English Saddles

English Saddles: Balance, Agility, and Direct Connection

An English saddle is built around close contact and clear communication. Unlike heavy Western tack, its lightweight frame, open seat, and streamlined flaps place you right over your horse’s center of gravity. This gives you a natural, athletic feel whether you’re jumping, working on flatwork, or enjoying a trail ride.

What Makes an English Saddle Different?

Close-Contact Feel: Thin flaps and low-profile panels put your leg right against your horse’s sides for subtle, instant aids.
Shoulder Freedom: An open, padded tree lets your horse stretch, bend, and lift over jumps without pinching.
Balanced Cushioning: Wool or foam panels absorb shock and distribute your weight evenly down the ribcage, keeping pressure off the spine.

Finding Your Style

Style	Design	Best For
All-Purpose (GP)	Medium seat with forward-curved flaps.	Daily riding, flatwork, lower jumps, and hacking.
Close Contact (Jump)	Flatter seat with forward, padded flaps for shorter stirrups.	Show jumping and eventing over fences.
Dressage	Deep seat with long, straight flaps for a long leg.	Precision flatwork, lateral moves, and deep balance.

Quick Fitting Tips

Wither Clearance: You should fit 2 to 3 fingers vertically under the pommel when girthed up.
Spine Protection: The gullet channel needs a clean, 3- to 4-finger width path down the entire spine.
Level Seat: The deepest part of the seat should sit flat in the center—not tipping back onto the loins or sliding onto the shoulders.
Unsure Which Style or Size You Need?

Getting the right tree width and seat size makes all the difference for you and your horse. Send our team a photo or a wither tracing, and we’ll match you with the right fit!