| When I found myself suddenly needing a pony saddle, I | | | | course this saddle could also be used for hunt seat. |
| soon realized that they were not that easy to find. Not | | | | Close Contact |
| only that, but there were so many different kinds. I | | | | A close contact saddle is designed to be used for hunt |
| didn't know what to choose! I soon learned that that | | | | seat, which involves working the horse on the flat and |
| the type I chose depended on the type of riding we | | | | over fences. This saddle could also be used for show |
| would be doing with our pony. These different types | | | | jumping (jumpers). |
| of riding styles are called disciplines in horse lingo. I soon | | | | Dressage |
| found that there were two main types: English and | | | | A dressage saddle is designed to only be used for |
| Western saddles. Some of the English saddles were | | | | dressage or in the dressage phase of eventing. A |
| further categorized as all purpose, close contact | | | | dressage pony saddle is not designed for jumping. |
| dressage and leadline. | | | | Leadline |
| All Purpose | | | | A leadline saddle is designed for very young children |
| The all purpose saddle was designed to be used to | | | | who are being lead by someone else. They are used |
| both over fences and on the flat. Having one saddle | | | | in hunt seat shows in leadline classes. |
| that can be used for both is ideal for event riders, | | | | Western |
| because they do not have to changes saddles during | | | | Western saddles are designed for Western pleasure |
| each of the phases. The same saddle can be used | | | | riding and Western shows. They also work well for |
| for dressage, stadium jumping and cross country. Of | | | | those who like to do trail riding. |