Saddle Seat
Choosing a Saddle: Western Saddle or English Saddle?
For the most part there are two distinct types of popular saddles, English and western. In reality there are distinctions within these two groups, especially in the English saddles, plus there are endurance saddles and Australian saddle styles. The two general saddle styles of English and western are impossible to mistake, and are designed to best suit the particular demands of the different riding styles.
Western saddles have one basic style with many different shape and size variations within that general form. The western saddle is distinctive with a horn and high fork on the front of the saddle, a deep seat in the saddle and a low to high cantle making up the back of the seat. The western saddle also has a distinctive saddle skirt as well as wide and long stirrups and fenders, often which are very ornate and carved.
English saddles are much lighter than western saddles and tend to be more simplistic in style. They have a much flatter seat, no noticeable fork and no horn, with the front of the saddle being correctly known as the pommel. The cantle at the back of the seat is rather thin and may be low to high as with the western saddle. The sides of the saddle that replace the skirts and fenders are known as the flaps, and they are close to the horse's body. The stirrups are very minimal in styling with a thin stirrup leather connecting them to the saddle seat. English saddles vary from hunt seat, the most common pleasure type of English saddle to dressage saddles and show saddles. Dressage and show saddles must meet certain requirements to be used in competition. The Australian saddle and the endurance saddle are a combination of features of both the English and western styles. They are becoming more popular with both groups of riders as general work and practice saddles since they are durable, strong yet light weight and practical.
Regardless of what type of saddle you are buying it is important to make sure that it fits the horse correctly. Poorly fitting saddles will result in saddle sores for the horse and a dislike of being ridden. Generally measuring the widest part of the saddle area on the horse's back and ensuring the inside measurement of the saddle you are buying is at least this large will ensure a close fit, but it is always best to have the opportunity to try it on the horse. If you are buying a new saddle or a used saddle bring your horse or make sure it can be exchanged if it doesn't fit correctly. Experienced riders recommend that you should be able to place three fingers between the front of the saddle, the pommel, and the horse's back to ensure a proper fit. If the space is larger than this the saddle is too big, if it is less the saddle is too small.
If the cinch is to small or does not reach around the horse's girth, simply buy a longer cinch. This has nothing to do with the fit across the back, which is the area where the pressure from the rider can really cause problems with a poorly fitted saddle. Always examine your horse's back if he or she seems uncomfortable under the saddle and look for any areas of rubbing or irritation that can indicate the saddle is not correctly fitted.
About the Author
Susanne Malloy is an avid equestrian and an editor for www.EnglishSaddleShop.com, your complete resource for new and used English saddles, riding apparel, and all
English tack
.
 |
 BEVAL STAMFORD 17 SEAT CLOSE CONTACT ENGLISH SADDLE LOWER  US $799.00
|
 Big Horn Haflinger 16 seat Western pleasure trail saddle US $990.00
|
 16 Billy Cook Western Saddle Softy Seat Hand Carved Make Best Offer US $849.00
|
 SHOW SADDLE PKG FULL CARVED TAN SOFTY SEAT 16 LOT OF SILVER 1033 US $339.99
|
 Silver Royal Full Roughout Trainig Saddle 16 SEAT US $689.00
|
 14 Stallion Western Barrel Racer Horse Saddle Black seat US $389.99
|
 15 Four Seasons Western Barrel Racer Horse Saddle maroon seat US $375.00
|
 Dakota Barrel Saddle Green Seat US $350.00
|
 Blinged out 155in Textan Barrel Racing Saddle with Ostrich Seat paid $2500 US $1,400.00
|
 Big Horn 1665 Tundra Flex Trail Saddle with Sil Cush 16 Seat US $1,360.00
|
 SELLE SMP CARBON MTB ROAD Seat Saddle 165g BLACK c US $499.00
|
 SELLE SMP CARBON MTB ROAD Seat Saddle 165g WHITE c US $499.00
|
 SELLE SMP CARBON MTB ROAD Seat Saddle 165g SILVER c US $499.00
|
 SELLE SMP CARBON MTB ROAD Seat Saddle 165g BLUE c US $499.00
|
 SELLE SMP CARBON MTB ROAD Seat Saddle 165g RED c US $499.00
|
 Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle with Cair 165 Seat US $355.00
|
 WESTERN SHOW SADDLE SET STARS FULL CARVED BLACK 15 SOFTY SEAT 1036 US $279.99
|
 Australian Western Rancher Saddle 18 or19 Seat US $479.00
|
 Troy Cox Western Show Saddle Size 145 seat US $299.00
|
 HARD SEAT RANCH ROPING SADDLE SIZE 16MEDINAS SADDLE SHOP US $880.00
|
 WESTERN SADDLE PKG HAND CARVED TAN 17 SUEDE SEAT 1023T1 NEW US $269.99
|
 JRD Custom DRESSAGE Saddle 17 Calf and Buffalo Very deep secure seat SUPER US $1,100.00
|
 14 Four Seasons Western Barrel Racer Horse Saddle Black seat US $375.00
|
 14 Four Seasons Western Barrel Racer Horse Saddle maroon seat US $399.99
|
 WESTERN SADDLE PKG HAND TOOLED MAHOGANY NAT 17 SUEDE SEAT EXTRA WIDE GULLET US $259.99
|
 Sensation Treeless Saddle Dressage Trail G3 seat US $899.00
|
 WESTERN SADDLE PKG HAND CARVED TAN 15 SUEDE SEAT 1023T1 NEW US $269.99
|
 Wade Style Saddle w Acorn Tooling and Roughout Hard Leather Seat 16 Medium Oil US $425.00
|
 Youth Cordura Leather Saddle w Zebra Print Seat 12 US $205.00
|
 Youth Cordura Leather Saddle w Zebra Print Seat 13 US $205.00
|
 WESTERN SADDLE SET CARVED TAN 155 BLACK SEAT CUTTER US $219.99
|
 Prestige Galileo Dressage Saddle 17 seat 33cm black very gently used US $2,100.00
|
 WESTERN SHOW SADDLE SET STARS FULL CARVED DK OIL BROWN 17 SOFTY SEAT 1036 US $279.99
|
 Rocking R Reining Saddle with a 15 Seat US $1,700.00
|
 Billy Cook Barrel Racing Saddle with a 15 Seat US $1,370.00
|
 Vintage 1980 Victor Saddle 15 seat acorn hand tooling US $950.00
|
 Circle Z Western Saddle With Aztec Silver Full Quarter Bars 1516or 17 Seat US $269.00
|
 BLACK MARSHA DE ARRIAGA LADIES SADDLESEAT SHOW SUIT MORGAN ARAB SADDLEBRED US $895.00
|
 New Dakota Pleasure Saddle with a 15 Seat US $700.00
|
 New Tex Tan Cutting Saddle with a 165 Seat US $1,590.00
|
 Reed Hill Saddleseat Day Coat Metal Gray s14 Poly 112 US $200.00
|
 WESTERN SADDLE PKG HAND TOOLED MAHOGANY NAT 16 SUEDE SEAT EXTRA WIDE GULLET US $259.99
|
 BARNSBY LANE FOX 205 EQUITATION CUTBACK SADDLESEAT WIDE TREE SHOW SADDLE US $475.00
|
 Martha Josey 15 Barrel Saddle very good condition black seat US $650.00
|
 SHOW SADDLE PKG FULL CARVED TAN SOFTY SEAT 17 LOT OF SILVER 1033 US $339.99
|
 Hereford Hardseat Saddle15 SeatMedTan w RawhideNEWBEAUTIFUL68 US $350.00
|
 LANE FOX SADDLESEAT SMOOTH BLACK 1718 OR 19 US $229.00
|
 LANE FOX SADDLESEAT SMOOTH BLACK 20 OR 21 US $229.00
|
 Saddle Seat Cliff Barnsby Lane Fox 21 inch saddle Beautiful US $753.50
|
 GOLD WINNER SADDLESEAT PKG BLACK BROWN 192021 US $299.00
|
 Albion SLK Ultima Dressage Saddle Low Head Narrow Seat 17 wide Ridden in 2 times US $3,400.00
|
 21 adjustable bar cutback saddle seat saddle Notthingham Royale US $775.00
|
 14 Barrel Saddle With Black Ostrich Seat Free FedEx Shipping US $550.00
|
 WESTERN SADDLE PKG MATT TOOLED OIL BROWN 165 SUEDE SEAT WIDE GULLET 1035 US $249.99
|
 Bates Dressage Saddle 165 Seat CAIR US $1,637.95
|
 Bates Dressage Saddle 165 Seat FLOCK US $1,637.95
|
 Bates Dressage Saddle 17 Seat CAIR US $1,637.95
|
 Bates Dressage Saddle 17 Seat FLOCK US $1,637.95
|
 Bates Dressage Saddle 175 Seat FLOCK US $1,637.95
|
 Bates Dressage Saddle 18 Seat FLOCK US $1,637.95
|
 BUCKINGHAM CLIMBING SADDLE W BATTEN SEAT Brand new US $250.00
|
 Prestige Archimede Close Contact Saddle 17 Seat 33cm Gullet Tobacco NEW US $999.99
|
 USED Kieffer Munchen All Purpose Saddle 18 seat medium tree Brown US $799.00
|
 WESTERN SADDLE SET CARVED TAN 15 BLACK SEAT CUTTER US $219.99
|
 WESTERN SADDLE PKG HAND TOOLED MAHOGANY NAT 15 SUEDE SEAT EXTRA WIDE GULLET US $259.99
|
 WESTERN PLEASURE SADDLE PKG FLORAL TOOLED CARVED TAN 16 BLACK SEAT NEW US $269.99
|
 Crosby Mark VI Close Contact English Saddle 17 seat US $266.50
|
 SYNERGIST ENDURANCE SADDLE 16 1 2 SEAT MED WIDE TREE US $1,600.00
|
 New 12 Youth Childs Kids Circle S Barrel Racing racer Saddle Pink Seat US $449.00
|
 WESTERN SADDLE PKG HAND CARVED TAN 16 SUEDE SEAT 1023T1 NEW US $269.99
|
 Thornhill Zurich Pro Trainer Dressage Saddle 17 seat XW35 reduced price US $900.00
|
 Beautiful Circle Y Show Saddle Dark Oil Silver Equitation Seat Excellent US $1,500.00
|
 Frank Baines Victorian Close Contact 175 inch seat Beautiful saddle US $950.00
|
 Rios Brothers Roping Saddle 16 Seat from around 1970 Excellent Condition US $795.00
|
 RJ Classics Prestige Saddleseat Olive Plaid Day Coat Jacket Suit Olive Jods6R US $249.99
|
 Stubben Sigfried All Purpose Saddle 18 seat 31 cm tree US $999.00
|
 Dominus Finalist Close Contact Saddle 165 seat wide tree US $695.00
|
 NEW Prologo CONE Nack Carbon Rails Road Bike Saddle Seat 85g US $299.99
|
 NEW Prologo CONE 30 Pro Ti Solid Rails Road Bike Saddle Seat 131g Black US $209.99
|
 All Purpose ReactorPanel Saddle 19 Seat Narrow Tree US $1,100.00
|
 LADIES CARL MEYERS BROWN SADDLESEAT SHOW SUIT MORGAN ARAB SADDLEBRED US $895.00
|
 NEW Prestige Archimede Saddle 17 Seat Havana Brown BENEFIT AUCTION US $990.00 |
 Saddle Suit saddle seat vest jods show saddleseat childrens custom US $450.00
|
 Freeform Classic Treeless Saddle with 18 Classic Seat Used 5 times US $1,200.00
|
 Western Saddle Parade Show Red White and Blue Patriotic Used 16 Seat Leather US $550.00
|
 16 Double T Barrel Saddle w Half Breed Alligator Seat US $366.00
|
 Reed Hill Saddleseat Men 3pc Suit Black Pin w Red Stripe wool blend size 40 US $299.00
|
 USED Piland Cutting Saddle Brown 17 Seat Semi Quarter Horse Bars US $1,000.00
|
 Twister Roping Saddle 145 seat NO RESERVE Fully Tooled Extra Heavy Made US $860.00
|
 21 Whitman Cutback SaddleSeat Saddle US $675.00
|
 15 Stallion Western Barrel Racer Horse Saddle Black seat US $399.99
|
 AX206 Hilason Brand New Hand Made Bronc Saddle 18 Seat US $794.03
|
 Selle SMP 2012 Pro Bicycle Bike Saddle Seat Black US $244.00
|
 Selle SMP 2012 Stratos Bicycle Bike Seat Saddle Black US $239.00
|
 Mens Navy Black Saddleseat Show Coat VICTORS 42 MINT US $250.00
|
 King Series Roughout Trainer SaddleLIGHT OIL w Dark Seat16NEW 512 US $400.00
|
 Selle SMP 2012 Avant Bicycle Saddle Seat Black US $244.00
|
 Reed Hill Saddleseat Day Coat Purple Blend s14 US $225.00
|
 West Trail 16 Saddle SynSuede SeatBlk PinkNEW15 US $265.00
|
 |
Allison 67-6886BLK Black Rough 'N Ready Universal Bucket Seat Cover - Pack of 2 List Price:  |
DescriptionAllison Black Rough 'N Ready Universal Bucket Seat Cover is the most cost effective and convenient way to change the look of the trucks interior or just looking to cover up torn or dirty seats. This special size seat cover is designed to fit compact and small size pick-up trucks with bench seats... |
 |
Classic Accessories MotoGear 73707 Motorcycle Saddle Bags List Price: |
DescriptionMotoGear Motorcycle Saddle Bags are a rugged, universal-fit cargo system that fits most bikes. The two generous bags hold groceries or a coat but are sleek enough to keep out of your way. Large zippered tops with an easy-open handle provide one-handed access... |
 |
Saddlemen Comfy Saddle Passenger Seat Pad - Adjustable Desperado - Studded 5112 List Price: |
DescriptionA great way to provide additional comfort for the passenger on long distance ridesSimply slip over existing passenger seat; no need to purchase a touring seatFit passenger seats over 7in wide, match Saddlemen Desperado and Cruiser seats and fit all sizes and styles of bikesAdds 12in to width of seat, 6in on either side; each side measures 9in L x 6in W x 41/2in H |
 |
Avenir Men's 100 Series Mountain Saddle (Black/Silver) List Price: |
DescriptionThe Avenir Series MTN Saddles feature a soft gel-foam top, CroMo rails, and a tough vinyl cover. Woman's model has a shorter & wider base. Cusions your backside so you can enjoy your ride. |
 |
Schwinn Adult Double Gel Bicycle Saddle Seat Cover List Price: |
DescriptionIncrease the comfort of your bicycle saddle with the Adult Double Gel Seat Cover from Schwinn. This cover fits neatly over your existing bike seat with a drawstring design for a secure, custom fit. With soft gel padding at key contact points, the cover increases the comfort of your bike seat so that you can ride in greater comfort, for longer... |
 |
Ergo The Seat Ultimate Bicycle Saddle List Price: |
DescriptionThe Seat Ultimate Bicycle Saddle offers an innovative design that removes pressure from the groin and soft tissues and moves your weight back to your sits bones for an improved riding position. The Seat's ergonomic design eliminates the protruding horn or nose found on conventional bicycle seats, providing a significantly more comfortable and healthy ride... |
 |
Saddle Seat Equitation
|
 |
The 2009-2014 World Outlook for Seats and Saddles for Bicycles, Unicycles, and Adult Tricycles
|
DescriptionThis econometric study covers the world outlook for seats and saddles for bicycles, unicycles, and adult tricycles across more than 200 countries. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P... |
 |
Winsome Saddle Seat 24-Inch Counter Stool, Walnut List Price: |
DescriptionOne contemporary Saddle Seat 24" wood counter height stool in Walnut finish. Solid wood construction; designed in the US, produced in Thailand of natural hardwood. Ships ready to assemble with all hardware and tools included... |
 |
Winsome Wood 29" Saddle Seat Stool, Nat. List Price: |
DescriptionSolid wood saddle seat stool. Contemporary design is gently curved for seating comfort. At 29" high, they are perfect bar height stools. |
