There are many types of riding saddles out there. From simple leather models to more complex ones that have all kinds of bells and whistles. Western and English saddles are two popular types of equestrian tack that differ in terms of design and materials used. Whether you are a new rider or an old pro, it’s important to know what makes each type of saddle different from the others. A standard Western saddle is made with a leather seat, metal stirrups (which are adjustable for both size and angle), and a wooden or synthetic tree (the tree is the base of the saddle). An English saddle is made with a leather seat, wooden tree, and metal fittings (such as stirrups and girth).
Leather vs. synthetic leather
The main difference between a Western and English saddle is that Western saddles are made with leather while English ones are made with synthetic materials. Synthetic materials are synthetic substitutes for natural materials such as leather. Synthetic leather is usually made with polyester or other synthetic compounds that are less expensive than traditional leather. While synthetic materials are cheaper to make and maintain, leather is generally more durable. Western saddles are also made with different types of leather: English, Western, and hybrid. English and hybrid leather are both soft, suede-like materials. Western leather is a thicker and more durable type of leather. Hybrid leather is a combination of both suede and synthetic materials.
Stirrup bars vs. leg bars
Another main difference between Western and English saddles is the stirrup bars. English saddles have a raised center bar on the front of the saddle where the rider’s legs rest. This is called the stirrup bar because it holds the rider’s stirrups. Western saddles typically have a center bar on only the rear of the saddle. This is called the leg bar because it holds the rider’s leg. The stirrup bar makes it easier for the rider to climb into the saddle. It also provides a place for the rider to rest their legs when they are not in motion. The leg bar provides a place to rest the rider’s leg when they are in motion. The stirrup bar can provide a place for the rider to rest their legs when they are not in motion, but it is not as comfortable as a leg bar.
Composite wood vs. aluminum tree
Another difference between Western and English saddles is the type of wooden tree they are made out of. Western saddles have a wooden tree made out of cedar or redwood. English saddles have a wooden tree made out of aluminum. Aluminum trees are less expensive to make and easier to maintain than cedar or redwood trees. Western saddles also have steel stirrup trees. English saddles have iron stirrup trees. The iron stirrup tree is slightly less expensive than the steel tree. The iron tree is also lighter and more durable than the steel tree. The steel stirrup tree is the most common type of tree found in a Western saddle. Steerage trees are also used in Western saddles. The steerage tree is a type of tree that has been modified to allow the rider to shift their weight more naturally.
Wide and shallow seat vs. shallow and deep seat
The shape of the Western and English saddle seat is also different. An English saddle seat is wider and shallower than a Western saddle seat. An English saddle has a wide, shallow seat so the rider has plenty of room to sit comfortably. A Western saddle seat is narrower and deeper so the rider has more contact with the horse. A Western rider sits more forward on the horse than an English rider. The rider sits more forward on the horse so they can get a closer connection with the horse. The rider also sits more forward on the horse so they get a better view of the ground and animals around them.
Conclusion
There are many differences between Western and English saddles. Western saddles are made with leather, iron stirrup trees, and wooden or synthetic trees. English saddles are made with synthetic materials, steel stirrup trees, and wooden or aluminum trees. The rider sits differently on each type of saddle, which affects the way they ride. The different types of saddles are designed to accommodate the special needs of certain disciplines of riding.