Saddle Seat & Hunt Seat Differences

While to the non-rider all English saddles may look the same, they aren't. Each style of English saddle is designed for a specific equine activity, and the design helps both horse and rider perform the movements specific to that sport. While both saddle-seat and hunt-seat saddles are English, their forms and functions are very different.

  1. Seat Design Differences

    • The seat style is different on hunt-seat and saddle-seat saddles. The saddle seat is flatter, with the rider sitting far back on the horse. The hunt-seat style, with its higher seat back, helps the rider take a more forward position. The hunt-seat saddle is designed for jumping, presumably at a fox hunt. To jump effectively, the rider must be positioned well forward to easily assume the two-point position needed when clearing a fence. Saddle-seat horses, on the other hand, perform on the flat. The flatter seat of the saddle-seat saddle and the far back positioning of the rider's weight are perfect for that activity.

    Cutback Design Differences

    • When you look at the saddle-seat saddle and the hunt-seat saddle from the top or side, the most noticeable difference you see is in the design of the fronts of the saddles. While the front of the hunt-seat saddle is solid and slightly rounded, the front of the saddle-seat saddle is cut back several inches. This cutback is positioned right at the horse's withers, and the design allows for greater movement of the horse's shoulder during riding and competition. Saddle-seat horses are known for their proud demeanor and high step. The cut-back saddle front gives the horse the freedom of movement he needs to perform that high-stepping gait. According to Jayne Pedigo of Equisearch.com, the saddle-seat saddle, also known as the Lane Fox saddle, is specifically designed to show off the shoulder movement of such breeds as the Morgan Horse, American Saddlebred and Tennessee Walking Horse.

    Stirrup Length Differences

    • Leg position is an important difference between the saddle-seat and hunt-seat riding styles. In hunt seat, the stirrups are shortened, with a noticeable bend at the rider's knee. This position makes it easier for the rider to move forward on the horse as he approaches a jump, positioning her body to make it easier for the horse to clear the obstacle. Saddle-seat riders use a longer stirrup with no bend at the knee. The longer stirrup makes it easier for the rider and the horse to stay in balance on the flat. According to Dr. Patricia A. Evans and Dr. Clinton G. Depew, writing for Utah State University and Louisiana State University, respectively, the stirrup leathers should hang straight down to help the rider balance properly. Both the hunt-seat and saddle-seat saddles have stirrups that are designed for proper leg position, even if the stirrup lengths are quite different.