Buying a saddle that works for you and your horse can be more challenging than you might think.

The options are endless, so the process of them narrowing down is daunting. Making a mistake in the saddle-buying process can be costly, both in terms of lost time and money.

Avoid these five common pitfalls:

1. Buying a Saddle Because the Pros Use It

Don’t fall for marketing messages when it comes to buying a saddle. Sure, the famous equestrian you look up to may use a certain brand, but that doesn’t mean that brand will work for you and your horse.

Maybe your riding instructor or your expert team roping friend recommended a maker to you. That’s great — but take the information under advisement. Don’t purchase a saddle sight unseen just because “they” — whoever they may be — told you to.

Buying a saddle should be a personalized, custom process. Don’t rush.

2. Deciding Based on Looks Alone

Owning a gorgeous saddle can enrich your riding experience, but aesthetics come second to function. Don’t purchase the most beautiful option — get the one that is the most comfortable and works best for you. You and your horse will be happy you did.

3. Buying the Cheapest One

Don’t get your priorities mixed up when buying a saddle and focus on price only. There are some very reasonably priced saddles that will work well for you and your horse and stand up to the test of time, but you have to do your due diligence to make sure it’s a quality product. You can’t just go for low price only.

4. Buying for You, Not Your Horse

Find a saddle you can stand (or sit in!), but research basic fit and don’t be selfish when searching for the right one for you. Think about your horse too!

5. Trying to Buy a One-Size-Fits-All Saddle

Do you ride multiple horses for multiple purposes? It’s tempting to try to find one saddle that works for all of them, for all uses.

Take it from a team that sells saddles every day: This isn’t realistic. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all saddle. You’ll have to invest in custom options for each horse and each sport or activity. Talk to our staff about activity-specific options that will work for you.

At Frontier Trailers & Roping Supply, we make it our goal to provide high-quality products at reasonable prices. Buying a saddle isn’t difficult when you have us assisting you throughout the process. Call or visit us in Spanish Fork today!