Western vs English Saddles: Which One Should You Choose?

Experienced horse riders know well that there are different types of seats for horseback riding. Different riding styles require different types of seats and the seat should be tailored to the specific disciplines and preferences. If riding a horse was always been your dream, it’s important to know which type of seat to choose to ensure you’re getting optimal comfort and help you achieve optimal performance.

Most horseback riders are torn between supportive and cushioned English saddles or Western options. Both types have their benefits, but some nuances around them are important to understand so you know what you’re getting yourself into. After all, horseback riding can be a dangerous sport if you’re not using the right gear or riding in a way that is not safe for you and your horse.

Differences Between English and Western Horse Saddles

First and foremost, the primary function of the horse saddle is to provide the rider with a balance. It also feels way less heavy on the horse when he has a seat over his back than when riding the horse without one.

Although some horseriders prefer bareback riding, this is only good for short periods. However, if you plan to go on longer horseriding, it’s always preferred to put on a saddlery for your own and your horse’s well-being. It makes you a considerate horseback rider. Whether you choose Western or English saddles, will depend on several factors.

Anatomy of English and Western Saddles

The anatomical differences between the two types of horse saddles reflect their unique riding disciplines and traditions related to English and Western riding. The former typically features a close-contact design with a flat seat and somewhat thinner padding. As such, they allow riders to position their leg at a straighter angle which is ideal for jumping and dressage. English saddlery also has stirrup bars that are positioned under the rider’s centre of gravity to provide a balanced seat and close contact with the horse.  

On the other hand, Western saddles are designed with deeper seating and thicker padding which provides ridders with greater support and stability during extended ridings. They also have a prominent horn at the front which is used for securing ropes. Therefore, this type of saddlery is suitable for ranch work and roping. 

What Are English saddles good for? 

English horse seats are much lighter than their Western counterparts. As already mentioned, they have less padding which enables closer contact between the rider and the horse and thus, better precision in riding techniques. The seating design allows you to be in optimal position while riding, ensuring solid balance, but it also provides the horse with freedom of movement. 

The overall construction of an English horse saddle makes it ideal for disciplines that require close contact with the horse such as dressage, jumping, eventing and hunter competitions. The design of Western seats is suitable for disciplines such as ranch work, trail riding, rodeos and reining. 

What Type of Saddle Suits Your Riding Style?

Both English and Western riding have their own disciplines. Each discipline requires that the seat has specific features, adequate for that style of riding. 

English riding 

• Dressage – this discipline requires a deep seat with long and straight flaps as well as minimal padding. Close contact between the horse and the rider is required and this type of seat provides support in executing precise movements. 

• Jumping – jumping riders typically use saddles that have forward-cut flaps and more forward knee rolls. As such, they allow you to maintain a well-balanced position and security during jumping. 

• Eventing – for this style of riding, riders mostly use all-purpose or close-contact horse saddles. These types of seats combine elements of both dressage and jumping saddlery. These seats offer greater versatility which is often preferable to eventing competitors. 

Western Riding

• Trail Riding – Western horse saddles are typically used for trail riding. These seats are characterized by a deep seat, high cantle and prominent horn. Long trail riders tend to spend hours and hours riding on various terrains. The trail riding design of the seats provides riders with stability and comfort during extended periods. 

• Ranch Work – if you’re a cowboy whose activities mostly revolve around their ranch, then you will surely benefit from a saddle designed specifically for ranch work. These saddles consist of a sturdy tree, a deep seat and a horn that serves for roping and handling livestock. As such, they are highly durable and functional and really make a difference in how your body feels after long hours of work.

• Rodeo Events – Rodeo competitors require saddlery that will provide them with optimal balance and security because this style of riding involves high-speed manoeuvres and sudden stops. For this purpose, the saddle design features a deep seat covered in roughout leather for extra grip and traction of the rider, high cantle, wide swells, a prominent horn and a sturdy tree.  

So, if you still wonder “Are English saddles better than Western?” there is no right or wrong answer. One is not better than the other. It mostly depends on the discipline. Each type of saddlery features a specific design adequate for the type of riding discipline.