| English saddles differ among themselves in several | | | | Some designs feature more padding in front of the |
| distinct ways. Primarily, the differences lay in the seat | | | | knee, much more than in a jumping saddle, said to |
| location and the flap shape and flap length. In disciplines | | | | assist the rider in keeping the knee down and thigh |
| like jumping where the rider needs shorter stirrups for | | | | back. However, there is usually little padding behind the |
| extra support, the flap is more forward and shorter to | | | | calf, as the rider needs to be able to freely move the |
| accommodate the bend of the knee. For the same | | | | lower leg around to give aids to the horse. |
| reason, the seat is positioned further back so that the | | | | The billets of most dressage saddles are very long, to |
| rider is not pushed ahead of the saddle when jumping | | | | allow the girth to be buckled near the horse's elbow |
| a fence. Additionally, padding in the seat and knee rolls | | | | rather than underneath the rider's leg (which would get |
| of a saddle will assist the hunt seat rider, but is not | | | | in the way of giving effective leg aids). |
| necessary in other English saddles. | | | | It is important that your saddle fit both you and your |
| Within the discipline of Dressage, the rider sits more | | | | horse. When you decide to select a Dressage saddle |
| upright and with a longer stirrup length than a hunt seat | | | | be sure you measure your horse from his hoof to his |
| rider because Dressage riders do not jump obstacles. | | | | withers and then from his withers to his croup. You will |
| Therefore, the saddle flap is longer and straighter | | | | need these measurements when you select your |
| down behind the horse's shoulder than a hunt saddle. | | | | saddle to be sure it fits. However, if you ride more than |
| The seat is closer to the horse's withers which helps | | | | one horse, it is not that practical to buy a different |
| keep the rider's center of gravity in the proper place. | | | | saddle for each one! You can try gel pads that will |
| The pommel is a bit higher and the deepest point of | | | | conform to your horse's shape to help your one |
| the seat is more forward as it allows for a longer leg | | | | saddle fit. Try to fit the saddle such that there is |
| position. | | | | sufficient room between the gullet and the horse's |
| The seat is usually much deeper in a Dressage saddle | | | | withers and spaced over the spine evenly. |
| than a jumping saddle, and allows the rider to | | | | You should also sit in several Dressage saddles to find |
| comfortably sit up in the saddle yet in a relaxed | | | | one that is most comfortable for you. Most often you |
| position to influence the horse. The padding of the | | | | can visit tack shops and sit in the Dressage saddle |
| panels is usually less than in a hunt saddle to permit a | | | | you may buy while it is on a saddle stand. Brands and |
| closer feel to the horse. It often has a wider bearing | | | | styles vary, so become familiar with them all before |
| surface than a jumping saddle as well. | | | | spending a lot of money! |