What is the size difference between an english saddle and a western saddle??

Answer 1

The western saddle is larger than the english saddle. To address the answers already given, here is some more specific information as to the differences in each saddle's design.

Okay, the highest quality english saddles and western saddles are both built on wood frames, or "trees". On cheap saddles, the frames can be made of fiber-glass. The english saddle is designed to have a closer contact with the muscles in the horse's back, especially the dressage and all-purpose saddles. The jumping saddle or "close contact" saddle is designed with specially padded flaps to help the rider stand up in the saddle, making it possible to free up the horse to clear the jumps.

The western saddle has more padding between the horse's back and the rider. It is designed for when the cowboys would typically spend the entire day in the saddle, so it had to have a larger, more padded seat to make it more comfortable to ride. It also has a larger skirt (the area around the seat of the saddle) with straps so that the rider could tie all his gear onto the saddle. He would be able to carry saddle bags, his bed roll, canteen, etc. The english saddle is not equipped for this use. The horn on the western saddle is designed for roping cattle. When the cowboy throws the lasso and ropes the calf, he (or she) will then wrap the lasso around the horn once or twice. This reduces the amount of strength needed to control the calf once you have it lassoed.

As for pack saddles, they are saddles that are designed specifically for hauling gear, and not really carrying a rider. They're basically a frame for spreading the weight of packs and bags over more of the horse's back so they don't get sore or tired as quickly.

Finally, there are specialty saddles that are similar to english saddles. There is the "gaited horse saddle" that is like an english saddle, but it is made so that the rider sits back further on the horse's back and allows more freedom of movement in the horse's shoulders, making it easier for the horse to peform the high-stepping gaits their breeds are known for. There is the "racing saddle", which is a very cut-down version of an english saddle. It does not have a wood tree, and is mainly something on which to hang stirrups.

Finally, there is the "Aussie Saddle" which is like a hybrid between an english and a western saddle. The seat looks much like an english saddle, but it has more of a pronounced front and back (pommel and cantle, respectively).

Answer 2

As far as general size, they are about the same. The shape of each saddle varies alot, however.
The western saddle has a much deeper seat with a horn and pommel. It's like having "bumpers" on the front and the back.
The english saddle has no horn, and a much flatter, longer seat. It's more smooth and streamlined.
The english saddle is sleek and almost plain looking. The western, in comparison, is highly decorated with rosettes, leather indentations, little leather tassels.
To go into further detail the hunter saddle is just like an english, but much smaller. It will sometimes come with more padding under the seat or a "built-in" saddle pad.

Answer 3

When measuring saddles for sizes you are geneally speaking of either tree size (Quarter horse bars, arabian bars, semi quarter horse bars etc.) or seat size 15" to 17 1/2" usually.

You can have various seat sizes on any of the tree sizes.

When measuring seat size of an english saddle you place the end of a tape rule at the rivet of the jockey flap near the front (pommel) of the saddle and then stretch the tape across the seat of the saddle to the middle of the cantle. The length given isthe set size of the saddle.

Measuring a western saddle is similar, but usually the outermost point of the pommel is the starting point.

Answer 4

It depends on what type of saddle you are looking for. My English saddle is a general purpose with a dressage like seat, and weighs about 25 pounds. My Western trail saddle weighs 15 pounds. My roping saddle weighs about 60 pounds. My Tucker trail saddle weighs almost 50 pounds. As far as seat size, they are all 16 inches with the exception of my roping saddle which is 17. They all have deep seat and high cantels except for the roper. It is flatter than my old Jumping saddle. As far as the trees, I just use whatever saddle for whatever I am doing. The trees on all of them except for my English saddle are medium. My English saddle is the one I use the most and it has the adjustable tree. I use it to condition my horse after winter, for showing, for riding other horses, for riding in the winter. The horses body changes normally with the gain of winter fur and winter fat and the loss of those in the spring. The tree should always fit the horse. As far as what seat sizes are available, I have seen one as small as 10 inches ( childs pony saddle) and one as large as 22 inches ( saddle seat saddle and one gaited trail saddle). It just depends on what you are looking for. I would suggest being a little more specific with your question to get a better answer. This is the best I can do.

Answer 5

about 15 pounds. However when your buying a saddle, western sizes run smaller. Example if you ride 17.5 inch english you may use a 15 inch western.

Answer 6

they are nothing alike, the English is more kike the sports car of saddles and the western is more like the pickup truck of saddles. go on yahoo image search and see for yourself.

Answer 7

Wewstern saddles have a wooden framework, english are just a flat pancake leather thing.

Answer 8

western saddles are bigger but have a horn to hold on to so ur not so afraid of falling off.