Western Saddle Styles

You need the right style of Western saddle to suit not only both the horse and rider but also the activity in which you plan to engage. Everyday work around a ranch calls for a different type of Western saddle than does show riding or barrel racing. Make the best start at choosing an appropriate Western saddle by understanding the different types of Western saddles and their intended uses.

  1. History

    • Western saddles evolved according to the needs of working cowboys in the Western part of the United States. Still later, they evolved further to accommodate the needs of competitive riding using the Western saddle, such as show riding and barrel racing, as described at the Saddle Zone website. As of the beginning of the second decade of the 21st century, Western saddles came in a variety of styles corresponding to different purposes.

    Working

    • Perhaps the primary category of Western saddles involves the working saddle. These Western saddles have a design geared to use in tasks around a ranch or range. In this category of saddle you will find ranch saddles, cutting saddles, reining saddles and roping saddles.

    Endurance

    • The endurance saddle is another example of a type of Western saddle. The endurance saddle has a small, lightweight seat and multiple strings to attach gear to provide comfort for an endurance ride. An endurance Western saddle may not have the horn that typifies most Western saddles, again for an economy of design useful in endurance riding.

    Show

    • The show category of Western saddle includes the style known specifically as a show Western saddle. It may also include such Western saddle styles as the barrel racing saddle. Show saddles often have a good deal of ornamentation and can be quite expensive.

    Multi-Purpose

    • In the multi-purpose category of Western saddles, you will find such saddles as the trail and pleasure saddle and the all-round Western saddle suitable to a variety of horse and rider activities.

    Training

    • The Western training saddle is useful in training situations. This type may have a saddle tree similar to a reining saddle. The design lends itself to better grip for the rider's legs and for multiple attachments for use in training a horse.

    Brands

    • Another way to categorize Western saddles involves classifying the saddles by manufacturer. Some Western saddleries include Alamo, Big Horn, High Horse, Professional's Choice, Rocking R, Saddlesmith, Tex Tan, Tucker and Dakota, as mentioned at the Horse Saddle Shop website.