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The saddles known as English Saddles (as opposed to Western Saddles)
are used throughout the world, not just in England or
English-speaking countries.
The term English Saddle encompasses several types, including those
used for show jumping and hunt seat, dressage, Saddle Seat, horse
racing and polo. To non-horsemen, the major distinguishing feature
of an English saddle is its lack of a horn. (However, some Western
saddles, such as those used in Endurance riding, lack a horn as
well).
The other major characteristic which defines an English saddle is
that it has panels: these are a pair of pads attached to the
underside of the seat and filled with wool, foam, or air. Thus the
English saddle contains its own padding and, if correctly fitted,
does not require the use of a separate saddle blanket to protect the
horse's back as does the Western saddle.
Although some modern saddlers have developed alternative models, the
English saddle is usually constructed on a framework known as a
tree. The tree is made of wood, spring steel, or composite, and it
supports the rider on a sling of webbing between the firm pommel
(front of the saddle) and cantle (back of the saddle). On either
side of the tree, a steel hook known as the "stirrup bar" is
affixed. It is upon this hook that the rider hangs the stirrup
leather, which is a very strong leather or nylon loop supporting the
stirrup. At the bottom of the tree are several more very strong
leather or nylon straps known as billets, to which will eventually
buckle the girth--the beltlike strap which holds the saddle onto the
horse.
The tree and its various parts are upholstered with a covering made
of leather, nylon or microfiber and shaped to form the seat above
and the panels below.
In addition to the seat and panels, English saddles feature a
leather flap on either side called, appropriately, the flap. The
flap sits between the rider's leg and the horse's side and protects
the horse from being pinched by the stirrup leather. On some saddles
it is also specially padded to protect or support the rider's knee.
The differences between the styles of English saddle are small but
significant. The most important distinctions are the location of the
seat, and the flap length and shape. A saddle used for a discipline
where the rider sits more upright with a longer leg, such as in
dressage, has a flap that is longer to accommodate the leg, and less
inclined forward (as the knee doe not need to go forward). The seat
will also be closer to the withers, to keep the rider's center of
gravity in the correct spot. However, in disciplines where the rider
needs shorter stirrups for extra support, such as in the jumping
disciplines, the saddle flap is moved proportionately forward and
shortened, and the seat is moved further back. A jumping saddle will
have a shorter and more forward flap than a dressage saddle, with
the seat slightly more towards the cantle. If the flap was not
inclined forward, the rider’s knee would hang over the flap. If the
seat was not moved rearward, the rider would be forced ahead of the
saddle over a fence. A racing saddle, where jockeys ride with
incredibly short stirrups, will have an extremely forward and short
saddle flap (almost more horizontal than vertical), and the seat
will be extended very far back from the pommel to keep the rider’s
center of gravity correctly situated.
Padding is also considered when developing a saddle. While a polo
saddle is constructed with a minimum of padding so as to allow the
polo player great freedom to twist and reach for his shot, a saddle
used for jumping or eventing may have more padding to help give the
rider support over fences.
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English
Saddle