English

[DixieGirl]

I had a question and an opinion from you guys..I think I want to do english. The one horse I want to do it on freaks out in this one arena for a show but the other horse I have doesn;t freak out anywhere but I don't think she likes english. I don't know if I should just ride ebglish on the horse that likes all the arenas or what. Because all I take my other horse for is grooming and conditioning and so she won't be left out.

I don't know what to do. Please tell me. Also if you have any cheap really good english saddles let me know. But I'm not sure so..

[mhoney05]

on www.horse.com you can get an english starter set for 149 dollars (not including shipping of course) comes with saddle , bridle, and snaffle bit and some other stuff but i dont do english so i didnt take time to read it. just go to the website and look under english equipment.




its an internet saddle so it might be cheap but its a starter and ya

[DixieGirl]

I know I looked at that one. I just don't know what to do and all. :confused:

[mhoney05]

srry i only do western. id like to do english but im not too good at it.

[DixieGirl]

:confused: I just don't know what to do!? :confused:

[Manda]

I don't know if a horse can not like english, purely because it has no idea what it is. Why not try it out on both your horses? Or maybe take some lessons first, before you decide.

[mhoney05]

like in terms of training or the horse or the tack?

[cursivenight]

First, I would find a horse trainer or other knowledgeable english rider/person, and get lessons. You can teach your horse yourself, but it might be beneficial to get a little bit of the basics on a lessons horse.

As for saddles, fitting seems to be much more important, but it also costs alot of money. I'd ask your trainer/helper for that too. It also depends what kind of english you want to ride - dressage (kinda like reining), jumping, endurance (traills kinda), three day eventing, whatever. Also, I'd learn on the horse that is calmer, she'll probably take to english just fine =)

Good luck, and have fun!

[HorseDayz11]

If you want to do english, I would say try it on the horse that doesn't react well in arenas. It is risky, but if you have good balance and a soft hand, everything should be fine. The horse needs to learn how to behave in every arena anyway. My suggestion for that is take a horse and a friend and walk the horse with it's friend horse, so he learns how to behave. Then slowly take the horse away.

Your other horse knows how to behave, but if he doesn't like english, you could ruin that horse. I ride western, but I do have an english saddle, because every now and then I ride my mare english and she does fine. Just remember, you need a good balanced seat just in case the horse freaks out. This is just my opinion, and I really hope it works.

With the saddle, www.horse.com, I am pretty sure this is State Line Tack. I didn't check it out. Though, I got my starter set from State Line Tack. Everything lasts a long time if you care for it properly. It is quite comfortable too. I hope you find everything you need. =]]

[DixieGirl]

I don't know if a horse can not like english, purely because it has no idea what it is. Why not try it out on both your horses? Or maybe take some lessons first, before you decide.

Well one of my horses (Montana) won't care but she doesn't like on of the show arenas but the other on (Bargain) has always done western and she think when I ask her to trot she jogs.

[DixieGirl]

If you want to do english, I would say try it on the horse that doesn't react well in arenas. It is risky, but if you have good balance and a soft hand, everything should be fine. The horse needs to learn how to behave in every arena anyway. My suggestion for that is take a horse and a friend and walk the horse with it's friend horse, so he learns how to behave. Then slowly take the horse away.

Your other horse knows how to behave, but if he doesn't like english, you could ruin that horse. I ride western, but I do have an english saddle, because every now and then I ride my mare english and she does fine. Just remember, you need a good balanced seat just in case the horse freaks out. This is just my opinion, and I really hope it works.

With the saddle, www.horse.com, I am pretty sure this is State Line Tack. I didn't check it out. Though, I got my starter set from State Line Tack. Everything lasts a long time if you care for it properly. It is quite comfortable too. I hope you find everything you need. =]]

Yeah but I want to show her in all the shows we go to. That includes the one arena she hates.

[DixieGirl]

I don't think statelinetack has a starter package??!!

[RODEOBABE4]

sorry hun, cant help ya there. i have a really old english saddle. ok, not really old, but it is wierd. i dont kno what kind it is, sorry. i tried english, and hated it! (no offents to yall englishers) i can get a pic of that saddle if you want to see it.

[ashleygoesrawr]

the best thing to do: get a trainer.

[DixieGirl]

I have a trainer. She wants me to do engliah on Bargain the one that is fine in all of the arenas. But I feel I'm leaving my other horse out at shows and stuff.

[crazy4horses]

I agree with you Taylor, I think Montana would be a good english horse. I felt the same way when I was riding Tia western. ( Shes NOT good western horse) When I moved to english she became such happier ( I think) So.... I think you should do what you think is best!

[luvs2ride1979]

Also if you have any cheap really good english saddles let me know. But I'm not sure so..

Just a comment on this. Do NOT buy any of those cheap starter sets, new or used. The trees are not good and are often warped (which will cause discomfort to you and your horse) and can even break under normal use. The leather is litterally "pee" tanned, cardboard consistancy, and the dye has a tendancy to rub off on clothes when you sweat (for the more redder saddles).

It's a MUCH better idea to buy a good saddle used, or buy a synthetic. Wintec has a nice Close Contact saddle in carmel or brown colors that looks like leather. The materials are top quality and the front of the tree is exchangable, so you can fit many horses with the same saddle. Here is one on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/WINTEC-Close-Contact-18-Easy-Change-Gullet-Cair_W0QQitemZ300139993456
The 500 model is an AP with the same kind of fake leather, but with suede knee panels and it has a deeper seat. It also comes in brown, and black.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Wintec-500-All-Purpose-17-5-CAIR-BROWN_W0QQitemZ270138483484

If synthetic isn't your thing, then look for a used leather saddle on eBay or tacktrader.com that is a good brand name. You can often find older used saddles still in good shape for a good price. Look for brands like stubben, courbette, zaldi, crosby, collegiate, hdr, avante, etc. Anything made in Europe or a well made Argentine saddle.

A good saddle will help you really get the feel for English riding and be more comfortable for you and your horse.

Also, tree size is important. If your horse is narrow and wears a narrow semi-qh bar saddle, then you likely need a mediujm or medium-wide tree. If your horse wears QH or full-QH bars, you likely need a wide or x-wide tree.

The seat size is 2" larger than what you normally ride in for your western saddle. If you use a 15", then you'll need a 17" English.

[crazy4horses]

I totally agree!!!!

[Alwaysridin09]

well, that starter kit really isnt the best quality, so if u want to stick with english u make want something durable. wintec saddles are synthetic, so they r cheaper, and they r supposed to be good quality and comfortable.
englis saddles r alot lighter than western saddles, so the horse might like it better. i would try it on both horses. i ride english and i love it, but thats just my opinion. for the horses, take it slowly. it will take them a bit to get used to the new tack and all. i think they may prefer it sinse the tack is so much lighter, but english is alot more work for both the horse and rider. hope i can help!!! :)

[Manda]

Just to add on to this. I have the Wintec Close Contact. It's totally worth the money, and it's super comfortable. I also can't tell you how many people don't believe me when I tell them it's synthetic. They think it's leather :]

[crazy4horses]

I think if you really want a nice quality saddle, the cheapest you might get a used/new might be around $300 and up...

[DarkChylde]

Saddle fit is likely the issue with the horse that you have that doesn't want to do English. There are books and such that can show you how to check a fit for yourself, but nothing beats having a pro do it.
As for your ring-sour horse, that MAY be something you and your trainer can get around, but be patient. My littlest horse I am just now going to try to show for the first time since we had him. He was reportedly ring-sour, but I soon discovered he was EVERYTHING sour, and I retrained him and he is wonderful now, so I am curious to see if he still holds a grudge against a show ring.
As for the horse 'jogging' when you want a proper trot, some retraining with a well fitting saddle may teach her the difference. I had an Arab mare I could put western on, and she would be all relaxed and laid back, then I would go hunter pleasure and she would tuck up. She knew the difference, and your horse may learn it too, a long as you stay patient and make the learning fun.
While you get them comfortable with showing, can you borrow or lease so you can still show and not feel pressure to push your horses before they are ready? That would be my sugestion, and not to show them until they are happy and comfortable with it...
Good luck!!

[DixieGirl]

Thanks Guys!! I'll take your advice and see what I can find! :)

[DixieGirl]

What do you think about this saddle I found. It doesn't have oictures but I e-mailed the lady and asked for some.

http://flahorse.com/barnsale/ShowAdvert.php?CatID=57&AdID=51460

[Alwaysridin09]

i think the kincade close contacts are really nice! the price she is charging is close to the regular price, so its pry barely used. the regular price is about 300.00. i would ask if i could test ride it out because every saddle fits differently. my riding instructor prefers the C.C. saddle over an all purpose one. i ride in an all purpose saddle and i like it, but i was thinking about buying one the kincade close contact ones. but what DarkChylde said about the tree size fitting your horse, make sure that u get the right one. i would have someone experienced in english riding help you figure out what size if u dont know. by advice is to buy it, its sounds like a nice saddle.

[silverleprichuan]

What do you think about this saddle I found. It doesn't have oictures but I e-mailed the lady and asked for some.

http://flahorse.com/barnsale/ShowAdvert.php?CatID=57&AdID=51460


meh, personally I'd pass. For $250 you can find a used courbette, collegiate, old stubben, an older pessoa, all of which are nicer than a brand new kincade. I've never owned anything by them but I've ridden horses who used kincade tack and it all felt cheap, stiff, and brittle even with proper care.

http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=1ex2ynw3

http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=sw4wt34u

http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=u2vracpi (don't know if this is in your price range but I know 10's of people who have this model from various years and love it)

http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=ssn3gby2

http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=fzr6ovgj

http://www.bcsaddlery.com/sadusus.img/us04638.htm

http://search-desc.ebay.com/english-saddle_Saddles_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQcatrefZC6QQcoactionZcompareQQcoentrypageZsearchQQcopagenumZ1QQfromZR10QQfrtsZ150QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ3QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQftsZ2QQsabfmtsZ1QQsacatZ47281QQsaobfmtsZinsifQQsbrsrtZd

do some research, find out what is best review in the lower price range, what do avoid, and how to check quality.

[HappyHorse13]

meh, personally I'd pass. For $250 you can find a used courbette, collegiate, old stubben, an older pessoa, all of which are nicer than a brand new kincade. I've never owned anything by them but I've ridden horses who used kincade tack and it all felt cheap, stiff, and brittle even with proper care.

http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=1ex2ynw3

http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=sw4wt34u

http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=u2vracpi (don't know if this is in your price range but I know 10's of people who have this model from various years and love it)

http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=ssn3gby2

http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=fzr6ovgj

http://www.bcsaddlery.com/sadusus.img/us04638.htm

http://search-desc.ebay.com/english-saddle_Saddles_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQcatrefZC6QQcoactionZcompareQQcoentrypageZsearchQQcopagenumZ1QQfromZR10QQfrtsZ150QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ3QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQftsZ2QQsabfmtsZ1QQsacatZ47281QQsaobfmtsZinsifQQsbrsrtZd

do some research, find out what is best review in the lower price range, what do avoid, and how to check quality.

My friend has a Stubben and it's really comfy =D.

[DixieGirl]

Thanks for the advice! :)

[luvs2ride1979]

What do you think about this saddle I found. It doesn't have oictures but I e-mailed the lady and asked for some.

http://flahorse.com/barnsale/ShowAdvert.php?CatID=57&AdID=51460

Kincades are crap! They are okay saddles, but she is charging too much. They go for $299-325 new. They are made in Idia with "premium" Indian leather, which is okay, but not great. You'd be better off looking for an older good brand like Stubben, Courbette, Crosby, Passier, etc. You can often find used Collegiates and HDR saddles cheap. They are a good mid-range saddle. Or, go for a Wintec CC saddle in Carmel or Brown. They really do look like leather and are very well made.

[crazy4horses]

I agree!! Crosby's and Wintec's are really good quality saddles. I have a Crosby I bought from my moms trainer and I got it for $375 and it was usaully $1,000!!

[DixieGirl]

Okay..I'll see if I can find a cheap and in good comdition Crosby at my local tack store or someone I know. :)

[DixieGirl]

Does anyone know a good place or site to get a good saddle at? My trainer loves Wintecs so i might check into one of those! What do your guys think??

[crazy4horses]

I'd maybe go to Horse and Kennel. They have a million different english saddles.

[DixieGirl]

I know but they are all so $$. Maybe I can get my mom to buy it then I can pay her back in payments!! I did that with my western saddle too.

[luvs2ride1979]

Google: Used English Saddle, and you will find a LOT of consignment shops online.

[cursivenight]

To find a saddle I'd look around locally. Then you can usually try it (don't buy it unless you can) and see if it fits you and your horse. There should be a tack store that sells used saddles as well as new ones. Depending on the brands and amount of use (also the seller's want for money) used or new saddle prices can vary. I would only buy from a website if it is trusted, and you know it will fit your horse, or you can exchange it if it doesn't.

[Haley]

on www.horse.com you can get an english starter set for 149 dollars (not including shipping of course) comes with saddle , bridle, and snaffle bit and some other stuff but i dont do english so i didnt take time to read it. just go to the website and look under english equipment.




its an internet saddle so it might be cheap but its a starter and ya

Umm, absolutely not. That's some terrible quality - it won't benefit horse or rider.

[crazy4horses]

I agree %100!! I know a girl whos horse bucked and reared with one of those really cheap saddles. She reared and bucked becuase the saddle was WAY to hard ans stiff on her back.

[DixieGirl]

Yeah you told me about that. I wouldn't like to get a saddle thats really hard. Also that it fits my horse.

[cursivenight]

If you truly want a GOOD well fitting, durable saddle, sometimes you'll have to take the plunge.

Saddle problems can sideline a horse for a very long time, or make it uncomfortable - the horse may get bad habits, hate being ridden, etc.

Personally, I'm not really keen on buying things such as saddle's online - you can't try them on the horse or you, you can barely look at it.

Used tack stores are one of the best places to get a cheaper saddle, just make sure it's in good condition - a reputable store will help you.

Good luck once again.

Stupid horse world expenses, eh? Saddle buying is the WORST.

[Haley]

If you truly want a GOOD well fitting, durable saddle, sometimes you'll have to take the plunge.

Saddle problems can sideline a horse for a very long time, or make it uncomfortable - the horse may get bad habits, hate being ridden, etc.

Personally, I'm not really keen on buying things such as saddle's online - you can't try them on the horse or you, you can barely look at it.



Absolutely. The good thing about a good saddle is that it's built to last, and it wears well. A cheap saddle can last you a few years, while a good one can last decades. They're expensive, but well worth the money.

If you're looking for a deal, you can usually find a used Crosby saddle for a low cost. :)

[DixieGirl]

Absolutely. The good thing about a good saddle is that it's built to last, and it wears well. A cheap saddle can last you a few years, while a good one can last decades. They're expensive, but well worth the money.

If you're looking for a deal, you can usually find a used Crosby saddle for a low cost. :)

I see what you are saying just the tack store in my city is really expensive and all. I know I would get out of there without spending a $1,000 easy. I really want a wintec or something realy similair to it. If anyone can help you can post on here or send me a message. Thanks to all!

[lcunningham]

Try eBay for used saddles, you can generally get pretty good deals there. Make sure though, that the person has a positive rating, get lots of pictures and verify that they measured the saddle correctly! I once bought one listed as a 17 in and they measured from the wrong points and it was really a much larger saddle! Also, if you buy one, request that they pack the saddle CAREFULLY as I once bought one from an individual and it was in too large a box wrapped once with bubblewrap, needless to say, the saddle was all but wrecked. Good luck!
ps Wintecs are good for fitting your horse as some models now come with interchangeable panels so you can custom fit the saddle to your horse!

[luvs2ride1979]

I see what you are saying just the tack store in my city is really expensive and all. I know I would get out of there without spending a $1,000 easy. I really want a wintec or something realy similair to it. If anyone can help you can post on here or send me a message. Thanks to all!

A girl I know has a 16" Wintec CC package, including matching bridle, for sale for $450. She only used it one season, and it's all brand new. The bridle is European and NICE! The whole set is worth nearly $700 new. If you're interested, I'll give you her email address.

[Haley]

You can definitely buy from eBay, but be careful! Make sure the seller has a return policy; you don't want to be stuck with a saddle that doesn't fit or isn't in the condition as was described. Make sure that you're able to see detailed pictures, and buy a reliable brand. Make sure to do your research!

[DixieGirl]

A girl I know has a 16" Wintec CC package, including matching bridle, for sale for $450. She only used it one season, and it's all brand new. The bridle is European and NICE! The whole set is worth nearly $700 new. If you're interested, I'll give you her email address.

I've very interested. Can i have her e-mail??

[Barrelbabe_23]

I would just take lessons and get a tranier....


but yes I totally agree with the people are saying about the Wintec saddles..