a good ride out of your English saddle depends quite a bit on how you adjust your girth. A properly fitted girth keeps your saddle stable, your horse comfortable, and helps you ride better. Girth issues are often symptoms of broader saddle-fit problems. Check out my post where I talk about proper English saddle … Read more
Finding a properly fitting English saddle for a Haflinger can feel intimidating at first. These ponies are known for being pretty round-barreled and wide across the back, which often makes standard saddles tough to fit. You may find my related post, “English saddle fit by horse breed” helpful. Definitely check it out. Now… back to … Read more
Picking out the right English saddle for a gaited horse doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s helpful to know what really matters for these unique movers. Gaited horses, such as Tennessee Walkers, Paso Finos, and Missouri Fox Trotters, have special movement patterns that regular trotting breeds don’t. That’s why I’m going to jump into the … Read more
Thoroughbreds are famous for their athletic build and spirited personalities. Finding an English saddle that fits your Thoroughbred properly can feel a bit overwhelming, especially since their unique shape can make saddle fit a real pain. I’ve spent a lot of time working with Thoroughbreds, and I’ve picked up plenty of practical tips that I … Read more
Choosing an English saddle that truly works for a draft horse can be tricky, and not because there’s any shortage of saddle branding or flashy marketing claims. The reality is, most English saddles out there are built for sport horses, not giant, broad-backed breeds. Fitting a draft horse comes down to understanding their unique shape … Read more
Finding a saddle that really works for your Arabian isn’t always as simple as picking the right color. These horses have a pretty unique body shape, and that can make saddle fitting quite the puzzle. I’ve spent years riding Arabians and working with professional saddle fitters, so I know just how important comfort and performance … Read more
Dressage is one of those horse riding disciplines that looks calm and graceful on the outside. But it comes with its own set of risks and safety concerns, especially when kids get involved. As much as parents want their children to grow as confident riders, safety is always on everyone’s mind. Knowing what really matters … Read more
Reading English saddle measurements accurately makes a big difference in comfort, confidence, and overall riding performance. I’ve seen so many riders, myself included, end up frustrated with a saddle that just doesn’t fit right, even though it looked “correct” online or on paper. Understanding exactly how English saddle measurements work doesn’t need to be confusing. … Read more
Just a friendly disclaimer for transparency sake. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. If you’re eyeing an upgrade from a basic saddle or weighing the pros and cons between leather and synthetic tack, I know the choice … Read more