Difference in Cutting & Ranch Saddles

There are a variety of different types of western saddles, with some intended to perform a specific job or duty. The saddles have been customized over the years to provide optimal performance for riders who want to work on ranches, ride cutting horses and work cattle as well as roping, barrel racing or trail and pleasure riding. There are subtle differences between each type of saddle.

  1. Cutting Saddle Basics

    • Cutting is an equine sport that requires the cowboy and horse to cut a single animal from a herd. Cutting is a part of traditional ranch life as well as a highly competitive riding event within the horse industry. A cutting saddle is designed to allow the rider a high degree of maneuverability, allowing the rider to move the horse, but not hold the rider in the saddle. Riding a cutting horse in a cutting saddle requires a significant amount of skill and balance on the part of the rider.

    Cutting Saddle Design

    • A cutting saddle's most notable feature is its long, smooth, flat seat. It has a tall, skinny horn that is designed for being gripped by the rider and used as a balance aid for the rider rather than an anchor for a rope. The cantle is very low, designed to keep from hitting the rider in the park. The stirrup fenders are very mobile and easy to maneuver. The stirrups are small and slender to prevent the rider's foot from slipping as the rider works to balance in the saddle. The swells of a cutting saddle will be high to help keep the rider in place.

    Ranch Saddle Basics

    • Ranch saddles are a type of all-purpose working saddle. They can be used for a variety of working ranch tasks, but lack the specialization for use as a single purpose. Ranch saddles have had the same design for decades and tend to be heavy, sturdy and lack frills or complex design details.

    Ranch Saddle Design

    • Ranch saddles are designed for work. They have a deep seat to help hold the rider in and have a low swell and a high cantle. The horn is thick and fat, designed to support a rope while dallying livestock. These saddles will have heavy duty rigging designed to withstand significant abuse. The fenders are less mobile, designed to help put the rider's leg in a traditional position.