which saddle do you like best english or western?

Question

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Answer 1

Great minds think alike! Great question!

When I "test drove" my horse, the only saddle available was an english saddle, and I had never been on one. Even so, I knew the horse was right.

I am sold, though, on western saddles - and love the outback type endurance saddles, the comfort and style is amazing. I love to "window shop" on ebay for saddles, even though (sadly), my horse passed away. He was a Morgan gelding, and had that wonderful gait and curve of the neck!

Hands down first for Endurance/Australian Outback saddles, then American Western, then English.

011007 4:48

Answer 2

As the western is a working saddle, and the English is only a riding saddle, I prefer the western. Even if I am only riding around, I like the utilitarian design of the western saddle

Answer 3

Western

Answer 4

Western.

Answer 5

Western.

Western saddles are saddles used in — or based on the ones used in — cattle ranching in the United States. They are the "cowboy saddles" familiar to movie viewers, rodeo fans, and those who have gone on tourist trail rides.

The design of the Western saddle derives from the saddles of the Spanish vaqueros, the early cattle and sheep herders of Mexico and the American Southwest. It was developed from a combination of the saddles used in the two main styles of horseback riding then practiced in Spain — "la jineta" or Moorish style and "la estradiota" or jousting style — with the addition of a very functional item: the saddle "horn". The horn allowed vaqueros to rope and control cattle. Today, many Western riders have never worked a cow, but their saddles still feature this historical element. (Some newer Western saddles, such as those used in endurance riding and those made for the rapidly growing European market, do not have horns.) Another element which may have contributed to the design of the Western saddle was the Spanish tree saddle, which was also influential in the design of the McClellan saddle of the American military, being used by all branches of the U.S. Army, but being particularly associated with the cavalry.

The Western saddle is unlike the English saddle in that it has no padding of its own. The weight-bearing area of the saddle is large and usually covered with soft sheepskin, but it must be padded with a saddle blanket in order to provide a comfortable fit for the horse.

Other differences between the Western and English saddles include:

Stirrups: Those of the Western saddle are not built to detach from the saddle in case of emergency, but instead are spacious and sturdy; the rider's high-heeled cowboy boots prevent his feet from slipping through and exposing him to the danger of being dragged.
Method of securing the saddle to the horse: Rather than buckling on as does the English girth, the Western girth, known as a cinch, is tied on with a strap of leather.
There are many types of Western saddle available. Some are general-purpose models while others are specialized for the various Western horse sports such as cutting, reining, steer roping, and show.

Many people feel that the Western saddle is more comfortable than the English saddle. A theory that is given creedence because of its history and purpose: as a working tool for a cowboy who spends all day, every day, on horseback. However it should be noted that many riders are just as comfortable in the English saddle.

Answer 6

I grew up riding in the western style. However, I recently had my first experience with english tack. I had absolutely no idea of the additional dimension control that english riders have by using leg pressure.

Basically it was the difference between driving in a Ford F-150 and driving a Porche.

I might become a convert if I ever find the time to ride regularly again.

Answer 7

English.

Answer 8

I ride in both types of saddles and it depends on what I am going to be doing that day as to what saddle I put on the horse.
If we are training in the arena I use English. Better for training as you can tell what the horse is doing under you.
If we are going out to trail ride or work cattle or ride fence lines I use my Western saddle. Better working saddle.

Answer 9

I would go with English because i faintly remember riding in a western . I much(!) rather jump not just sitting in my saddle the whole time and just walk, trot, canter, or Gallup i like to learn to jump even though i haven't been riding for about 2-3 years!

Answer 10

Depends on my mood and what I'm doing. I have a jumping saddle, dressage saddle, western saddle, aussi saddle, and even a very old side saddle. I like them all in their own respects. Except the aussi and side saddle, I don't use them too much, they're more for novelty. I love to jump...so I like the jumping saddle. I love dressage and flat work... so I like the dressage saddle. I love running barrels and trail riding... so I like my western saddle. I like em all, as long as there's a horse under it!!