Should I Buy An English Or A Western Saddle?

Susanne Malloy answers:

Saddle Buying - English Or Western?

For the most part there are two distinct types of popular saddles, English and western. In reality there are distinctions within these two groups, especially in the English saddles, plus there are endurance saddles and Australian saddle styles. The two general saddle styles of English and western are impossible to mistake, and are designed to best suit the particular demands of the different riding styles.

Western saddles have one basic style with many different shape and size variations within that general form. The western saddle is distinctive with a horn and high fork on the front of the saddle, a deep seat in the saddle and a low to high cantle making up the back of the seat. The western saddle also has a distinctive saddle skirt as well as wide and long stirrups and fenders, often which are very ornate and carved.

English saddles are much lighter than western saddles and tend to be more simplistic in style. They have a much flatter seat, no noticeable fork and no horn, with the front of the saddle being correctly known as the pommel. The cantle at the back of the seat is rather thin and may be low to high as with the western saddle. The sides of the saddle that replace the skirts and fenders are known as the flaps, and they are close to the horse's body. The stirrups are very minimal in styling with a thin stirrup leather connecting them to the saddle seat. English saddles vary from hunt seat, the most common pleasure type of English saddle to dressage saddles and show saddles. Dressage and show saddles must meet certain requirements to be used in competition. The Australian saddle and the endurance saddle are a combination of features of both the English and western styles. They are becoming more popular with both groups of riders as general work and practice saddles since they are durable, strong yet light weight and practical.

Regardless of what type of saddle you are buying it is important to make sure that it fits the horse correctly. Poorly fitting saddles will result in saddle sores for the horse and a dislike of being ridden. Generally measuring the widest part of the saddle area on the horse's back and ensuring the inside measurement of the saddle you are buying is at least this large will ensure a close fit, but it is always best to have the opportunity to try it on the horse. If you are buying a new saddle or a used saddle bring your horse or make sure it can be exchanged if it doesn't fit correctly. Experienced riders recommend that you should be able to place three fingers between the front of the saddle, the pommel, and the horse's back to ensure a proper fit. If the space is larger than this the saddle is too big, if it is less the saddle is too small.

If the cinch is to small or does not reach around the horse's girth, simply buy a longer cinch. This has nothing to do with the fit across the back, which is the area where the pressure from the rider can really cause problems with a poorly fitted saddle. Always examine your horse's back if he or she seems uncomfortable under the saddle and look for any areas of rubbing or irritation that can indicate the saddle is not correctly fitted.

Susanne Malloy is an avid equestrian and an editor for http://www.EnglishSaddleShop.com, your complete resource for new and used English saddles, riding apparel, and tack.