The Differences Between Western Saddles and English Saddles
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Mostly there are two distinguishable types of popular saddles, English and western. Actually there are distinctions within these two groups, particularly in the English saddles, plus there are endurance saddles and Australian saddle styles. The two universal saddle styles of English and western are impossible to mistake, and are fashioned to best accommodate the specific requirements of the different horseback riding styles.
Western saddles have one common style with numerous different shape and size variations within that general form. The western saddle is identifiable with a horn and high fork on the front of the saddle, a deep seat in the saddle and a low to high cantle representing the back of the seat. The western saddle also has a identifying saddle skirt as well as wide and long stirrups and fenders, oftentimes which are very ornate and carved.
English saddles are a great deal lighter than western saddles and tend to be less complicated in style. They have a much thinner seat, no detectable 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 quite thin and may be low to high as with the western saddle. The slopes of the saddle that substitute the skirts and fenders are known as the flaps, and they are close to the horse's body. The stirrups are very marginal in styling with a thin stirrup leather connecting them to the saddle seat. English saddles deviate from hunt seat, the most common pleasure type of English saddle to dressage saddles and show saddles. Dressage and show saddles must conform to 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're getting more fashionable both groups of riders as universal work and practice saddles since they're long-wearing, strong yet light weight and practical.
Regardless of what type of saddle you are purchasing it is crucial to make sure that it conforms to the horse correctly. Badly fitting saddles will result in saddle sores for the horse and a dislike of being ridden. In general measuring the broadest part of the saddle area on the horse's back and checking the inside measurement of the saddle you are purchasing is at least this large will guarantee a close fit, but it is always best to have the chance to try it on the horse. If you're buying a new saddle or a used saddle bring your horse or make certain it can be exchanged if it does not fit right. Seasoned riders urge 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 correct 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 too small or doesn't reach around the horse's girth, merely buy a longer cinch. This has nothing to do with the fit across the back, which is the area where the force from the rider can really cause problems with a badly fitted saddle. Always analyze your horse's back if he or she seems uneasy under the saddle and search any areas of rubbing or soreness that can indicate the saddle isn't correctly fitted.
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