Western Arabian Saddle
Saturday, January 29th, 2011Western Arabian Saddle
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 Simco Arabian Arab Western Show Trail Pleasure Work Saddle 16 NICE Wide Tree $750.00 Time Remaining: 29d 12h 34m Buy It Now for only: $750.00 |
 16 CIRCLE Y ARABIAN WESTERN SADDLE ROUND SKIRT TRAIL REVISED DESCRIPTION $395.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 13h 43m |
 15 1 2 BIG HORN ARABIAN ARAB Black Leather Cordura Western Saddle No Reserve $198.49 (30 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 13h 39m |
 15 Simco Western Arabian Working Saddle $750.00 Time Remaining: 7h 11m Buy It Now for only: $850.00 |
 Silver Laced 15 15 1 2 ARABIAN Show Pleasure Gaited Fancy Western Trail Saddle $585.00 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 53m Buy It Now for only: $650.00 |
 Crates Western 15 Arabian Show Pleasure Fancy Trail Saddle with Silver $825.00 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 55m Buy It Now for only: $925.00 |
What size for Arabian saddle?
I have 2 Arabian mares. I need a 17-18" western saddle but I keep finding with full QH bars. Some do not say what size bars but give the gullet size. I do know to look for a round skirt.
When they refer to this, what numbers should I be looking for to fit Arabians?
Very few people here own Arabians. None of the tack stores here carry items for Arabian sizes because of this so I have to resort to the Internet. There is no one to ask about it because of this.
Outfitting Your Arabian
Arabian horses require the same kinds of saddles, bridles and stable halters as other breeds. However, most Arabians require slightly different sizes.
Arabians usually need western bridles that are smaller in the cheek and brow areas. A cob size English bridle (the smallest size made for horses) fits most Arabians. Breast collars made for Arabians usually fit better than those designed for larger, more broad-chested breeds such as Quarter Horses. If used, a martingale designed for Arabians fits best because it accommodates the breed's higher neck set and head carriage.
Because Arabians usually have more refined heads with smaller muzzles than other breeds, they also need smaller bits. The typical Arabian bit is size 4 3/4 (4 3/4 inches across). Horses with narrower jaws (from side to side, where the bit lies in the mouth) may need a 4 1/2. Arabians with wider mouths may take a standard horse size bit (5 inches).
Retail and mail-order tack stores often sell tack specifically designed to fit Arabian horses. However, some standard horse equipment also may fit. For example, western saddle blankets and pads that are 30 inches x 30 inches will fit most Arabians. Pads measuring 29" down the back may fit even better. A 30-inch western cinch usually fits an Arabian, and an English girth of 44 to 46-inches should fit the average Arabian (girth sizes start at 38 inches).
Most Arabians are wide (very round) in the barrel. The "well-sprung" ribs which contribute to the Arabians exceptional lung capacity and stamina result in wider backs. Because of this, "Arab" saddle trees (the underlying structures of saddles) are wider than standard saddle trees. A wide tree also prevents the saddle from rubbing low and/or wide withers.
Arabians usually have short backs, which help them carry heavier weights than longer-backed horses. Because the Arabian's back is shorter, the western saddle's skirt should not be more than 27 inches long (measured down the horse's back). The shorter skirt prevents chafing as the hind legs move forward. There are a variety of English saddles, depending upon the style of riding. Most riders use dressage, hunt seat (jumping), or "all-purpose" English saddles (designed for both the flat and jumping) for casual pleasure riding. Lightweight saddles designed for endurance riding are also popular for competition and trail riding. In English Pleasure classes at Arabian shows, cutback saddles are used. Riders in Show Hack classes use dressage saddles, and hunters and jumpers use hunt saddles.
To learn which style of tack is best for your horse and how to fit it, observe what others use and ask experienced Arabian owners for guidance. Tack store employees can also help you find the proper fit for your Arabian. The sizes suggested here are general guidelines. Individual Arabians vary, and all tack should be chosen to provide the most comfort to the specific horse.
