About English Saddles

History

• Riders in Europe used mainly high-pommel saddles during the 18th century, which were based on saddles used for bull fighting and cattle work. As foxhunting became more popular in England, a new saddle design became important. A saddle was developed especially for this new type of riding that was less cumbersome and resulted in less pain when riders went over jumps. This saddle, sometimes called the English hunting saddle, was the predecessor of all English riding saddles that have since been developed. Over the years, saddle shapes changed to keep up with new riding styles, such as eventing and show jumping. The new saddles provide both the rider and the horse with increased comfort and safety.

Function

• English saddles provide support for the rider and protection for the horse. When properly fitted, they enable riding and jumping without loss of balance, muscle damage, or pain, issues that are common when riding bareback or when using other saddle styles. Each type of English saddle is designed to suit the riding style it is used for and to improve upon the natural abilities of both horse and rider. Most English saddle designs were developed to allow the horse as much freedom of movement as possible when jumping and running.

Features

• Different saddles have variations in the seat design and height, flap length and stirrup length. Dressage, all-purpose and eventing saddles range from 14 to 19 inches, and saddle seat saddles generally measure from 17 to 22 inches. English saddles are built of laminated layers of wood that are reinforced with spring steel. This part of the saddle is known as the tree, and it can be slightly adjusted, but has a minimum of flexibility.
  Padding materials and leather are placed on top of the tree, and leather is added to all sides of the tree base to create the panels, flaps, and seat. Cowhide is typically the leather of choice, but other leathers are sometimes used. The under panels of English saddles are stuffed with wool fleece, although lower priced saddles are sometimes fitted with synthetic materials. Unlike Australian Stock and western saddles, English saddles do not have any horns or design elements that protrude above the main tree.

Types

• There are many different types of English saddles, and the primary distinctions are the flap length, seat location, and shape. The all-purpose, or eventing, saddle bears a deeper seat, long flap with a more forward placement, and was developed to be used when jumping and on the flat. All-purpose saddles are used primarily by amateurs and junior competitors. Jumping saddles were designed for show jumping, foxhunting, and stadium or cross-country uses. Jumping saddles bear a forward-cut flap to allow for shorter stirrup length. Dressage saddles include a very straight-cut flap, which is ideal for the longer leg positions held by riders on the flat.
  Other types of English saddles include endurance saddles, showing saddles, racing saddles, polo saddles, saddle seat saddles and side-saddles. Side-saddles, which were used by women riders through the 19th century, are uncommon now and can usually be found only in antique stores and estate sales. The type of saddle should be chosen based on intended use and comfort, and all saddles should be professionally fitted. Saddles that have been fitted incorrectly may cause bruising, soreness and behavior problems in the horse.

Considerations

• A properly fitted saddle is crucial for a variety of reasons. Poor saddle fit may result in back problems in the horse, such as the development of the wrong muscles and deterioration of the topline muscles. Hollows may develop behind the shoulders, which may lead to lordosis, or swayback, and pinched nerves. Symptoms of improper fit include a sore back, hollowing of the back and tensing of the jaw while under the saddle, reluctance to turn in one or both directions, bucking, rearing, uneven wearing on the hooves, shortness of stride, and an uneven sweat pattern under the saddle. Riders may also experience strain and discomfort from a poorly fitted saddle. Any evidence of an improper fit should be taken seriously to avoid further damage.