An Overview of English Saddle Types
For those new to riding, the wide variety of saddle types available in both English and western riding can be a bit confusing. The first step is to determine what type of riding you want to do, either English or western, then further narrow it down to the very specific type of event in which you want to compete or ride. For many English equestrians the English saddle type is going to be an essential component to the tack and while there is some overlap in saddle usage there are essential elements each saddle must have. Understanding the features of each of the saddle types will help you understand why each is suited to a particular activity or riding style.
The jumping saddle (also known as a forward seat or hunt seat saddle) is designed to postion the rider forward for balance in going over jumps. Without this type of saddle adjusting balance would be extremely difficult for the rider as the horse’s body changes positions very dramatically through the jumping motion. The kneepad and thigh roll on the jumping saddle is more developed than the type seen on that in a all purpose English saddle or a endurance type of saddle where the rider is going to be more stationary with regards to position on the horse. The jumping saddle will have a lot of support and cushion for the rider to support them through this arduous activity.
A very versatile saddle type of a variety of English events from hunt seat to moderate jumping is the English close contact saddle. These saddles have a very flat overall seat and cantle but they do have the slightly forward flaps and stirrup bars to allow the rider to keep the knees slightly bend for posting and jumping. Unlike the jumping saddle the close contact saddle is more like the endurance saddle with very little in the way of thigh roll or kneepad, providing more movement for the rider and an ability to stay in close contact with the horse’s body.
Dressage saddles are very specific for dressage work and typically have straighter flaps and less forward stirrup bars, allowing the rider to sit on the horse with the legs straighter down from the saddle for balance and centering. The kneepads and thick rolls are low on the saddle and the seat tends to be deeper than that of a more all-purpose saddle. Dressage saddles can be used for any type of groundwork but are not designed for jumping or hunt type events.
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