How to Use an English Saddle

Although called an English saddle, the saddle favored by today's dressage riders, hunt seat equestrians and gaited horse enthusiasts originated with Hungarian and German riders during the Middle Ages. Through the years, these three different types of riders refined the saddle to meet their specific needs. Those engaged in jumping use a saddle with a more forward seat, while saddles used for gaited horses put the rider behind the center of gravity in an effort to highlight their mount's lofty stride and animation. The saddle preferred by dressage riders boasts a deep seat that provides closer contact with the horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Web or leather girth
  • Saddle pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the style of English saddle that will work best for your style of riding. If you plan on doing any jumping, the forward-seat saddle is for you. If you ride a gaited horse, select a saddle-seat model. If you are planning on riding in dressage classes, a dressage saddle should be your choice. Many beginning riders will feel more secure in a dressage saddle. While there are some saddles labeled "all purpose," most of these will lean more toward the dressage type.

    • 2

      Place an English saddle pad on the horse's back. Most pads are similar in shape to the type of saddle.

    • 3

      Place the girth on top of the saddle, then place the saddle on the blanket from the left side, so that its front edge is near the rear of the horse's shoulder blade. Pull the blanket up into the gullet and make sure there are a couple inches of pad in front of the saddle and behind it. Move to the horse's right side to fasten the cinch. Most English saddles have three saddle billets and two buckles on the girth. For the average horse, fasten the girth to the front and rear billets. If the horse is broad-chested, fasten the girth to the front two billets. If he is narrow-chested, it is best to use the rear two billets. These placements will help the horse avoid any pressure sores or chafed skin. Once you have fastened the girth to the right side of the saddle, return to the left side to fasten the girth there. Take up the extra girth length gradually.

    • 4

      Walk the horse a few steps forward, then take up any extra slack. It is also a good idea to pick up each of the horse's forelegs and stretch them forward to remove any wrinkles that may have formed under the cinch.