Horse Riding Saddles " Four Basic Types of Saddles

Horse riding saddles, which is also referred to as equestrian saddles, are seats attached on the horses back to support the rider. Riders use saddles for security and comfort when riding a horse. Before, saddles are just made of some sort of padding or protection secured by a surcingle. Today, saddles have more elaborate designs.

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.

The dressage saddle is an English saddle that is designed with a deep seat, long stirrups, and long and straight saddle flaps with a slight bend in the knee. It has a higher cantle and pommel and a knee block that is usually pronounced. This type of saddle is used by riders in a discipline called dressage, in which the rider sits upright and in a more relaxed position.

Like the Dressage saddle, the hunt seat saddle is also an English-type saddle. However they have very different structures. Hunt seat saddle features a flat, padded seat that is positioned further back, shorter stirrups, low cantle and pommel, and padded knee rolls. But the most distinguishing feature is its forward-cut flap that allows for a shorter stirrup length.

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.

There is also the cutback saddle, which also belongs to English saddles. This saddle is sometimes referred to as saddle seat saddle, Park or Lane Fox. It is designed with a seat that is longer and flatter than the seats on hunt seat saddles or dressage saddles. Also, it has wide front-to-back flaps, long stirrups and cut back pommel.

Not all popular saddles are English saddles. Western saddles are also one of the basic saddles used today. A Western saddle is developed for the purpose of working cattle across vast areas. It is characterized by the horn on top of the pommel on the front of the saddle.

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.

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