English saddles are different than Western saddles.

With a few differences in horse saddles today, it might be useful to understand why and where each style came from.

Designed for Cowboys spending most of the day on horse back, the Western saddle is great for walking and herding cattle across long distances on a horse that may walk, trot or run.

With obstacles to be jumped like fences and stream beds, English saddles are designed for quick moves and easy range of motion. This is not styled after long comfortable rides, but rather for shorter rides.

Originally made for fox hunting, the saddle is good for jumping and shorter rides.

Overall the English version is a much lighter and less bulky version of saddle than the Western type. It also offers a wider base in which the weight is even distributed over the horse’s back which helps alleviate fatiguee for the animal.