| Before deciding if a side saddle fits the rider, one must | | | | have been crafted during a time when saddlers |
| first consider if the saddle fits the horse. No horse will | | | | thoroughly knew the art of designing side saddles, thus |
| be able to perform comfortably if it is not properly | | | | they would have been made to the utmost of |
| matched with a fitting saddle. A horse that is | | | | standards and perfections. |
| mismatched with its saddle will only end up with blisters | | | | Here are some things to consider in choosing a good |
| on its back, thus putting itself and the rider out of any | | | | side saddle: |
| recreation for awhile. The saddle must be the correct | | | | A good tree will have the typical asymmetric shape |
| size for the horse, thus one must consider the length | | | | that is necessary for good balance and a good and |
| of the horse's back and of the rider's thigh. A short | | | | comfortable fit when riding side saddle. Make sure that |
| saddle may be too uncomfortable for the rider, and | | | | there is no sign of any creaking, as it may indicate that |
| one that is too long just the same for both horse and | | | | the tree is not in its best condition. |
| rider. | | | | When considering the horn, the saddle should have |
| It is important to check the surface of the saddle by | | | | one that is setup like those in the old days of side |
| running one's fingers over it. The surface of the | | | | saddle riding. Also, be sure to check the leaping head, |
| saddle's re-stuffed panels should feel smooth to the | | | | as a perfect side saddle will have a screw that |
| touch. A new saddle would have a serge lining, which | | | | appears anti-clockwise. |
| made it possible for the wool flocking to be moved | | | | When it comes to billets and girths, make sure that |
| around and packed down through the fabric. It is also | | | | they are narrow, as these are best. The main trouble |
| quite soft and flexible, and unlike leather, is able to be | | | | with this is that modern horses are now much wider |
| stitched and re-stitched without tearing holes in the | | | | than those that once wore these classic saddles, thus |
| leather. When the flocking has settled, linen is put on | | | | it may be a bit of a challenge finding horses that match |
| top. This still has the benefits of being able to be | | | | the size of narrower saddles. |
| stitched and re-stitched, but is firmer than serge, and | | | | It is best to purchase side saddles with linen panels, as |
| will more easily hold flocking in place. | | | | these allow saddles to be re-flocked when necessary |
| If one goes about purchasing a newer side saddle, it | | | | without stitches being ruined. Linen can also be much |
| should have a serge lining that would allow the wool | | | | cooler in temperature for the horse as well. |
| flocking to be shifted about and packed down through | | | | When choosing the best side saddles, consider |
| the fabric. It should also be both soft and flexible, being | | | | Champion, Wilton, Whippy, Owen, Mayhew, and |
| able to be stitched and re-stitched without tearing | | | | especially those made by Passier, as these tend to be |
| holes in the leather. Though some may disagree, it is | | | | the best for all horses and riders depending of course |
| much better to purchase classic side saddles than | | | | on their size and fit. |
| new ones. This is because these older saddles would | | | | |