Throughout the ages, saddles have been designed, re-designed and modernised to fit the ever changing demands of horse riders across the world. Over time, saddler's and leather workers have taken into account that comfort, practicality and quality are important factors and from Dressage to Endurance, there are now a myriad of saddles to suit every possible discipline within the equine fraternity.

Saddles are generally split primarily into two groups, English saddles and Western Saddles. These groups then contain specific types of saddles for different disciplines. Alongside these groups, are also individual saddles such as Military Saddles and Police Saddles, these saddles have changed cosmetically over time but their use remains the same.

Here I have listed the most widely used types of saddles available today...

English Saddles and their types:

~ All Purpose or Eventing Saddle: Also called a 'General Purpose Saddle' was designed to allow riders to use one saddle for jumping and flat work. This saddle has a deep seat with a long, but somewhat forward seat and is commonly seen in amateur or low-level junior competition. The cheaper 'all-purpose' models are often marketed as beginner's saddles whilst the more expensive models are labelled eventing saddles. The All Purpose Saddle, is the most commonly used saddle by the general horse riding community, and the most popular purchase by novice riders and for children.

~ The Jumping Saddle: Sometimes called a 'close contact' or 'forward seat' saddle, the jumping saddle is designed for showjumping, hunt seat equitation, foxhunting and the cross-country and stadium phases of eventing. The pommel and cantle are low, so as not to interfere with the riders jumping position, and its most distinctive feature is a forward-cut flap, that allows for a shorter stirrup length. The Jumping Saddle is mainly used by those that participate in the above areas of equine riding, but has been known to be used for everyday use.

~ Racing Saddle: The racing saddle on a whole, is designed to be as lightweight as possible, and not to interfere with a horse while it is racing. The weight needed to be carried by the jockey in a race, determines the weight of the saddle to be used. Racing saddles can weigh as little as 8 ounces to 10 pounds, and the size and bulk of the saddle depends on whether it is to be used in Flat Racing, or National Hunt Racing. The general design of the saddle however, does not differ between Flat and National Hunt racing. The saddle has a long seat with a dip in it, and extremely forward flaps to accommodate the very short stirrup length needed for race riding and also has a flat pommel and cantle. The Racing Saddle is only used by professional jockeys or riders with a knowledge of riding racehorses, and is not recommended for the everyday rider.

~ Racing Exercise Saddle: The exercise saddles are used by stable staff within a racing yard, for everyday riding of a racehorse. These saddles are generally larger and heavier, with a more prominent pommel and cantle to provide more security for the exercise rider. The Racing Exercise Saddle is generally only used by riders with a knowledge of riding racehorses, and is not recommended for everyday use for the general riding community.

~ Sidesaddle: The sidesaddle, was used by women from the 14th through to the 19th centuries. Riding astride during this time period, was deemed to be shocking for a lady to be seen doing and was very much frowned upon. Today, the Sidesaddle is primarily used for exhibitions, shows and parades, although it is also used by riders with injuries that make it difficult to ride astride. The Sidesaddle has only one stirrup leather and two pommels known as 'the fixed' and 'the leaping horn'. Unfortunately, Sidesaddle riding is not that popular in current times as it is a discipline in itself, a skill that takes many years to master. The Sidesaddle is not a common saddle for everyday use, and only those wishing to learn the art of riding sidesaddle should use it.

~ Dressage Saddle: As riders must ride with a longer leg position in dressage, the saddle has a very straight-cut flap to accommodate for extra leg length. The seat is deeper, to allow the rider to sit relaxed and comfortably able to give leg aids to the horse. The Dressage Saddle is generally only used for the discipline it is named after, but has been seen to be used for everyday riding.

~ Endurance Saddle: Endurance riding comprises of riding over long distances, and rough terrain, sometimes for multiple days. For these reasons alone, the saddle needs to be provide comfort and balance for horse and rider. The seat is often padded or quilted, and the skirts of the saddle, are extended to provide more comfort for the horse. Originally based on the military saddle, the Endurance Saddle has been designed to be a lighter weight, and protective of the horses back. The Endurance Saddle has recently become favourable to use by pleasure riders.

~ Polo Saddle: Specifically designed for the mounted game, it has been designed to give the rider maximum freedom of movement. The saddle has a relatively flat seat, and there is very little or no padding underneath the riders leg, so as to allow the leg to move forward and back unrestricted. The Polo Saddle is only ever used for playing polo, and not a recommended buy unless you are learning to play the sport.

~ English Showing Saddle: The English Showing Saddle, is popular across the world for use on the flat and over low fences. The saddle is designed to show off a horses conformation, most notably the shoulder, and is therefore a close fitting saddle with a straight-cut flap. The seat is very flat and offers little support to the rider, and is only ever used for competition use. This saddle is not recommended for everyday use, but on occasions it has been seen to be used outside of the show ring.

Western Saddles and their types:

There are many western saddle types, factors such as height of the cantle, depth of the seat and placement of the stirrups influence the use of a given design. The most noticeable and recognised part of any Western Saddle is the horn. This is the part of the saddle that cowboy's have rope attached to, recognisable from the vast amount of films that portray a cowboy. A vast majority of Western Saddles look very similar cosmetically, but have been altered in subtle ways to fit their chosen use.

~ Penning & All Event Saddles: These saddles provide the rider with a comfortable and deep seat, so as to stay balanced when penning, roping and training. The horn and tree are built strong enough so as to rope with, the general use for these saddles are multi-purpose, and are designed to be comfortable for men and women alike.

~ Barrel Racing Saddle: These saddles have a much deeper seat than most of the Western saddles, to the help the rider stay balanced during hard turns and fast racing. The horn is taller and used to hold onto when turning fast. The Barrel Racing Saddles are purely used for competition and training use.

~ Cutting Saddle: Cutting is the process of separating a single cow, steer or calf from a herd, and requires an experienced rider and a talented horse. The saddle is lower in the seat to make it easier for the rider to stay centred and balanced. Typically only used for cutting, this saddle is not recommended for general use.

~ Western Endurance Saddle: These saddles were originally designed for endurance competition, but as with the English version, they are now becoming popular with pleasure riders. Sturdy in construction and light in weight, these saddles are fitted with ties and dee rings for securing accessories needed for a long distance ride.

~ Old Time Ranch Saddle: The Ranch Saddle has a higher pommel and cantle than other saddles, and is intended for long days out on the range. It is designed so the rider can balance easily and be able to ride in an relaxed position.

~ Western Plantation Saddle: This saddle combines many features of both English and Western saddles. The saddle has a deep seat with the sense of security from the Western influence, whilst retaining the closer contact influenced by the English saddles. This saddle is also becoming very popular with the general rider.

~ Western Pleasure Saddle: This saddle is lighter in weight, than most saddles intended for heavy jobs. The saddle is designed for comfort and stability, making this an ideal saddle for treks and general pleasure riding.

~ Western Ranch Saddle: This saddle is built to give the rider comfort, during long hours of riding. The saddle is strong and durable, for day after day of roping in all kinds of weather conditions. The seat is generally well shaped and deep, to give the rider the best possible comfort. This saddle is generally used as a working saddle.

~ Western Reining Saddle: The seat of the reining saddle, is shaped to allow the rider to roll their pelvis back, for making big stops. Theses saddles are not generally used by pleasure riders and are more for likely to be seen used in ranching or competitions.

~ Western Show/Equitation Saddle: These saddles are used for competition riding. The riders centre of balance is in the centre of the saddle, and the riding style could be likened to English dressage.

~ Western Show Saddle: These saddles are generally very ornate looking, to give off a classy impression. The seat is very balanced to help the rider achieve a proper riding posture, and the horn is usually lower so as not to interfere with the reins.

~ Roper Western Saddle: The Roper Saddle is a working saddle, strong in design to take the sudden movements of a steer at the end of a rope. The seat is deep, and the saddle is designed to ensure the rider can be aboard, balanced and ready to rope quickly.

Saddlery Production Information:

India is one of the largest saddlery producers in the world. The industry was set up in 19th century, primarily to cater for the needs of the police and the military, but initiatives were taken to develop the industry and it quickly thrived. The most prominent production centre for saddlery is in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, accounting for 95% of saddlery exports from India. There are many importers of Indian saddlery including, UK, USA, Japan, Australia and France.