English Saddles
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Features of The English Saddles
The English saddles date back to the 18th and 19th century, while the most rudimentary
designs of saddles were founded in 800 BC. Nowadays, the concept of a saddle has greatly improved - and there is a vast array of English saddles that you can choose from. English Saddles are tailored to a variety of equestrian disciplines, riding styles and other aspects. Fox Hunting for example us a jumping saddle to ride in. English saddles today are carefully made to fit both the rider and the horse.
The Use of English Saddles
The name may misinterpret their use, English saddle are known to be the most popular saddles throughout the Western World. Each of the equestrian disciplines in the Olympic Games use English saddles. The most unique points of English saddles are their lightness, their low profile, shallower seat and the lack of horn - as opposed to the classic Western saddles.
The use of English saddles is found in a variety of disciplines, from eventing to show jumping, dressage, saddle seat, horse racing and polo - they remain the standard choice in every famous discipline.
Parts of an English Saddles
An English saddle is made up of the following parts:
- Pommel - This is the rise at the front of the saddle and is used to accommodate the horse's withers without chaffing it. Some English Saddles will be cut back for those horses with extraordinary high withers. The pommel's is the area of the saddle where the bars and gullet plat come together.
- Twist – is the narrowest part of the saddle between the Pommel and the seat. This allows for better leg placement on the horse by the rider.
- Seat – This is the area where the rider rests during the walk or while sitting the trot. A properly sized seat area can make all the difference to the rider and the riders positioning.
- Cantle - The rise found at the back of the saddle seat is also known as a cantle. This helps keep the rider in the saddle while providing a backrest and support for the rider seat.
- Panels - The panel are the part located under the seat and rest directly on the horses back. They provide cushioning and help distribute the rider’s weight away from the horses spin.
- Stirrup Leathers and Irons - The stirrup leathers are the sturdy straps found under the skirt of the saddle that connect to the Irons which help balance and support the riders leg and leg position.
- Flap - The flap is the wide strap of leather on the sides of the saddle. It is made to protect the legs of the rider from contact with the billets and buckles.
- Knee Roll – Not always present on the English saddle, the Knee Roll is designed to help the rider’s leg to stay in contract with the flap and to keep the riders leg from slipping too far forward on the flap.
- Girth – The Girth is used to hold the saddle to the horse. It attaches to the saddle using the billets which are located under the Flap.
- Nail Head – The nail head at the front of the saddle near the Pommel and skirt. This is one of the points used to measure the seat size of the saddle.
There are a few other parts of the English saddle: Billets, keepers, D-ring, gullet, skirt, and tree.
Types of English Saddles
There is a variety of English saddles. The right saddle for you will depend on the disciplines you ride. Having the right tool for the job is always important. This is no different when choosing the type of English Saddles you need. There are Endurance Saddles, Jump saddles, close contact saddles, dressage saddles and all-purpose English Saddles. If you happen to practice a lot of disciplines you may need more than one type of saddle in order to participate. It’s common for riders to own several types of saddles for one horse.
A Final Word
English saddles are smaller and lighter than most Western saddles. However, if you are not familiar with English saddles and how they should fit your horse and riding style, you should always consult with a professional and seek help. You can call Justin here at The Equestrian Connection & FoxHuntingShop for detail on saddle fitting, price and adjustments for New or Used English Saddles
At The Equestrian Connection & FoxHuntingShop, we take pride in offering a variety of English saddle styles and models tailored to various needs and horse riding disciplines. Call us and we will help you find the right saddle!