English Saddle Types

The English style of riding encompasses a number of different disciplines, from show jumping and fox hunting to English Pleasure classes and dressage. Each discipline features its own style of tack, including saddles designed for the needs of the particular riding style.

  1. Saddle Seat Saddles

    • The saddle seat style of riding is different from traditional English riding in a number of ways. For one thing, saddle seat riders sit farther back on their mounts than traditional English riders, allowing their horses to elevate their front ends and display the exaggerated movements typical of this style. Saddle seat riders also ride with longer stirrups and a straight leg. Saddle seat saddles are designed with a flat seat and a cutback at the withers to position the rider farther back.

    Dressage Saddles

    • Dressage saddles have a deep seat designed to give the rider better contact with the horse's sides. This close contact allows a rider to cue the horse very subtly, giving the illusion it is performing movements completely on its own. Dressage saddles are also designed to give the horse maximum range of movement, particularly in the shoulder area. Many dressage movements require the horse to elevate its front end and engage its hindquarters; a well-designed dressage saddle makes that easier by giving the horse the freedom it needs through the shoulder muscles.

    Forward Seat Saddles

    • Forward seat saddles are designed for disciplines in which horse and rider must jump fences and other obstacles, such as in show jumping, cross country riding and fox hunting. These saddles feature a back that is tilted forward and built up, tilting the rider forward and helping him maintain the proper position as the horse approaches the fence, jumps it and lands on the other side.

    General Purpose Saddles

    • General purpose English saddles feature a seat that is flatter than one on a forward seat jumping saddle, but not as flat as on saddle seat saddles. General purpose saddles are perfect for riding on flatter ground. They are often seen on trail rides and in the show ring. General purpose saddles are used for flat classes in the show ring, such as Hunter Under Saddle and English Pleasure. Many new riders start with a general purpose saddle because they can be used in a number of riding disciplines.