Discover The Horse: Riding a World Champion Appaloosa (2:28)

Read more: Discover The Horse: Riding a World Champion Appaloosa (2:28)

17 Different Types of Saddles (When to Use Which One)

by Nicky Hoseck

Saddle-Savvy or Stumped?

While it is possible to ride a horse without a saddle, using one is usually a lot safer and more comfortable for horse and rider. Not only does the saddle help me balance, it also distributes weight more evenly to protect my horse’s back. He probably doesn’t want my seat bones digging into his spine!

Finding a saddle that fits you and your horse correctly is a top priority, but you also want something that’s comfortable and designed for your chosen discipline. That said, an All-Purpose saddle can be a great place to start until you narrow down exactly what you’d like to do!

Saddle Considerations

Safety should be uppermost in your mind when you’re looking for a saddle. Avoid anything that might put you in danger or cause your horse discomfort. When in doubt, ask a professional training and/or saddle fitter for assistance.

Discipline
Western or English is the first decision you need to make about your saddle. After that, you can either opt for an all-purpose design or focus on discipline-specific saddles.

Availability
If you live in the middle of nowhere or, like me, in Africa, you may struggle to find your chosen saddle at an affordable price. Getting a Sommer saddle imported from Germany or a Syd Hill & Sons stock saddle sent over from Australia could leave your bank balance reeling, so it’s often worth limiting your choices to what’s available nearby.

Fit (You & Your Horse)
Some saddles prioritize rider comfort, while others focus on the horse. Traditionally, Western saddles were fitted to the rider, but these days, it’s generally accepted that the saddle must fit the horse first and foremost. After all, an ill-fitting saddle can cause muscle atrophy, pinch nerves, and create painful pressure points.

Comfort
Your saddle must fit your horse correctly, but you also need some element of comfort in the saddle. There’s little pleasure to be had while perched uncomfortably on a rock-hard piece of leather!

Budget
Saddle prices vary wildly! You can pick up a basic starter saddle for a couple of hundred dollars or spend thousands on a high-quality, handmade specialty.

You can also save money without skimping on quality by looking for a used or second-hand saddle—just watch out for scams.

Saddle Materials

While the very first saddles were made from cloth, leather soon became the go-to material and remains so today. Synthetic saddles have gained popularity due to them being more affordable than leather saddles. They’re also lighter and easier to clean.

Leather

• Pros
  Long-lasting, durable, comfortable, provides good grip, and naturally breathable.
• Cons
  Expensive, heavy, and requires a lot of maintenance.

Synthetic

• Pros
  Affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean.
• Cons
  Not as naturally grippy or breathable and won’t last as long as leather.

English Saddles

The English-style saddle is smaller and lighter than the Western saddle.

English saddles were developed in Europe in the 18th century. With its smaller, flatter seat and lower pommel and cantle, the English saddle allowed the rider more freedom of movement, making it easier for them to jump hedges and ditches.

Types of English Saddles

Dressage

• Description: The dressage saddle has a deep seat and large knee rolls that secure the rider in a balanced position close to the horse. The flaps on either side of the saddle are long and straight, reflecting the long leg position preferred in the dressage arena.
• Purpose: The dressage saddle aligns the rider’s hips and pelvis with the horse’s movements, enabling the rider to sit deep and absorb the motion. The knee rolls help keep the rider in the correct position and minimize movement.
• Key Benefit: A dressage saddle positions the rider in an upright position, perpendicular to the ground. This increases security and harmony with the horse. It’s also easier to position your legs correctly in a dressage saddle.
• Drawback: Dressage saddles have higher pommels and cantles that may restrict the rider’s movements. For instance, you can’t jump a horse while in a dressage saddle because the pommel will prevent you from adopting the correct forward position.

Show Jumping / Close Contact

• Description: Unlike the dressage saddle, a close-contact saddle has curved, forward flaps designed to accommodate a shorter stirrup and higher knee placement. They have lower pommels and cantles than dressage saddles and shallower seats.
• Purpose: The close contact or showjumping saddle enables riders to get out of the saddle and adopt a forward, two-point, or hunt seat over obstacles.
• Key Benefit: A close-contact saddle won’t restrict a horse’s shoulder movement and makes it easy for the rider to get out of the saddle when necessary.
• Drawback: A close-contact saddle has a shallow seat that offers little support or stability, making it harder for the rider to balance.

All-Purpose Saddles

• Purpose: All-purpose saddles are ideal for equestrians who want to participate in lots of different disciplines. You can jump in an all-purpose saddle, go for a trail ride, and do a low-level dressage test in one.
• Key Benefit: The all-purpose saddle is extremely versatile and can be used for almost any discipline.
• Drawback: You can only go so far with an all-purpose saddle. If you want to jump higher, you’ll need a close-contact saddle. Similarly, if you want to compete in more advanced dressage competitions, you’ll need a dressage saddle.

Cross Country / Eventing

• Description: An eventing saddle is very similar to a jumping saddle but tends to have shorter flaps and more forward knee rolls to accommodate a shorter stirrup. Many cross-country and eventing saddles are also mono-flap.
• Purpose: A cross-country saddle gives the rider close contact with the horse. Which along with the shorter stirrups, helps when tackling large fences.
• Key Benefit: Helps the rider maintain a two-point position for longer periods than a jumping saddle.
• Drawback: You can’t ride a dressage test in a cross-country saddle because it’s not designed for the longer leg position required.

Saddle Seat / Cutback

• Description: The saddle seat or cutback saddle is extremely flat, and places the rider slightly behind the horse’s center of gravity. A low seat and cantle enable the rider to sit deep, moving with the motion of the horse.
• Purpose: The cutback saddle fits horses with high withers and a greater range of front-end movement. They are often used in saddle seat competitions where the emphasis is on the horse’s high-stepping action and high-head carriage.
• Key Benefit: The cutback saddle is specifically designed for horses with high withers and a high action in front.
• Drawback: Many cutback saddles actually pinch the horse’s withers rather than reducing the pressure. They also tend to have thin panels that may not adequately protect the horse from the hard tree.

Racing

• Description: Racing saddles are flat and lightweight, with small saddle flaps and short stirrup leathers.
• Purpose: Racing saddles are designed to keep the jockey crouched over the saddle in an aerodynamic position that allows the horse complete freedom of movement.
• Key Benefit: Racing saddles are small and lightweight, allowing the horse to travel at high speeds with little interference. Rather than sitting on the saddle, the jockey hovers above it perched on very short stirrups!
• Drawback: Racing saddles are only suitable for racing, providing little support for the rider and little protection for the horse. Racing saddles also exert considerable pressure on the horse’s withers, which could cause discomfort and loss of performance.

Polo

• Description: A polo saddle is very similar to an all-purpose saddle, although it tends to be lighter and has a higher pommel and lower cantle. The padding under a polo saddle is also wider, helping the saddle grip the horse more securely.
• Purpose: Designed for polo, the polo saddle has a high pommel to give the rider extra security when swinging for the ball and a lower cantle so they can lean further back. There are no knee rolls as these would restrict the rider’s movements.
• Key Benefit: A polo saddle will optimize your performance and withstand the rough and tumble activities required on the polo field.
• Drawback: Polo saddles are designed specifically for polo and will likely not perform well in any other discipline.

Sidesaddle

• Description: Unlike other English saddles, the side saddle has two pommels, each of which supports one of the rider’s legs. Both the rider’s legs are positioned on the left side of the horse, with the left leg in the same position as it would be were the rider astride a normal saddle.
• Purpose: Traditionally, the side saddle was designed for women wearing skirts or dresses to ride horses in fine clothing. These days, some people choose to ride side saddle simply for the fun of it.
• Key Benefit: Using a sidesaddle, you sit higher off the horse, so you could continue riding a horse that normally might be viewed as a bit small for you. A sidesaddle may also improve your balance and posture, and prevent you from getting ahead of your horse when jumping.
• Drawback: It can be a lot harder to dismount from a side saddle in an emergency.

Read more: 17 Different Types of Saddles (When to Use Which One)

Enhancing Horse Health and Training: Key Insights for Equine Enthusiasts

The equine industry is vast and diverse, offering numerous disciplines, training techniques, and care requirements for horses. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, a breeder, or someone simply passionate about horses, understanding how to maintain the health and well-being of these magnificent creatures is crucial. In this article, we will explore key aspects of horse health, effective training methods, and current trends within the equine world that every enthusiast should know.

1. Understanding Horse Health: The Foundation of Success

Proper care and attention to a horse’s health are essential for maximizing their performance and longevity. Horses are strong, resilient animals, but they require specific care to thrive. Here are some fundamental elements of horse health to consider:

• a. Nutrition and Diet
  A horse’s diet plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. They need a balanced diet that includes hay, grass, grains, and fresh water. Depending on their activity level, age, and health conditions, some horses may also require specialized feed. Consulting with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian can help create a diet tailored to your horse’s individual needs.
• b. Routine Veterinary Care
  Regular check-ups with a qualified veterinarian are important for catching early signs of illness or injury. Vaccinations, deworming, dental care, and regular hoof trimming are all essential parts of a horse’s routine health maintenance.
• c. Hoof Health
  The hooves are one of the most critical parts of a horse’s body and must be cared for properly. Regular visits from a farrier, who specializes in hoof care, are essential for keeping hooves in top condition. Horses who are ridden regularly may require additional hoof protection such as horseshoes, while others may benefit from barefoot trimming.

2. Effective Training Techniques: Building a Strong Relationship with Your Horse

Training a horse is about more than just teaching it specific skills—it’s about building trust, improving communication, and creating a strong partnership between the rider and the horse. Here are some key training principles to follow:

• a. Patience and Consistency
  Horses thrive on routine and consistency. The most successful training sessions are those that are structured, clear, and predictable. Positive reinforcement and gradual steps are essential in helping horses learn new skills without feeling overwhelmed.
• b. Groundwork Before Riding
  Before jumping into riding, it’s important to establish solid groundwork. Teaching a horse basic commands such as “halt,” “walk,” and “whoa” on the ground can improve their responsiveness and make riding more effective and safe. Groundwork also helps to build a strong bond of trust, which is vital for a positive riding experience.
• c. Building Trust Through Connection
  A successful training session is based on mutual trust. Horses are intelligent animals that are highly attuned to their handler’s emotions. Calm, gentle communication and an understanding of horse behavior can foster a deep bond and create a strong, effective partnership.

3. Equine Sports and Competition: New Trends and Innovations

Equine sports are an exciting and diverse part of the industry, with many disciplines catering to different interests, from dressage and eventing to show jumping and polo. Staying updated on the latest trends and innovations in equine sports can provide insights into how the industry is evolving and what’s next for competitors.

• a. Technology in Equine Sports
  Technology has begun playing a prominent role in equine sports, particularly in performance tracking and training. Devices such as heart rate monitors, GPS trackers, and motion sensors can help riders and trainers assess a horse's physical condition, stamina, and recovery after training or competition. This data-driven approach allows for more precise and targeted training programs.
  Furthermore, advancements in digital tools are transforming the way equine industries market themselves. With an AI picture generator, trainers, breeders, and event organizers can create visually striking marketing materials, such as promotional images for horse sales, event posters, or advertisements for equestrian gear, all using AI-generated imagery that can be customized in seconds.
• b. Sustainability in Equine Practices
  As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration across all industries, the equine world is also beginning to embrace eco-friendly practices. From sustainable horse bedding options to energy-efficient facilities, the focus on sustainability is helping reduce the environmental impact of equine activities.
• c. Equine Sports for All Levels
  Whether you’re a competitive rider or someone just starting in equine sports, there are events and opportunities for every level. From amateur to professional competitions, equine sports offer a sense of community and achievement. In fact, many equine organizations offer entry-level competitions to encourage newcomers, making it easier for everyone to get involved and grow their skills.

4. Equine Tourism: Experiencing the World of Horses

Equine tourism has become an increasingly popular way for people to engage with the horse world. Whether through riding vacations, equestrian events, or equine-focused adventure tours, these experiences allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of horses while enjoying beautiful landscapes.

Equine tourism is also a great way to support local equine businesses and communities. Horseback riding tours, ranch stays, and even volunteer opportunities on horse farms offer unique experiences for those looking to explore new places while learning about horse care and training.

5. Conclusion: The Future of the Equine Industry

The equine industry is constantly evolving, and there are exciting innovations taking place in health, training, and sports. Whether you’re passionate about horse care, competition, or simply enjoying the companionship of horses, staying informed and engaged with the latest trends will help you succeed in the world of horses.

From using new technologies to enhance training and performance to embracing sustainable practices, the future of the equine industry looks promising. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in the world of horses.

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Health & Education.

Arena Etiquette with Anne Brzezicki (Certified Horsemanship Association) (5:00)

Anne Brzezicki will explain proper and safe riding etiquette in an arena. This is a educational and safety video brought to you by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) For more information on the largest certifying body of riding instructors and barn managers in North America, Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA.horse. To find a certified equine professional or accredited equine facility near you, visit www.CHA.horse.

Read more: Arena Etiquette with Anne Brzezicki (Certified Horsemanship Association) (5:00)