Types of Horse Saddles

Whether you have just started riding or have been riding for many years, it is important to choose the right tack for the right task. Each type of saddle has been specially designed for a specific task, and using the right saddle will make you more comfortable and make it easier for your horse to perform to the best of its ability. If your horse participates in a number of equine events, it is important to have a variety of saddles designed specifically for those specialized activities.

  1. Forward Seat Saddle

    • Riders who like to jump should look for a quality forward seat saddle. These English saddles make it easier for the rider to achieve the correct position over fences, allowing the rider to lift up and out of the seat and letting the horse jump more freely. Forward seat saddles are also designed to let the horse's shoulder move freely, something that is very important for both flat and over fence work. Riders competing in many English classes, including hunter classes and jumper courses, are typically required to compete in a forward seat saddle.

    Dressage Saddle

    • Dressage saddles are designed to let the rider sit deeply, providing greater contact with the horse and allowing the animal to work off his hindquarters. Dressage is a style of training, but it is also a recognized equine competition, and those who participate in this sport are required to use the proper saddles. The design of the dressage saddle provides the free shoulder movement horses need to do the more advanced dressage maneuvers, including lateral work, pirouettes and tight circles.

    Western Saddle

    • Western saddles have many distinguishing features, but the most obvious feature is the large saddle horn at the front. This saddle horn has traditionally served a number of purposes, from extra security when breaking and training a young horse to a convenient way to carry saddle bags and extra gear.

      There is no one type of Western saddle--in fact there are a number of different Western saddles, all designed with a different purpose in mind. Roping saddles are heavy, with a large horn wrapped in extra leather. This allows both rodeo contestants and working cowboys to work cattle while protecting the saddle horn and the rest of the saddle. Barrel racing saddles are designed to be lightweight so that the horse can run faster. These saddles also have deeper seats to make the rider more secure at high speeds. Show saddles are often covered with silver to get the attention of the judges and make the horse and rider stand out in a crowded show ring.

    Australian Saddle

    • Australian saddles are popular choices for endurance riding and other long-distance trail riding, but these unique saddles are often used for light riding as well. Australian saddles combine the comfort and security of a Western saddle with the light weight of an English saddle, making them a good choice for all-around riding. Australian saddles are available both with and without a saddle horn, so riders can choose which type of saddle they want to use.