Many new riders ask about the English vs Western saddle. Some want to know if one is easier to pick up, and others want to know where there’s more fun to be had.
While there are many similarities between these two types of riding, there are also many distinct differences that make the riding styles, and their saddles, unique.
Which one is suited to you? Here’s what you should consider:
English vs Western Saddle: Who’s Who?
Picture a British woman riding an Irish Sport Horse, at a canter. She is tall, elegant, refined, and controlled. Fitted in a cap and smart jacket, breeches, and tall boots, they race across the lawn toward a grey-skied distance.
You’re picturing an English saddle.
Now shift your imagination.
A man in a cowboy hat sits atop an American Quarter horse. A wide-brimmed hat shades his face from the sun as they drive the cattle across a large, open plain. He is rugged, practical, certain, and adaptable.
This is a western saddle.
Of course, that’s all in a nutshell, so let’s continue.
Historical Roots
Horses have held their place in history for many centuries as a trusted companion animal relied on for making transportation and difficult work easier.
The histories of these two distinctive riding styles, English vs Western saddle, also began with the horses being used in working roles, and yet both have adapted to modern sensibilities that include sport.
The English
The English horseback riding tradition was born of a military background. As such, English riding is known for being proper, traditional, and highly controlled.
As European’s had long been relying on horses, by the time the animal was introduced in the land that would be called North America, the English style was already being adapted for sport.
The Western
Horses were largely thought to be an extinct species on the lands of the Americas until they were reintroduced in the colonies. New research has shown that an original North American breed survived in the northern Yukon, but it’s the cattle ranches of the SouthWest that most think of when recalling North America’s equine history.
It was in the 1600s that Spanish ranches of northern Mexico (current day, the USA) began to spread further north, influencing a mass workforce, and giving us what’s known today as the cowboy.
The Differences
What you learn about riding will depend on the style of riding you wish to pursue. Despite what some dedicated horse people might say, there’s no right or wrong; it’s an entirely personal preference.
However, there’s a fair amount to learn before you can become an equestrian.
The Saddle
What’s the difference between the English vs Western saddle? There are actually a number of differences between the two, and many variations of each, such as the English Dressage Saddle and the Western Roping Saddle.
As the saddle is the foundation of your ride, it’s helpful to understand the basic differences.
The Western Saddle
The Western saddle is wide and distributes weight more evenly across the horse’s back, which allows the rider to ride more comfortably for long periods. Its deep seat allows the rider to sit in an upright position.
This saddle also has a large, protruding knob at the top called the saddle horn. The horn is unique to Western saddles, and while new riders may think of it as a built-in handle, it’s actually a tool for ranchers to control cattle after they’ve been reined in.
The reins are held in one hand or the other and can be either split or one continuous loop.
Compared to the English saddle, the Western saddle stirrups are much larger, allowing a rancher to dismount quickly if need be.
The English Saddle
As it’s used for English sports, the English saddle is lighter and smaller than the Western saddle and allows closer contact, which maximizes mobility for the rider and the horse.
In this style, a rein is held in either hand.
English saddles tend to have thinner, shorter stirrups, so keeping your weight on them helps to keep them in place.
As a beginner and a recreational rider, you can opt for an all-purpose saddle to get the best of it all and enjoy a comfortable ride. If you’re working with a reputable instructor, ask them if they can help you test out various types of saddles, and be sure to take your own comparison of the English vs Western saddle.
The Attire
In Western riding, the attire is influenced by its history of cattle ranching. The famous cowboy hat was created to help keep the sun off of western riders’ faces. The long-sleeved shirts and blue jeans, also synonymous with the cowboy, had that same purpose.
Even cowboy boots were designed with function in mind for trail riding and protection from dangers like snakes and thorns.
On the other hand, the English riding uniform typically celebrates its history and has, in fact, changed very minimally over the last century. English riders will typically wear the distinguishable riding helmet, a riding jacket perhaps with a choker or stock tie, breeches, gloves, and riding boots.
Daresay, it’s all very proper and genteel.
The Horse and His Gait
Different horses have been used traditionally for either style according to what suits the purpose. However, you’ll see a breed typically used in one arena succeeding in the other. What is more important is how the horse works, and his gait is a part of that.
A gait is how a horse moves in terms of speed, cadence, and collection (i.e. where he shifts his weight.)
The English horse is typically tall and long-legged, which allows him to be more agile in obstacle sports. His movements should be long, flowing, and transition seamlessly.
In Western riding, the horse is more compact and his high level of endurance helps him to travel for long periods and quickly spring to action to chase stray cattle. He shifts his center of gravity so that his body is low, and his pace will remain smooth and consistent.
Conclusion
This is a general overview of the main differences between English vs Western saddle riding. There’s a lot more to learn and if you’re a new rider, it can be fun to learn about both while figuring out which is more suited to you.
Sources:
https://www.thesprucepets.com/english-and-western-riding-differences-1886900
https://www.westernbootbarn.com.au/blog/the-history-of-cowboy-boots/