Getting Started?
New riders or riders choosing a new discipline typically have to make a lot of decisions when they get started and, like anything new, it can be a bit overwhelming!
New riders definitely come in all shapes and sizes too. We see junior riders starting out at Pony Club, adult riders who have recently started to ride, become interested in a new discipline or are returning to the sport after a break.
One thing that new riders notice is that there is plenty of information around about choosing a horse and how to get started with a particular discipline. Magazines often run features to help out new riders and your Riding club (or Pony Club for Junior Riders) can also be a good source of information.
After buying your horse, the next biggest investment will be in the gear and the equipment that you will need for your chosen discipline and that's when things can start to get really tricky.
For saddles, as an example, you will need to take into account
- the flexibility of the saddle you are buying
- both for different disciplines and for different horses
- the quality and lifespan of the saddle: where it is made, if it can be adjusted and it's potential resale value.
- Most importantly, the correct fitting saddle, as this will be a huge impact on how your horse responds to you - and will impact your level of control and safety plus the enjoyment you get from riding.
If you would like some more help or just some advice, we are always happy to talk to new riders about the best options for them and their horse.
We promise that there is never any obligation to buy so please give us a call on (030 59751055 or visit our showroom and we will be happy to discuss the options available and what will work best for you- both now and in the future.
You might also like to have a look at the list we have put together below to help new riders understand some of the things that they will need to consider.
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Flexibility- Changing Disciplines in the future
Some riders like to ride across multiple disciplines and others may end up trying a couple of disciplines before they find one that they really love..
It is important to consider if the saddle and bridle you are buying will be OK for multiple disciplines or it it limits you in the future.
Also, if you need to change in the future, will the saddle you are buying be able to be resold easily? The more flexible the saddle is the more people who may be interested in buying it from you.
2. Flexibility- Changing horses and horses changing!
Over time you may want (or need) to change to a new horse.
Even if you keep the same horse, their shape will change as they get older, grow, so it is important that the saddle you buy can be adjusted.
Also, some saddles are sold as being 'adjustable' but this can also mean that they never fit correctly- it is best to get the saddle proffesionally fitted PHS has an excellent saddle fitting service no matter what the location.
3. Flexibility and Quality - Resale Value
One of the things that is great about good saddles and bridles is that is has a lifespan after you have grown a little or changed horses or even move to a specialised discipline.
This means that good quality gear (that has been looked after) will always be able to be sold to another rider in the future if you need to.
please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a range of second hand saddles we have in stock.
4. Quality - Is the Cheapest option really the cheapest option in the long run?
When purchasing gear, saddles and bridles, the best option is to go for quality! Good quality leather saddles and bridles will last you a lifetime (if well taken care of).
Always ensure that the sizings of stock standard bridles and accessories are correct sizing. You only want to buy the item once! and not have to buy more pieces for the bridle to fit!
Remember to be educated on how to clean and nourish your gear. if you do not look after it, it will get dry and crack, resulting in badly damaged products.
A cheap stock standard saddle may be the quickest solution, but in the long run, it may cause damage to your horse's back as a result of not fitting properly, this will then cause your horse to be sour, sore and may not respond to aids as quickly or easily.
Always remember a correctly fitting saddle and accessories-ensures a happy horse, a happy horse - ensures a better more confident rider
5. Knowledge - Who can you trust when you are wanting to invest?
It is a hard to choose and know who to trust when getting a saddle re-fitted, or custom made for your horse, so how do you know?
The key is to ask lots of questions, why is the saddle sitting like it is? why is my horse misbehaving or feeling sore, What can i do to my current saddle that will help it fit properly? If i was buying this saddle what are the types of afterservices you give if i am having any problems with fitting?
It is important to know that an ill-fitting saddle CANNOT be solved by adding aids like riser pads, towels or padding, because imagine if you had a pair of shoes that did not fit properly, or you had a stone in the bottom of them. you could not fix this by adding padding you have to get the stone out or get the right sized shoes!
this is very important and only the most experienced saddlefitters will know the answers you need to solve your problem.
6. Money - How much money should i really spend when first starting out?
The number one rule you can go by, is choose the BEST QUALITY! this doesn't always mean the most expensive, whether it is second hand or new. If you do this and you look after what you have purchased, look after your horse by getting a regular saddle fit (once a year)
you will never look back!
From the Horobin Family and our knowledgable staff! We wish you luck in your equestrian adventures!
