Types of English Saddles

All Purpose English saddles are ideal for beginner competitions, pleasure riding and schooling. This saddle is popular with riders who show on the flat and in classes such as hunter over fences and hunter hack. The flaps on All Purpose saddles are more generously cut forward to enhance a rider's ability to jump. Unlike a dressage saddle, the billet straps on an All Purpose English saddle are shorter.

The Close Contact saddle is also called a Hunt Seat or Forward Seat saddle. They are designed for riders that participate in foxhunting, show jumping, hunt seat equitation, stadium, and cross-country events. Close Contact saddles feature generously cut flaps that curve to the front to allow for a shorter stirrup length, which accommodates the rider's legs while going over jumps. The seat on a Close Contact saddle is somewhat flat and their cantles and pommels are low, to prevent interference with the rider's jumping position.

Dressage saddles are designed to accommodate the longer leg position of riders who focus on flatwork and do not jump. Dressage saddles have deep seats, with straight-cut, long flaps. This design helps the rider sit deep in the saddle, which allows for clearer communication of seat aids. In most cases, the billets on dressage saddles are very long, which allows the girth to be buckled near the horse's elbow rather than underneath the rider's leg, further enhancing the communication with the horse.