Horse riding saddles, which is also referred to as equestrian saddles, are seats attached on the horses back to support the rider. Riders use saddles for security and comfort when riding a horse. Before, saddles are just made of some sort of padding or protection secured by a surcingle. Today, saddles have more elaborate designs.
Horse riding saddles come in various styles including, but not limited to, English saddles, Stock saddles, military saddles, Asian saddles and endurance saddles. Within each style, there are variations that differ in the structure of the horse riding saddles. And the structures differ because of the specific uses.
There are four basic types of horse riding saddles that are most likely to be seen or encountered. These basic types differ in structures as well as in their intended use.
A dressage saddle is an English saddle that is used by dressage riders who perform discipline that do not involve jumping. For this reason, the saddle is designed with a deep seat to allow the rider to sit comfortably and relaxed. It has long stirrups, long and straight down saddle flaps, a high cantle and a high pommel. In this type of saddle, padding is lesser.
Another popular type of English saddle is the hunt seat saddle, which is quite the opposite of dressage saddle. This saddle is used by riders in disciplines that involves forward seat riding where the rider needs shorter stirrups for extra support. It is characterized by forward-cut flap that has more padded knee rolls. It is made with a flat, padded seat that is positioned further back, a low cantle, low pommel and knee rolls with padding.
Also known as jumping saddle, forward seat and close contact saddle, hunt seat saddle is very popular. Riders use hunt seat saddle in show jumping, hunt seat equitation, fox hunting as well as in stadium and cross-country phases of eventing.
There is also the cutback saddle, which also belongs to English saddles. This saddle is sometimes referred to as saddle seat saddle, Park or Lane Fox. It is designed with a seat that is longer and flatter than the seats on hunt seat saddles or dressage saddles. Also, it has wide front-to-back flaps, long stirrups and cut back pommel.
Western saddle, commonly known as cowboy saddle, is a popular saddle particularly in the western part of United States. It is used for Western riding and on working horses on cattle ranches. This saddle differs from other saddles because it is designed with a horn where riders tie or dally a cow.
Western saddles feature deep seats and high cantles. They are designed with heavy and substantial trees to absorb the shock of roping. Also these saddles have no padding between the trees and the external leather and fleece skirting. Western saddles come in many types including roping saddle, cutting saddle, barrel racing saddle, endurance saddle, trail saddle and equitation saddle.
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