Bareback riding may still be common and popular with many people, but saddles are used for equestrian sports. There are essentially two basic types of saddles; English and Western. The saddles are both built for the same purpose, which is to make both the horse and rider comfortable by helping the rider stay in the right position by distributing the rider's weight evenly across the back of the horse. Make sure your saddle fits you and your horse properly, as poorly fitting saddles can lead to trouble such as saddle sores and training difficulties. If you get a good quality, well-fitted saddle and take good care of it, it should last for years. Make sure your saddle is designed for the type of riding you'll be doing. Saddles are generally made of leather and come in various sizes, styles and a few colors.
