Styles of Horse Saddles

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Whether for exhibition, recreation or work , saddlery is a very precise craft that has a saddle for every Horseback riding need. Double bridle Dressage saddles, treeless saddles, English saddles and western saddles are among the varieties that are found within the equestrian world. stirrup leathers Wherever you may find horses, you can find these saddle types, each serving a purpose.
The type traditionally used by the constantly working cattle rancher is the western saddle, the kind made legendary by its association with the American cowboy. The early horse trainers and cattle ranchers, the Spanish vaqueros, used the earliest of this saddle type. With its high arching pommel and cantle and its fixed stirrups, the western saddle also was distinct for having a horn, a front placed knob to which a rope could be tied that was lassoed around a cow or bull. stirrup irons The western saddle is used today in all manner of rodeo competitions such as roping and barrel racing.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the English saddle. This type is used in conjunction with the English riding style, one not limited to England but used in most Olympic and equestrian competitions. The English saddle is lighter than the western version with no horn and detachable stirrups should the rider fall. This saddle is designed to allow the horse the greatest amount of freedom to jump and run across rugged country, such as was required with fox hunting. Today, English saddles are used variously in show jumping, polo, horseracing, and dressage.
Other saddle types include dressage saddles and treeless saddles. Translated as “training”, dressage is a discipline that demonstrates the efficient yet seemingly effortless movement of the horse through exercises. Lightweight and simple, dressage saddles have straight cut side flaps and a deep seat. Riders thus have very close contact with the horse and are able to cue its movements exactly. Another saddle that allows for close contact is called a treeless saddle, made from fiberglass and leather. They are sometimes called bareback pads, and they are meant for horses with a wide back, also allowing close contact with the horse.
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