The beginners guide to horse riding saddles

Types of Saddles Used in the UK

When choosing a saddle, it’s important to understand the main categories, as each is designed for a different riding style and purpose.

English Saddles

English saddles are the most common in the UK and are used across disciplines such as dressage, showjumping, and eventing. They are relatively lightweight and designed to allow close contact with the horse, helping the rider feel subtle movements.

Within this category, there is significant variation. Saddles differ in seat depth, flap shape, and overall design depending on their intended use. Understanding the parts of a saddle can help you identify what suits your riding style.

Western Saddles

Western saddles were developed for long days working cattle and are designed for comfort over extended periods. They distribute weight across a larger area of the horse’s back and include a horn at the front, which was traditionally used for roping.

Although less common in the UK, they are still used in specific disciplines and by riders interested in Western-style riding.

Side Saddles

Side saddles are a more traditional design, allowing the rider to sit with both legs on one side of the horse. While they are no longer widely used for everyday riding, they remain present in shows and specialist disciplines due to their historical significance.

Types of English Saddles Explained

Within the English category, different saddles are designed for specific riding activities, and understanding these differences helps you choose the right one. If you are unsure which type suits your horse, understanding how saddle fitting works is a good starting point.

General Purpose Saddle

The general purpose saddle is the most versatile option and is typically recommended for beginners. It allows the rider to practise both flatwork and jumping, making it suitable for lessons, leisure riding, and early competition. Read our beginner’s guide to saddles for more detail on getting started.

Dressage Saddle

A dressage saddle is designed for flatwork and precision. It has a deeper seat and longer, straighter flaps, encouraging a longer leg position and greater control when performing movements.

Jumping Saddle

Jumping saddles are built to support the rider when going over fences. They have a flatter seat and more forward-cut flaps, allowing the rider to adopt a shorter stirrup position and maintain balance during jumps. We stock Arena monoflap jump saddles if you are looking for a quality option.

Specialist Saddles

Other types, such as racing, endurance, polo, and showing saddles, are designed for very specific purposes. These are generally used by more experienced riders or within specialised disciplines, and are not usually required for beginners.

Choosing the Right Saddle for Your Needs

Selecting a saddle begins with understanding how you intend to ride. Your discipline, experience level, and your horse’s conformation and back anatomy all influence what will work best.

For most beginners, a general purpose saddle provides the flexibility needed to develop skills across different areas. As experience grows, riders often move towards more specialised saddles that support specific disciplines. Browse our saddle brands to explore options across different disciplines.

Leather vs Synthetic Saddles

One of the key decisions when buying a saddle is choosing between leather and synthetic materials. Our guide to saddle leather types covers this topic in depth.

Leather saddles are traditional and highly durable. Over time, they mould to both the horse and rider, creating a more personalised fit. However, they are heavier, more expensive, and require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.

Synthetic saddles, on the other hand, are lighter and easier to care for. They are often more affordable, making them a popular choice for beginners. Popular synthetic options include Wintec and Bates saddles, which we fit and supply. The trade-off is that they do not mould in the same way as leather and may not last as long.

Buying a New or Used Saddle

Another consideration is whether to buy new or second-hand. A new saddle offers longevity and the possibility of customisation, but it often comes at a higher price and may require a breaking-in period.

A used saddle can be much more affordable and may already be softened through previous use. However, it’s important to check carefully for wear, damage, or changes in shape that could affect fit. If you have a saddle you no longer need, find out more about our sell your saddle service.

How to Measure for a Saddle

Finding the correct saddle size involves measuring both the rider and the horse. For a full breakdown of the process, read our quick guide to proper saddle fitting.

For the rider, seat size is determined by measuring from the knee to the back of the seat while sitting upright. This measurement helps identify the correct saddle seat size needed for comfort and balance.

How to Measure a Horse for a Saddle

For the horse, the most important factor is the gullet width. This determines how the saddle fits over the spine and shoulders. Saddles are typically available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide fittings, and choosing the correct width ensures comfort and freedom of movement. It is also worth considering your horse’s body condition score, as changes in weight and muscle directly affect saddle fit.

Measuring your horse and saddle correctly is essential to achieving the right fit. However, accurate assessment goes beyond basic measurements. Our saddle fitting service ensures every aspect of fit is professionally evaluated.

How to Check Saddle Fit

A correctly fitted saddle should sit level on the horse’s back, with enough clearance over the withers and along the spine. It should not extend beyond the horse’s ribcage, and the panels should make even contact without creating pressure points.

When mounted, the rider should feel balanced and centred. The saddle should remain stable without excessive movement, allowing both horse and rider to move comfortably together. Learn more about how to spot signs of discomfort in your horse that may indicate a poor fit.

How to Put a Saddle on a Horse

Saddling a horse correctly is essential for safety and comfort. The process begins with grooming to remove dirt and ensure the coat lies flat. A saddle pad is then placed on the horse’s back and adjusted into position before the saddle is carefully lifted and set down.

Once positioned, the girth is attached and tightened gradually to avoid discomfort. Final adjustments ensure there are no folds in the pad and that the saddle sits evenly before riding. Understanding tree points and saddle structure can also help you position the saddle correctly.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Saddle

Choosing the right saddle is not just about preference, but about fit, function, and long-term welfare. A well-chosen saddle improves comfort, enhances performance, and builds confidence for both horse and rider.

Saddle fit is critical to your horse’s comfort and performance. A poorly fitting saddle can create pressure points, restrict movement, and lead to behavioural issues. There are 6 key reasons to have your saddle checked by a professional — if you notice any warning signs, it is important to act promptly.

By understanding saddle structure, types, and fitting principles, you can make an informed decision that supports safe and enjoyable riding from the very beginning.

Choosing the right saddle depends on your horse’s shape, discipline, and level of work. We work with a range of leading brands including GFS, Cavaletti, and Arena to help match you with the best option. Browse our saddle brands and fitting advice to explore suitable choices.

If you’re still unsure which saddle is right for your horse, a professional assessment can save time, money, and discomfort. Book a saddle fitting today or get in touch to discuss your requirements.