Tips for Selecting the Perfect Saddle for Western Dressage

Finding the right western dressage saddle for your horse is crucial for any horse owner looking to advance in their training journey. A proper fit will not only enhance your riding experience but also increase your horse’s comfort and performance. Western dressage is a fairly new discipline and, therefore, there's not a whole lot of good information out there on this subject!

As a rider who started riding western in Nebraska many, many years ago, I can attest that understanding the details involved in saddle selection can lead to a better fit, ensuring comfort and happiness for you and your horse. Let's discuss!

Understanding Saddle Anatomy

To choose the right saddle, it's essential to know its basic components.

Western saddle build will also vary depending on what discipline or function the saddle was designed for.

Much like english saddles will vary in their build or design (a jumping saddle will have a flatter seat and a more forward flap to aid the rider's position over fences, while a dressage saddle will have a straighter flap and a deeper seat to help facilitate the rider's position), different types of western saddles are also designed with different features to help both the horse and rider be comfortable and efficient in different jobs.

Types of Western Saddles

• Trail saddles are lightweight with a padded seat for extra comfort while riding. These saddles are the most versatile, as they are also offered in many different combinations with different trees, horns, swells, seats, and skirt styles. The trail saddle is typically used in conjunction with a breast collar to keep the saddle aligned while going up steep hills.

• Reining saddles allow the horse and rider to communicate with each other through subtle cues. These close-contact saddles ensure the horse and rider can communicate using quiet movements from the rider's legs to the horse's sides. This type of saddle features a lower horn and pommel with a flatter seat that does not impede the reins or any body cues. These saddles will have butterfly skirts or cut-out skirts and they utilize in-skirt riggings. Reining saddles often have accents of fancy tooling or conchos for a personal touch.

• Cutting saddles will have a tall, thin horn that gives the rider an easy spot to hold onto when working cattle. The horn is meant to be grasped by only your hand and isn't built to withstand any heavy work; if this type of saddle is used for heavy work, you will risk breaking the horn off. The cutting saddle will also have a back cinch, slim stirrups, a low cantle, wide swells, and a long, flat seat. They typically feature skirts and fenders that are free swinging and forward hung, and are made of roughout leather to provide a better grip for the rider. Cutting riders need to be able to move with their horse's quick lateral movements, so having a well-balanced saddle is key. These saddles also have double riggings for more connection points.

• Roping saddles are specifically designed for use in roping events, such as team roping. A rider will typically chase a calf or steer at a fast speed and dally (wrap and anchor) their rope to the saddle horn once caught. Because of the need to dally, roping saddles must have a stronger tree and horn, making them much heavier than barrel or cutting saddles. The horn on a roping saddle will be strong enough to withstand anything that's tied to it. The added weight also comes from the reinforced rigging attached to the tree, providing a more secure attachment. Roping saddles typically have roughout or suede seats to prevent the rider from sliding. The stirrups on the saddles are hung more forward than on other saddles, giving riders a secure seat whether they're going fast or stopping quickly. The roping saddle also features a low cantle and slick pommel, allowing the rider more movement and the ability to quickly dismount.

• Barrel saddles are designed to be lighter in weight and typically have a round skirt that uses less material to help achieve a quicker time when racing. These saddles feature deeper seats and a higher cantle to secure the rider when traveling at faster speeds and around tight turns. The horn is also designed thinner than your standard horn for the rider to easily grab. Barrel saddles have fenders that are free-swinging and not secured to the saddle, ensuring freedom of movement and better balance while riding. Barrel saddles often have extra "bling", such as conchos, bright colored leather, accented silver, and crystals!

So which type of western saddle is best for western dressage?

Honestly? The type you're most comfortable in!

Most folks that I've worked with find trail saddles suit their needs just fine. Reining saddles also work quite well. I personally ride western dressage in a barrel saddle. I love the smaller, deeper seat and the lighter weight. I wish the horn were a little shorter... but I do love the beautiful tooling, purple leather seat, and blingy accents, so I'm willing to compromise! Ha ha!

Assessing Your Horse's Build

Every horse has a distinctive body shape, which greatly impacts saddle fit.

Evaluate your horse's withers, shoulder width, and back length. A horse with high withers may benefit from a saddle featuring a more narrow tree or more pronounced gullet to provide ample clearance. Conversely, a wider-bodied horse often requires a flatter or wider tree for a balanced fit.

For example, many Thoroughbreds typically have a more narrow frame and higher withers which means they would benefit from a more narrow tree. Many warmbloods or draft crosses have broader backs and might require a wider design.

To ensure a great fit, consider creating a wither tracing or using a template that reflects your horse’s back shape, including shoulder width and wither height. A qualified professional saddle fitter can assist you with this!

Trying the Saddle

After assessing your horse's anatomy, it’s time for saddle hunting!

Always try the saddle on your horse before you buy it. Check how it sits on your horse’s back; it should not pinch the shoulders or rub against the withers. When you're in the saddle, observe your horse's behavior. If they seem restless, resist going forward, sweat excessively, or show signs of discomfort, you may have found a poor fit.

For example, if your horse is normally fairly "go-ey" with a good motor but is now sucked back and doesn't seem as willing to move freely, it’s a clear signal to the saddle may not be a good fit and you need consider alternatives. Make necessary adjustments and don’t hesitate to consult a professional saddle fitter for expert advice.

The sweat marks on your horse's back after you ride also provide hints as to how the saddle fits your horse. Even sweat marks usually indicate a balanced fit. Dry patches and uneven sweat marks can indicate pressure points or an overall poor fit.

Seat Size Matters

The comfort of the rider is just as important as that of the horse.

Choosing the right seat size correlates with your bum size and, more importantly, your leg length. A saddle that is too small can restrict your leg movement while one that is too large might prevent you from maintaining a proper riding position.

Typically, seat sizes in western-style saddles typically range from 14 to 17 inches, accommodating various riders. A rider who weighs 150 pounds and is 5’6” might find a seat size of 15 inches to be ideal, while someone weighing 200 pounds and standing 6 feet tall might be suited for an 16 or 17-inch seat. Always consult the manufacturer's sizing chart for specific guidance.

Material and Construction

Saddle materials can greatly affect durability and comfort.

Leather remains a traditional choice. It's known for its robust quality and lifespan, often lasting for decades with proper care. However, synthetic materials are increasingly popular due to their lower maintenance costs and lighter weight.

Consider how you ride, your local climate, and your personal preferences or physical abilities (some western saddles are incredibly heavy!) when selecting materials.

Look closely at craftsmanship, paying attention to stitching quality, padding thickness, and overall construction, as these factors often determine how well the saddle will perform in real riding conditions.

Saddle Pads

The significance of saddle pads in fitting should not be underestimated - especially in western saddles, where we have limited ways to adjust the saddle, itself.

Quality saddle pads provide added cushioning and help distribute the saddle’s pressure more evenly across your horse's back. This makes a big difference in your horse's comfort level during rides.

There are specialized pads, such as corrective pads designed to fill gaps or those made with extra cushioning for added comfort. Ensure that the pad you select complements your saddle for optimal performance, as a good pad can prevent soreness and improve your horse's disposition during rides.

We'll discuss western saddle pads more in a future post! Stay tuned!

Regular Checks and Professional Help

Once you've selected the right saddle, routine checks are vital.

Saddle fit can change over time or as your horse's shape alters. Conducting periodic evaluations ensures that the fit remains appropriate. Schedule annual consultations with a saddle fitter, especially after changes in your horse's training regimen or during growth spurts.

Research shows that horses with a well-fitted saddle can exhibit up to 30% improvement in performance and overall well-being, making regular assessments worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the ideal saddle for western dressage (or any western discipline, really!) involves understanding both your horse’s anatomy and your own riding preferences.

By carefully considering saddle anatomy, your horse's build, and necessary adjustments over time, you can discover a saddle that enhances your riding while ensuring comfort for your horse.

As you embark on this journey, remember that attention to detail and a bit of patience can greatly improve your connection with your equine partner.

Choosing the right western dressage saddle shapes not only your performance but also your horse’s health and happiness. Making informed choices will lead to a rewarding riding experience for both parties involved.

For more insight on selecting a quality saddle, check out this post and this post.

If you're unsure where to begin, I'd love to help!  Let's chat!  

I have many, many years of experience in this department. I also have a lengthy list of top notch saddle fitters all over the country!

Let's get you and your horse Dressed for Success!