| Ranch or Stock Saddle | | | | plenty of twists and turns when engaged in such an |
| When it comes to different types of saddles, the | | | | activity without interfering with the horse's maneuvers. |
| ranch or working style is a good place to start. This is | | | | The cutter saddle is economical and is also very |
| a true cowboy's tool which is sturdy, resilient and | | | | versatile. |
| heavyweight. The ranch saddle is meant for long hours | | | | Reining Saddle |
| of working with the cows and horses and features a | | | | A reining saddle is used in the competitive sporting |
| deep seat that is set as low as possible. | | | | event called reining whereby the rider and horse |
| Trail Saddle | | | | undergo a series of circles, sliding stops and spins. |
| Also sometimes called the pleasure saddle, this one is | | | | Reining is all about the horse and how strong, powerful |
| designed for enjoyable rides and is lightweight and | | | | and athletic he is. The saddle in this case is well |
| features comfortable padding of foam rubber or latex. | | | | balanced and level and designed to keep the riders |
| The trail variety carries a higher pommel and cantle to | | | | weight evenly distributed to aid the horse's |
| keep the rider secure in case the horse spooks. This | | | | performance. |
| type of saddle is the most popular of all saddles and | | | | Barrel Racing Saddle |
| as such comes in many different styles. | | | | The barrel racing saddle is the smallest and lightest |
| Roping Saddle | | | | weight of all the saddles and it is meant for speed. |
| The roping saddle is designed for hard use when it | | | | This type has a horn that is tall and narrow for all of |
| comes to roping in cattle. This type demands a lot and | | | | the fast sprints and hard turns that are to come and |
| therefore is one of the sturdiness of all of the types | | | | the last sprint to the finish. This one has a flat seat and |
| needing a strong horn and tree to withstand the pull of | | | | is often used for other types of events such as pole |
| the rope. Tradition had trees being hand carved, but | | | | bending. |
| now bonded plywood laminates are preferred. | | | | These are Western types of saddles, if you prefer |
| Cutting Saddle | | | | there are English and All Purpose Saddle packages |
| A cutting saddle is needed when the rider is attempting | | | | available which will include the tack necessary to |
| to "cut" a cow, calf or steer away from the herd. This | | | | prepare you and your horse for a very pleasurable |
| type is created to keep the rider balanced with a high | | | | ride. |
| pommel and flat seat as he will need to adjust to | | | | |