by Lisa Blackstone
Horse riding saddles, also known as equestrian saddles, are supportive structures for riders that are secured on the back of a horse by a girth. It is used by riders for comfort and security. History shows that the earliest saddles were simple pads that are attached to the horse with a surcingle. But now saddles are built with different parts for additional aids to the rider.
Horse riding saddles come in various styles including, but not limited to, English saddles, Stock saddles, military saddles, Asian saddles and endurance saddles. Within each style, there are variations that differ in the structure of the horse riding saddles. And the structures differ because of the specific uses.
Horse riding saddles have different structures as each has different uses. Among them are the four basic types which are the dressage saddle, hunt seat saddle, cutback saddle and the Western saddle.
A dressage saddle is an English saddle that is used by dressage riders who perform discipline that do not involve jumping. For this reason, the saddle is designed with a deep seat to allow the rider to sit comfortably and relaxed. It has long stirrups, long and straight down saddle flaps, a high cantle and a high pommel. In this type of saddle, padding is lesser.
A hunt seat saddle is also a type of English saddle but its structure is quite opposite to that of the dressage saddle. This is so because hunt seat saddle is used in disciplines that involve jumping. This saddle is designed with a flat seat, short stirrups, low cantle, low pommel and knee rolls with padding. What makes it so different from others is its forward-cut flap.
Also known as jumping saddle, forward seat and close contact saddle, hunt seat saddle is very popular. Riders use hunt seat saddle in show jumping, hunt seat equitation, fox hunting as well as in stadium and cross-country phases of eventing.
Cutback saddle is also a popular type of English saddle that is used for saddle seat riding. Saddle seat riding is a horseback riding that is designed to show off the high trotting action of a certain horse breed. It has longer and flatter seat, wide front-to-back flaps, cut back pommel and long stirrups. This saddle is also known as saddle seat saddle, Park or Lane Fox.
A Western saddle, also known as cowboy saddle, is a horse riding saddle used on working horses on cattle ranches. It is also used for Western riding, which is a horseback riding style which evolved from the ranching and warfare traditions. Its most distinguishing factor is its horn on top of the pommel. The saddle horn is used by cowboys to tie or dally a cow as they are maintaining the herd.
Western saddles, unlike the English saddles, have no padding between the trees and the external leather and fleece skirting. They have deep seats and high cantles. And to absorb the shock of roping, Western saddles are designed with heavy and substantial trees.
About the Author:
Author Lisa Blackstone specializes in providing tips on horse riding saddles. She owns Arabian horse training and breeding business and has a wealth of knowledge on the horse industry. For more information on horse riding saddles visit
Riding Saddles and
Equestrian Saddles.