The two main varieties of horse saddles are the English and the western types. Horse Supplements Despite their names, neither of these saddle types came from the country with which they have been associated. 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. Also known as the stock saddle, the western saddle came into fashion thanks to its use among American cattle ranchers. Rodeos, barrel racing, cattle roping and trail riding are horseback riding activities that use the Western saddle to this day.

stable rug Distinctly different, western and English saddles share a number of components. The base upon which the saddle is built is called the tree. Depending on the size of the horse and rider, the tree size will vary. The seat is where the rider sits, while the pommel or swells is the raised area in the front of the saddle. The cantle is the back of the saddle, the stirrups are where the riders’ feet are placed, and the leathers are the straps that connect the stirrups to the tree. The girth or cinch is the strap that goes underneath the horse and keeps the saddle in place. Lastly, the padding is cushioning that rests between the horse’s back and the saddle.

Giving rider and horse alike more freedom to move, the English saddle is flatter in appearance with a smaller pommel and cantle. stirrup irons 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.

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