English vs. Western Saddles

English V.S. Western. Show jumper V.S. barrel racer. Equestrian V.S. cowboy.





The age old question stands, which is better? Well, lets just find out. First off the term English saddle encompasses several types, including those used for show jumping and hunt seat, dressage, saddle seat, racing, and polo. The same goes for the Western, with roping, barrel racing, trail, reining, and cutting saddles.Now, for starters, lets see why each was made. The English saddle design was molded in 18th century England when foxhunting became a popular sport. The saddles that they had been using with high pommels and cantles were too cumbersome for hunting, because if they were to witness the kill they had to keep up with the hounds. Which meant jumping over fences and hedges, running through creeks, and flying over ditches. To do all of this they needed a lighter, more flexible saddle that allowed the horse freedom of movement. The Western saddle was an invention of the American colonist. They were sometimes required to remain in the saddle for hours at a time. They would ride all day and sleep in the swags at night. The formal English saddles were very uncomfortable for this sort of use. The Western saddle has lower stirrups and a deeper seat. there was no "first" Western saddle, it was developed over time to better suit the pioneers.
As you can see each saddle was created for an entirely different use, Which means they are both used in entirely different ways today. They each have their pros and cons. For instance, you would have an extremely hard time roping a steer in an English saddle (duh), And a Western saddle would not only slow a horse down on the race track, the jockey would not have enough dextarity. So how could we possibly compare these two amazing saddles? What is there to compare? I think that if you want to be a jumper you need an English saddle, because a Western just can't do the job. But if you want to do team roping, a Western is a nesesity. So which is better? Neither. I think that both sides just need to start getting along and realize that both styles are beautiful! Now, you ask me, "Which do you perfer?", well to be honest I'll choose bare-back any day!


Next post hint. "I've never felt more free!" Can you guess what my next post will be? Be sure to coment;o)