There are many different styles of horse riding saddles out there. And, within each type, there are variations. What you will find is that there is a REASON saddles differ from each other in the way they are structured. It is not simply a matter of style or fashion. It is a matter of utility. What are the horse and rider trying to accomplish? Are they trying to jump a fence or rope a calf? Saddles have evolved over time to reflect the various things we do with horses.

There are four BASIC kinds of horse riding saddles that you will most likely see in a riding stable. Be familiar with their differences and the reason they are different. Lets start with a Dressage saddle: These saddles have a very straight cut, long flap in front which is designed to accommodate the longer leg position that a dressage rider utilizes in their discipline. The pommel and the cantle are a bit higher than in some other saddles which leaves a deep seat for the rider to sit and communicate with their horse using their natural aids. Some dressage saddles have more or less padding in this front flap depending on the riders preference in maintaining proper leg position.

By contrast consider the Hunt Seat saddle. This saddle is designed for jumping. Riders use a shorter stirrup length when they are jumping and for this reason, these saddles have a forward-cut flap that has padded knee rolls. The rider, therefore, sits slightly further back than in a Dressage saddle. These things help position the rider in an advantageous way to jump a fence. The pommel and cantle are lower than a Dressage saddle which serves to reduce any interference as the rider takes a two-point position, or half-seat.

The Cutback saddle is another English type saddle, like the other two. And, just so you know, you may hear this saddle referred to as a Lane Fox or a Park Saddle or a Flat Saddle. But they all refer to the same saddle. The Cutback saddle is known for and actually named for the cut back area in the pommel located at the withers. Horses with higher leg action, such as the Saddlebreds, the Tennessee Walkers, the National Show Horse, Morgans and Arabians, will utilize this saddle to accommodate the greater motion of the front legs and shoulders as well as to provide for the often higher withers associated with these breeds. The seat is longer and flatter than either the Dressage or Hunt Seat saddle. Because saddle seat riders also ride with a longer stirrup than hunters, the flap on the cutback is also straight and long.

Finally, we come to the Western saddle. This is a different animal from the three previously discussed horse riding saddles. The evolution of Western saddles has an interesting history that goes back to the Moors and Spaniards. But, without going into too much detail, suffice it to say that it was a war saddle, designed to accommodate a warrior on horseback and his various needs. The saddle was brought to this country and transitioned from a military saddle into one used to accommodate the needs of a working cowboy. Thus, the most distinctive difference is the presence of a horn which was used by cowboys to tie or dally a cow as they are maintaining the herd. And, because these saddles had to be strong enough to handle another animal being tied to the horn, western saddles are bigger, stronger and more substantial than English saddles. Also, unlike the English saddles the stirrups are not detachable, so the stirrups, where you put your feet, are bulkier making it is unlikely that your foot would get hung or stuck.

Although I will not go into it in this article, Western saddles differ among themselves based on what they are used for. For example, Roping saddles have thicker horns for securing a rope. Cutting saddles have a deeper seat and wider swells allowing the rider to endure sharp stops and turns. Barrel racing saddles are more lightweight, with wide swells letting the horse perform fast sprints easier. And there are many more!

This article is simply an overview of the 4 basic kinds of horse riding saddles that you will see in most riding stables. There are plenty more, based on other specialties, like Side Saddle. This should, however, give you enough information to get started learning the 4 basic saddles. If you have the opportunity, try out the various types and you will start getting a feel for what you may prefer.

Dressage Saddles offer a closer fit to the horse, maximising contact between horse and rider. Knee rolls and saddle flap length are often longer, helping to create a longer, more effective leg position. The pommel and cantle are often a little higher giving non restrictive security and support when in the seat and excellent centre of balance for the rider.

Jumping Saddles aim to give the rider extra grip and closeness. The saddle flaps and knee rolls are positioned further forward to accommodate for the more acute knee angle of the rider, providing better grip at the knee. The pommel and cantle are not raised high, enabling the rider to move in and out of jumping positions easily and without restriction.

General Purpose / All Purpose Saddles are widely used, versatile saddles. The cut of the saddle flaps and the height of the pommel and cantle allow for use in dressage, cross country and show jumping.

Fitting saddles requires a lot of skill and should be done by qualified saddle fitters. There are a few points that can be observed and monitored by you to ensure the saddle is not uncomfortable for your horse.
Saddle size is determined by measuring from either side of the pommel (at the front of the skirt), to the middle of the cantle in a straight line. When sitting in the saddle the rider should be able to place 4 fingers between themselves and the cantle.

The saddle,

• Should not place any pressure on the spine, too wide or too narrow can cause pain and damage or bruise the spine or muscles running along the horses back.
• Should not sit any further back than the 18th rib. Past this point there is soft and sensitive tissue that, if pressure is put on them, can cause discomfort.
• Should sit clear of the horses shoulder blade allowing for freedom of movement and preventing any pinching, bruising, soreness or loss of blood circulation to the Trapezius muscle.
• Should spread the weight of the rider evenly across the horses back. This will help to prevent pressure points from occurring.
• Should clear the horses spine by 4 cm between pommel and withers (without a numnah) when the rider is on the horse.

Saddles, their fit to your horse and their fit to you should be checked twice yearly or more so if competing. This will accommodate for any changes that have arisen in your horse or saddle due to weight loss or muscle tone, work load or type of work done.

It is important to be aware of the factors that affect the fit of your saddle:

• Ensuring you sit squarely in the saddle will help to prevent the saddle from becoming unevenly balanced.
• Mounting from the ground continuously on the same side can, over time, pull the saddle out of the correct shape and put strain on the muscles of the horses back.
• Both stirrup lengths should be the same, otherwise this contributes to uneven rider weight distribution.
• Correct cleaning and maintenance of your saddle will keep it supple, allowing it to adapt to the horses shape fully, reducing pressure points.
• Correctly sized numnahs and the use of them will prevent the saddle from cracking due to dirt and sweat from the horse.
• Changes in weight and size of the rider or horse however subtle can affect the fit and comfort of the saddle on the horses back.
• Changes in frequency, type and level of work that the horse is undergoing can alter the fit of the saddle.

It is easy to spot signs that your horse is uncomfortable under the saddle if you know what to look for,

• Bucking.
• Reluctancy to go forward, jump etc.
• Reacting negatively at the sight of the saddle or when you go to put the saddle on their back.
• Their back dipping as you mount or sit your weight on the saddle.
• Unevenness /changes in their stride or changes in their movement on certain reins.