A western saddle is the most popular style of riding saddle, with more than 80% of all horseback riders choosing this design for their next purchase. It is the only style of saddle that uses a cinch (or a girth). If you ride in the western style, it’ll be the only one you use. However, there are other types of saddles as well; here we have outlined some of the most popular choices for different styles of riding.

Types of Saddles

Full Western - An extremely large, heavy (and often expensive) saddle. This is the most common choice for trail riding, hunting, and other outdoor activities that involve lots of strenuous riding. It is often made of leather, faux leather, or synthetic materials.Full English - A smaller, lighter, and less expensive alternative to the Western Saddlery. It is often made of synthetic materials and designed to be lightweight.Full Dress - A large, heavy, and expensive horse saddle that has padded sides to make the rider more comfortable while wearing a skirt. The sides of this type of saddle are usually padded with leather or other materials.Full Bareback - A small, lightweight horse saddle that is designed for riding without a bridle. It is often padded and has a very thin tree and a small high pommel. This type of saddle can also be used for trail riding and other activities that do not require a bridle.

The Western Saddle

The Western Saddle is the most popular choice for horseback riding. It is used for most of the disciplines and disciplines of riding, such as Western Equitation, Western Pleasure, Western Trail riding, Snaffles, Racking, Reining, Cutting, Barrel racing, Western Horse Showing, Western Barrels, and many more.This type of saddle is constructed of a wooden tree (frame) with a Western-style tree skirt and a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The Western Saddle also has a cinch (girth) that is made of leather.The Western Saddle is a very comfortable and practical saddle. This type of saddle is known for its ability to provide a secure and comfortable fit for the rider. It is often referred to as “the perfect saddle”.

Full Western Saddle

A full Western Saddle is a large, heavy horse saddle, designed for all-around riding. It is used in Western Equitation, Western Barrel Racing, Western Trail Riding, Western Horse Showing, Western Pleasure Ride, and other sports.Full Western Saddles are constructed of a wooden tree (frame) with a Western-style tree skirt and a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The Full Western Saddle also has a cinch (girth) that is made of leather.This type of saddle is very large and heavy, making it not ideal for all types of riders. It is best suited for very experienced riders who are riding in the disciplines mentioned above.

Full English Saddle

A Full English Saddle is a smaller, lighter horse saddle, designed for all-around riding. It is used in Western Equitation, Western Barrel Racing, Western Trail Riding, Western Horse Showing, Western Barrels, and other sports.Full English Saddles are constructed of a wooden tree (frame) with a Western-style tree skirt and a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The Full English Saddle also has a cinch (girth) that is made of leather.This type of saddle is smaller and lighter than the Western Saddle and is often considered a more comfortable and practical saddle. It is best suited for all types of riders who are looking for a smaller and lighter saddle.

Full Dress Saddle

A Full Dress Saddle is a large, heavy horse saddle, designed for the show ring or other competitive events that require a rider to wear a long skirt. It is used in Western Horse Showing and other sports.Full Dress Saddles are constructed of a wooden tree (frame) with a Western-style tree skirt and a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The Full Western Saddle also has a cinch (girth) that is made of leather.This type of saddle is large and heavy, making it not ideal for all types of riders. It is best suited for very experienced riders who are riding in the disciplines mentioned above.

Full Bareback Saddle

A Full Bareback Saddle is a small, lightweight horse saddle, designed for trail riding, hunting, and other outdoor activities that do not require a bridle. This type of saddle is often padded with leather or other materials.Full Bareback Saddles are constructed of a wooden tree (frame) with a Western-style tree skirt and a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The Full Western Saddle also has a cinch (girth) that is made of leather.This type of saddle is small and lightweight, making it not ideal for all types of riders. It is best suited for trail rides and other activities that require a lightweight, easy-to-use saddle.

Conclusion

Saddles are important parts of horseback riding. The type of saddle you choose depends on the type of riding you plan to do. There are several different types of Western Saddles on the market. The Western Saddle is the most popular choice for horseback riding. It is used for most of the disciplines and disciplines of riding, such as Western Equitation, Western Pleasure, Western Trail riding, Snaffles, Racking, Reining, Cutting, Barrel racing, Western Horse Showing, Western Barrels, and many more.Full Western Saddles are the largest type of Western Saddle. Full English Saddles are the most versatile and practical type of Western Saddles. Full Dress Saddles are used for special events, such as Western Horse Showing. Full Bareback Saddles are used for activities, such as trail riding and hunting, that do not require a bridle.