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The two types of horse saddles from which all others are derived are the English saddle and the Western saddle. safety stirrups Although the two most common variants of saddles have these names, neither actually originated in England or the American west, respectively. The English saddle in its modern form was designed by a Frenchman, while Spanish Conquistadors brought an Iberian design to the New World that would become the western saddle.

Their origins aside, common use in their respective countries has associated their names with their styles. Riders in the English style – not just in England – use the English saddle. Equestrian events such as dressage, saddle seat, show jumping, polo and horse racing all feature English saddles. Thanks to its use among American cattle ranchers, the western or stock saddle is also familiar from cowboy films. Rodeos, barrel racing, cattle roping and trail riding are horseback riding activities that use the Western saddle to this day.

double bridle Although they share many of the same components, there are distinct differences between English and western saddles. The tree is the base upon which the saddle is constructed. Depending on the size of the horse and rider, the tree size will vary. The rider sits on the seat of the saddle, and the pommel – or swells – is the raised portion in the saddle’s front end. The back of the saddle is known as the cantle, and the stirrups, which connect to the tree via stirrup leathers, support the rider’s feet The strap that fastens under the horse’s barrel to hold the saddle in place is called the girth or cinch. Cushioning known as padding is attached to the underside of English saddles.

Flatter in appearance with a lower pommel and cantle, English saddles give the rider and horse more freedom of movement. english saddles The demands of riding while hunting foxes in the 18th century necessitated that this saddle change its shape. Western saddles have what is known as a horn – traditionally a knob to secure a lariat, a higher pommel and cantle, and because it has no padding of its own, a saddle blanket is required.