What Is the Difference Between a Gaited Horse Saddle & a Western Saddle?

Gaited saddles and western saddles are fairly similar in appearance. However, due to the way they are sized and cut, the gaited version serves a more custom fit to a horse that may have shoulder issues than a standard western saddle and how it is positioned. Particularly for those horses that experience rubbing in the shoulders that can cause discomfort, a gaited saddle provides a ready solution.

  1. Gaited Saddles

    • For horses that require more of a custom fit due to stronger hips and shoulders -- for instance, more muscle mass in those areas -- standard saddles can cause friction points. Gaited saddles are designed to overcome this problem by being designed and cut to sit lower on such horses' backs to reduce pressure on the animal's shoulder points.

    Western Saddles

    • Western saddles are an icon of the West. Being one of the largest horse saddles used, they are designed for maximum rider comfort for long riding. Western saddles are also noticeable by the large horn on the front used for stability, rope attachment or mounting.

    Sizing

    • General western saddles are not sized to a particular horse. They come in different sizes, but the owner won't know the exact fit on his horse until the saddle is tried out. Gaited saddles are custom fit to the horse on which they will be used, so the owner knows the saddle fits every time it is used.

    Other Types of Gaited Saddles

    • Gaited saddles are not restricted to just a Western saddle type design. They can be designed as English saddles, as well. The function is the same, however, allowing use of a proper-fitting saddle on a horse so the saddle surface doesn't rub against the shoulder points and hip areas.