What is the difference between a Western and an English Saddle?

Question

I am going to be buying my first saddle for my first horse. I will only be doing light riding, like at a walk, or light jog. What saddle should I get? How do I find out what my size is? I just don't get what the heck the difference is between the 2 , other than the western one has the stirrups attatched and it also has that one rope thing to hold on to at the front of the saddle. THe english one is just a small, plain seat. HELP!

Answer 1

It sounds like you are not an experienced rider (are you sure you should be getting a horse if you don't know the difference between western and English saddles?).

I think the asnswer to this question depends on what your ultimate riding goals are. If you plan to partake in English riding sports like jumping or dressage, I recommend that you start right off the bat with an English saddle. Likewise, if you plan to pursue western sports such as gymkhana/barrel racing/pole bending, I recommend you get a western saddle.

If you plan on being a backyard/recreational horseman, it is still important that you learn how to ride well, however. While good horsemanship is possible in either saddle, an English saddle forces you to learn balance more quickly, so I tend to recommend that.

Of course, if you are a new rider, it also depends on your horse's temperament. If he tends to be spooky, you might want to start with a western saddle, simply because you'll be less likely to fall off if he spooks.

As for the fit of your saddle, there is a lot of advice out there as to how to measure for a correct saddle fit, but if you are confused, it might be best to have a professional fitter do it. There are some good websites online, however:

http://www.fourwinds.net/wither.htm

http://www.todayshorse.com/Articles/FitaWesternSaddle.htm

Answer 2

A western saddle has a horn and thick fenders. An english saddle does not have a horn and has thin stirrup leathers. It all comes down to personal preference when buying either of the two. But since this is your first saddle for your first horse I would suggest going with the western, just for a little more security. Seat size varies between western and english. I use a 14 and 1/2" western saddle, but a 17" english saddle. To find out your size go to your local tack shop and jump on a couple. Get the feel for what size you are comfortable in. Good luck : )

Answer 3

If you are just doing light riding and since you are a new rider- probably go with the western. It provides more security - you can grab the horn (your " rope thing to hold on to") if need be, and it is more stable. That said, I ride dressage (english type saddle) and
I hate riding in western saddles. My younger sisters and my friends love their western saddles. It really is just all preference.
The english saddle you are speaking of- you need to buy stirrups and stirrup leathers to go with it- not all english saddles include stirrups or girths (thing around the belly) in the package. If you plan on eventually getting some type of lessons, plan a saddle for that.

As for sizes- go to a local tack store or fleet farm and sit in some saddles. English and western sizes are very different. Each saddle maker also has slightly different sizes. With english, one brand I ride a 15, another, a 17. The saddle size is - the bigger your butt, the bigger the size. When you sit in a saddle in the store, it should be comfortable to sit it- making your legs naturally go by the stirrups and having your butt lean back a bit- with a little extra room until you hit the back uprising edge of the saddle.

One other thing- make sure that you get a tree to fit your horse. Most QH/paints are going to be a medium tree, while a rounder horse might need a wide tree on the saddle. An arab or thin barreled horse might need a small tree. Same thing with their whither's sizes as well. I suggest getting asking the prevous owner what type of saddle they used or bring a picture of your horse to the tack store when you try to find a good seat. They can tell you if your horse is considered high withered or what tree you need.

Hope this helped and good luck!

Answer 4

Since your plan is to do light riding, I would suggest a western saddle. There are different seat sizes, so you will want to sit in saddles to find out what your comfortable with. English riding is a bit more fancy, generally people who ride english are serious about riding, and more than likely show. Also, an english saddle is less between you and the horse, so you can really feel their movements; you would need to be an advanced rider to know what I mean by feel... you can predict when the horse will do something purely by body language and feel. Good luck in your search!

Answer 5

The western saddle is more of a working saddle and trail saddle the English is more for jumping and dressage.
I have both but use the English only for training and working in the arena. I ride in my western most of the time as it is a heavier more versttile saddle.
They are more forgiving as far as fit and you can pad them up to fit the horse some where as the English one really has to fit well and can not take as much padding.
The English ones have to be cleaned more often and take more time to take care of.
As far a bridles go you can use any type with either saddle.
I have a double ear head stall that is western and I ride with a braided rawhide rommel rein and it is the same if I am using my English saddle

Answer 6

ok I can help! I have been riding for 7 yrs.! I ride western but I know about english too. I would recommend western if your just going to be doing light riding, but heres the difference. first western saddles are used for pleasure, show, trail riding, ranch type work & arena events. you are talking about doing pleasure. english is used mostly for jumping. Western saddles need a pad or saddle blanket between the saddle & horses back. saddle pads are not necessary for english saddles but you would probably want 1 to protect the horses back. Also you can't use english tack with western tack. if you get a western saddle you'll need a western bridle, & breast collar. Same for english. Before you choose which 1 your going to use be sure the saddle fits the horse. oh yeah & that rope thing is called a horn. you can use it to hang a rope on or hold on to if youre turning a sharp turn! the way you can tell that the saddle fits is that it does not pinch your horses back. slide 2 fingers under the back & the front of the saddle & if they fit then the saddle should be alright!

Answer 7

Western saddles are much larger (and more comfortable) besides that the western style saddles have a knob at the front and the English style have just a gap (go for the western you will be happier in the long run and they have a good resale value) I learned to ride on an Apollo saddle (a version of the English saddle) But when it came time for me to buy my own I bought a western style one and still use it to this day.

Answer 8

the western saddle has a horn and the english does not