The Difference in Size of a Western Saddle to an English Saddle

If you are new to the sport of horseback riding, one of the first things you will notice is the differences in the tack your fellow riders use. Some riders use large and heavy Western saddles, while others use ultra-lightweight English saddles. Understanding the differences between the two styles of riding, and the many distinct types of tack, is a big part of becoming an accomplished rider.

  1. Saddle Size

    • Western saddles tend to be much larger, and much heavier, than English saddles. When you look at a typical English saddle, you will notice there is little in the way of extra materials. The majority of the saddle is the seat itself. By contrast, a Western saddle contains a great deal more leather, and large areas both in front of and behind the seat itself.

      A Western saddle has a large swell at the front, with a saddle horn on top of that swell, as well as a skirt that extends behind the seat. The Western saddle is designed with a number of straps and connectors, a holdover from the days when cowboys needed to carry everything they owned with them from ranch to ranch. The larger size of the Western saddle means that it is much heavier than an English saddle. While an English saddle might weigh about 10 lbs., a Western saddle can weigh 50 lbs. or more.

    Seat Size

    • The technique used to measure a saddle seat differs from English to Western saddles. To measure the seat on a Western saddle, you place the tape measure on the front swell, just behind where the saddle horn attaches, and run it back to the stitching on the cantle, just behind the seat. For an English saddle you place your measuring tape on the small silver disk at the front of the saddle and run it back to the back of the seat.

    Western Saddle Styles

    • A number of designs and styles exist within the Western saddle industry, and those designs impact everything from the weight of the saddle to its intended use. Trail riders can choose lightweight saddles made from synthetic materials instead of leather. These lightweight trail saddles can weigh as little as 20 lbs., and riders can clean them with soap and water. Barrel racing saddles are lightweight as well, and designed to give the horse maximum range of movement through the shoulder. Reining and roping saddles are heavier, and intended to provide reining enthusiasts and roping competitors with the edge they need in the show ring and the rodeo arena. Western show saddles and parade saddles are very ornate, with large amounts of silver and highly tooled leather and inlays.

    English Saddle Styles

    • English saddles also come in a variety of types, each designed for a specific equine discipline or sport. Saddles designed for show jumping and hunting have a forward seat that helps the rider stay in the proper position when jumping fences. Dressage saddles have a deep seat and a longer stirrup length to help riders provide subtle cues to their horses in the dressage ring. General purpose English saddles are flatter than jumping saddles, but they use the same shape and stirrup design. These saddles are designed for trail use, and for use in flat classes at horse shows. The size of the general purpose and the jumping saddle are similar, but the dressage saddle is a bit larger and more substantial.