by Nicky Hoseck

Saddle-Savvy or Stumped?

While it is possible to ride a horse without a saddle, using one is usually a lot safer and more comfortable for horse and rider. Not only does the saddle help me balance, it also distributes weight more evenly to protect my horse’s back. He probably doesn’t want my seat bones digging into his spine!

Finding a saddle that fits you and your horse correctly is a top priority, but you also want something that’s comfortable and designed for your chosen discipline. That said, an All-Purpose saddle can be a great place to start until you narrow down exactly what you’d like to do!

Saddle Considerations

Safety should be uppermost in your mind when you’re looking for a saddle. Avoid anything that might put you in danger or cause your horse discomfort. When in doubt, ask a professional training and/or saddle fitter for assistance.

Discipline
Western or English is the first decision you need to make about your saddle. After that, you can either opt for an all-purpose design or focus on discipline-specific saddles.

Availability
If you live in the middle of nowhere or, like me, in Africa, you may struggle to find your chosen saddle at an affordable price. Getting a Sommer saddle imported from Germany or a Syd Hill & Sons stock saddle sent over from Australia could leave your bank balance reeling, so it’s often worth limiting your choices to what’s available nearby.

Fit (You & Your Horse)
Some saddles prioritize rider comfort, while others focus on the horse. Traditionally, Western saddles were fitted to the rider, but these days, it’s generally accepted that the saddle must fit the horse first and foremost. After all, an ill-fitting saddle can cause muscle atrophy, pinch nerves, and create painful pressure points.

Comfort
Your saddle must fit your horse correctly, but you also need some element of comfort in the saddle. There’s little pleasure to be had while perched uncomfortably on a rock-hard piece of leather!

Budget
Saddle prices vary wildly! You can pick up a basic starter saddle for a couple of hundred dollars or spend thousands on a high-quality, handmade specialty.

You can also save money without skimping on quality by looking for a used or second-hand saddle—just watch out for scams.

Saddle Materials

While the very first saddles were made from cloth, leather soon became the go-to material and remains so today. Synthetic saddles have gained popularity due to them being more affordable than leather saddles. They’re also lighter and easier to clean.

Leather

• Pros
  Long-lasting, durable, comfortable, provides good grip, and naturally breathable.
• Cons
  Expensive, heavy, and requires a lot of maintenance.

Synthetic

• Pros
  Affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean.
• Cons
  Not as naturally grippy or breathable and won’t last as long as leather.

English Saddles

The English-style saddle is smaller and lighter than the Western saddle.

English saddles were developed in Europe in the 18th century. With its smaller, flatter seat and lower pommel and cantle, the English saddle allowed the rider more freedom of movement, making it easier for them to jump hedges and ditches.

Types of English Saddles

Dressage

• Description: The dressage saddle has a deep seat and large knee rolls that secure the rider in a balanced position close to the horse. The flaps on either side of the saddle are long and straight, reflecting the long leg position preferred in the dressage arena.
• Purpose: The dressage saddle aligns the rider’s hips and pelvis with the horse’s movements, enabling the rider to sit deep and absorb the motion. The knee rolls help keep the rider in the correct position and minimize movement.
• Key Benefit: A dressage saddle positions the rider in an upright position, perpendicular to the ground. This increases security and harmony with the horse. It’s also easier to position your legs correctly in a dressage saddle.
• Drawback: Dressage saddles have higher pommels and cantles that may restrict the rider’s movements. For instance, you can’t jump a horse while in a dressage saddle because the pommel will prevent you from adopting the correct forward position.

Show Jumping / Close Contact

• Description: Unlike the dressage saddle, a close-contact saddle has curved, forward flaps designed to accommodate a shorter stirrup and higher knee placement. They have lower pommels and cantles than dressage saddles and shallower seats.
• Purpose: The close contact or showjumping saddle enables riders to get out of the saddle and adopt a forward, two-point, or hunt seat over obstacles.
• Key Benefit: A close-contact saddle won’t restrict a horse’s shoulder movement and makes it easy for the rider to get out of the saddle when necessary.
• Drawback: A close-contact saddle has a shallow seat that offers little support or stability, making it harder for the rider to balance.

All-Purpose Saddles

• Purpose: All-purpose saddles are ideal for equestrians who want to participate in lots of different disciplines. You can jump in an all-purpose saddle, go for a trail ride, and do a low-level dressage test in one.
• Key Benefit: The all-purpose saddle is extremely versatile and can be used for almost any discipline.
• Drawback: You can only go so far with an all-purpose saddle. If you want to jump higher, you’ll need a close-contact saddle. Similarly, if you want to compete in more advanced dressage competitions, you’ll need a dressage saddle.

Cross Country / Eventing

• Description: An eventing saddle is very similar to a jumping saddle but tends to have shorter flaps and more forward knee rolls to accommodate a shorter stirrup. Many cross-country and eventing saddles are also mono-flap.
• Purpose: A cross-country saddle gives the rider close contact with the horse. Which along with the shorter stirrups, helps when tackling large fences.
• Key Benefit: Helps the rider maintain a two-point position for longer periods than a jumping saddle.
• Drawback: You can’t ride a dressage test in a cross-country saddle because it’s not designed for the longer leg position required.

Saddle Seat / Cutback

• Description: The saddle seat or cutback saddle is extremely flat, and places the rider slightly behind the horse’s center of gravity. A low seat and cantle enable the rider to sit deep, moving with the motion of the horse.
• Purpose: The cutback saddle fits horses with high withers and a greater range of front-end movement. They are often used in saddle seat competitions where the emphasis is on the horse’s high-stepping action and high-head carriage.
• Key Benefit: The cutback saddle is specifically designed for horses with high withers and a high action in front.
• Drawback: Many cutback saddles actually pinch the horse’s withers rather than reducing the pressure. They also tend to have thin panels that may not adequately protect the horse from the hard tree.

Racing

• Description: Racing saddles are flat and lightweight, with small saddle flaps and short stirrup leathers.
• Purpose: Racing saddles are designed to keep the jockey crouched over the saddle in an aerodynamic position that allows the horse complete freedom of movement.
• Key Benefit: Racing saddles are small and lightweight, allowing the horse to travel at high speeds with little interference. Rather than sitting on the saddle, the jockey hovers above it perched on very short stirrups!
• Drawback: Racing saddles are only suitable for racing, providing little support for the rider and little protection for the horse. Racing saddles also exert considerable pressure on the horse’s withers, which could cause discomfort and loss of performance.

Polo

• Description: A polo saddle is very similar to an all-purpose saddle, although it tends to be lighter and has a higher pommel and lower cantle. The padding under a polo saddle is also wider, helping the saddle grip the horse more securely.
• Purpose: Designed for polo, the polo saddle has a high pommel to give the rider extra security when swinging for the ball and a lower cantle so they can lean further back. There are no knee rolls as these would restrict the rider’s movements.
• Key Benefit: A polo saddle will optimize your performance and withstand the rough and tumble activities required on the polo field.
• Drawback: Polo saddles are designed specifically for polo and will likely not perform well in any other discipline.

Sidesaddle

• Description: Unlike other English saddles, the side saddle has two pommels, each of which supports one of the rider’s legs. Both the rider’s legs are positioned on the left side of the horse, with the left leg in the same position as it would be were the rider astride a normal saddle.
• Purpose: Traditionally, the side saddle was designed for women wearing skirts or dresses to ride horses in fine clothing. These days, some people choose to ride side saddle simply for the fun of it.
• Key Benefit: Using a sidesaddle, you sit higher off the horse, so you could continue riding a horse that normally might be viewed as a bit small for you. A sidesaddle may also improve your balance and posture, and prevent you from getting ahead of your horse when jumping.
• Drawback: It can be a lot harder to dismount from a side saddle in an emergency.

Read more: 17 Different Types of Saddles (When to Use Which One)

Shoeing a horse with thrush and navicular disease. I'll also put on snow pads to make him more comfortable.

S&S Horseshoeing - Maverick Vet Service

by Natalie Gasper

The Great Boot Height Dilemma If you’re anything like me, you’re always checking out other riders’ footwear in the barn aisle. After all, boots are a key component of a good ride, which means it’s important to choose the best pair. But how do you choose between a short boot and a tall boot?

Riding boots come in a range of heights, from short boots to tall boots. Short boots are generally ankle height and tall boots usually go to the knee. For Western riders, there’s a convenient mid-boot option that comes to about mid-calf. Many riders will wear different boots for practice than for show.

While both short and tall boots are appropriate for riding, many riders prefer the stability and protection of a tall boot.

Boot height definitions vary somewhat between English and Western riding disciplines. In general, a short boot is no taller than mid-calf, more commonly ankle height. Tall boots are mid-calf and taller (though they often hit just below the knee).

When to Wear What

English riding boots are most broadly separated into short boots (paddock and some muck boots) and tall boots.

Practice

When schooling, many riders may opt for a paddock boot and a pair of half chaps. More advanced riders may school in a leisure pair of tall boots. And some riders will hop on in a pair of muck boots (make sure they have a one-inch heel!).

Show

Shows almost always require a tall boot. At some of the lower levels, paddock boots with half chaps are acceptable.

Various Styles of English Boots

• Paddock boots (short)
• Tall boots (show)
• Tall boots (leisure)
• Muck boots (short or tall depending on type and season)

Tall & Short Western Riding Boots

Western boots have a wider range of heights, so it can be more challenging to find the right height. A pair that works great for chores may not be the right height for riding.

There are three main western boot heights.

Short (6” – 9” uppers)
Pros: Short boots, like Ropers, are a more recent design that also tends to have a lower heel. They are very comfortable for doing barn chores and the designs tend to feature flexible soles for improved fit.
Cons: The tops have a habit of getting stuck on the saddle’s fender, which can be annoying.

Mid (9” – 11” uppers)
Pros: Mid-height boots offer the best of both worlds, being equally suited for working and riding. The heels tend to be a bit lower than other styles, which makes being on your feet all day a breeze. Plus, the soles usually have treads and cushioning (anti-slip + comfort for the win).
Cons : These boots tend to be more affordable than other options, which means they can have a cheaper look. They’re also not as intricate in their designs as other boots.

Tall (12”+ uppers)
Pros: These boots are similar in many ways to mid-height boots. The heels tend to be higher, and riders often love the ankle and calf support & protection of these boots. Plus, at a higher price range, the designs tend to be stunning and the leather of great quality.
Cons: Depending on the exact height, tall boots may be too tall for showing (the taller the boot, the bulkier they tend to look under pants). Many of the taller boots (13”+) may be better suited as fashion boots than functional riding boots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are tall boots better for riding?
If you’re an active competitor in eventing, dressage, hunters, or jumpers, tall boots are worth the investment. Otherwise, a short boot (like a paddock boot) works just fine.

Q: How tall should riding boots be?
This really comes down to personal preference. For English riders, some love them tall and others prefer a shorter boot. For Western riders, you’ll want a slightly taller boot (10+ inches) to avoid stirrup and saddle issues.

Q: What are the benefits of tall boots?
Tall boots can prevent pinching or chaffing from the stirrup leathers, while providing extra protection (and extra warmth in the winter). Some riders feel tall boots keep their legs more stable.

Q: When should I get tall boots for riding?
Tall boots are expensive, so wait to invest in a pair until you’re moving up the levels or in a consistent show program.

Parting Thoughts

This age-old debate will likely never be settled, so don’t be afraid to experiment with boot height to figure out what works best for you.

This article originally appeared on Horse Rookie and is published here with permission.

You can read more interesting articles in our section on Tack & Farm.