Most Popular Types Of English Saddles

Finding the proper horseback saddle for you is a crucial step in the beginner's journey. A saddle is an essential piece of equipment, providing balance and protection for horse and rider. So, taking the time to find the right one will benefit you greatly.

The English saddles for horses are among the most common ones. It's used for competitive and recreational riding; there are several types one can choose from. Based on their structure and usage, the categories are described below.

Dressage saddles have high cantles, enabling the rider to sit deeper. The saddle's vertical tree points allow shoulder movement. Saddles feature long billets for girth placement closer to the horse's elbow and improved contact through the saddle flaps. Various thigh and knee block options ensure the rider's leg security, catering to individual preferences.



Close contact saddles, just like the name suggests, bring the rider closer to their horse. With minimal flocking, there's more leg contact. These saddles are used in disciplines like hunter/jumper or eventing, where the forward flap design allows riders to exit the saddle.



Jumping saddles, also known as cross-country saddles, feature a squared-off cantle and a flatter seat, enabling riders to stay closely connected to the horse's movements. Typically, these saddles have foam panels for closer contact with the horse's back. Some models come with flocked panels, providing additional stability for both the horse and rider when navigating challenging obstacle courses.



With small and lightweight pads, the horse riding saddle is a very special one due to its size. These seats are flat and the rider rarely sits on them while riding. And this is normal due to the nature of the sport. When riding, their knees look like they will almost touch their ears. This positioning then releases the horse’s back of any possible restrictions.



Endurance saddles are specifically designed for long trails and extended rides, often covering 50-100 miles. These saddles prioritize the comfort of both rider and horse, featuring extra padding and longer flock panels for effective weight distribution. Riders can even attach weight bags on the sides, utilizing D-rings for secure fastening.



As the name suggests, polo saddles when playing polo. You can distinguish them from the other horse saddles by checking the lack of padding in the leg area, which provides more room for riders’ legs. It is because in polo, moving legs freely is crucial. Additionally, the saddles have straight, long flaps, and the riders’ legs in a straight line.



Purchasing a new saddle can be a substantial investment, but it's to find one that offers both comfort and functionality. When beginning your search for horse saddles, English saddles are a wise choice due to their variety and availability.

Saddles are crucial for keeping your horse steady and safe. Purchasing a new saddle can be a substantial investment, but it's important to find one that offers both comfort and functionality. When beginning your search for horse saddles, English saddles are a wise choice due to their variety and availability.