Chapter 3. Specialized Saddles
Examples of Specialized Saddles
Specialized saddles are designed to meet the needs of the horse and rider for specific uses such as jumping fences or herding cows.
Jumping Saddle
Jumping saddles are also referred to as “close contact” or “forward seat” saddles. They are designed for riding hunters, jumpers, foxhunting, and the jumping phases of eventing. This type of saddle has a forward flap, often with supportive knee rolls, and a low pommel so the saddle does not interfere with the rider’s position over jumps.
Polo Saddle
Polo saddles are English-style, close contact saddles used in the sport of polo. These saddles have flat flaps with very little padding, have no knee roles, and often do not have a flap under the billets.
Australian Stock Saddle
The Australian Stock Saddle is built for comfort with a deep seat. They may have a small horn and can also be called a “Poley”.
Sidesaddle
A Sidesaddle allows a rider (usually female) to sit aside rather than astride a horse. Sitting aside dates back to ancient times and originated in Europe in the Middle Ages as a way for women in skirts to ride a horse.
Dressage Saddle
A saddle used in the sport of dressage that has a deep seat, a long flap for the leg, and long stirrups. Dressage saddles have longer billets and use a shorter girth than other types of English saddles. This minimizes the straps and buckles underneath the rider’s legs and allow for a closer feel to the horse.
Endurance Saddle
Endurance saddles are built to be comfortable for both the horse and rider over long distances.
Saddle Seat Saddle
The Saddle Seat Saddle is used on gaited horses such as Tennessee Walkers and Saddlebreds.They are also called a “Lane Fox” or “Park” saddles. These saddles have a big flat seat, larger flaps and place the rider’s seat back with their legs in front of their body.
Racing Saddle
Racing saddles are used in horse racing. They are designed to be thin and light weight. These saddles place the jockey high over the horses withers and neck with very short stirrups.