Imagine riding with such elegance that you and your horse look like you’re performing a graceful dance – that’s Saddle Seat, one of the most refined and beautiful riding styles you’ll ever see!
What IS Saddle Seat?
Saddle Seat is all about showing off your horse’s naturally high-stepping, animated gaits while you sit in perfect balance and control. Unlike jumping or eventing, there are no fences to jump – everything happens on the flat. The goal is to make your horse look absolutely spectacular!
Think of it this way: If dressage is like ballet, Saddle Seat is like a Broadway Show – flashy, exciting, and all about presentation!
What makes Saddle Seat special:
- Your horse moves with high, showy action – think high-stepping and elegant.
- You sit in a special flat saddle (called a cut-back saddle).
- Everything is polished and beautiful – presentation matters!
- It showcases horses with naturally flashy movement.
- You can compete in riding OR driving classes!
Where did Saddle Seat come from?
Saddle Seat originated in the United States and was designed to show off the natural gaits of horses like American Saddlebreds, Arabians, and Morgan horses. These breeds naturally have high-stepping, flashy movements, and Saddle Seat riding style was developed to let them show their stuff!
The riding position, where the rider sits farther back, helps the horse lift their front end higher and show off that spectacular front action. It’s not about making the horse do something unnatural; it’s about presenting their natural movement at its absolute best.
The special Saddle Seat… saddle!
The saddle used in Saddle Seat is completely different from other saddles you might have used:
- Flat seat: Unlike jumping saddles with deep seats, this saddle is very flat.
- Cut-back front: The front (pommel) is cut away.
- Longer stirrups: Your legs stretch more, creating an elegant line.
This special design lets your horse show off that spectacular high-stepping action while you stay perfectly balanced!
The Saddle Seat riding position
The riding position in Saddle Seat is quite different from what you might be used to in other English riding styles:
- Seat: Sit comfortably with your bottom well back.
- Legs: Longer stirrups with your knee on the stirrup leather, heels down.
- Hands: Held above the horse’s withers.
- Upper body: Elegant and upright.
- Movement: You don’t sit perfectly still – you flow with your horse’s movement.
The goal is to look elegant while giving your horse invisible signals. It looks effortless, but it takes practice!
The gaits: Three-gaited vs. Five-gaited
In Saddle Seat, horses compete in different gait divisions based on how many gaits they can perform:
Three-gaited division
Three-gaited horses perform the basic gaits that all horses can do:
- Walk: An energetic four-beat walk.
- Trot: A neat, two-beat trot with the horse driving forward off well-placed hocks. Very animated!
- Canter: Slow, rhythmic with three-beats.
Three-gaited horses often have their manes trimmed (called roached), which shows off their necks.
Five-gaited division
Five-gaited horses can do all three basic gaits PLUS two extra, spectacular gaits that are absolutely thrilling to watch:
- Walk, trot, canter: Same as three-gaited.
- Slow-gait: A slow and showy four-beat gait with lots of action!
- Rack: A true, smooth four-beat gait that’s spectacular to watch.
Five-gaited horses wear full, flowing manes (often with ribbons!) and tail extensions to look even more spectacular. They also wear special boots to protect their legs.
The four SANESA Saddle Seat divisions
SANESA offers four different ways to compete in Saddle Seat:
1. Pleasure Horse Performance
In this division, you’re showing off your horse, how well they move and their overall ‘wow’ factor. You can choose:
- Three-gaited: Walk, trot, canter.
- Five-gaited: Walk, trot, canter, slow-gait, rack.
- Show hack: A more hunter-style with a natural mane and tail.
- Western: Western tack and attire, jog and lope gaits.
2. Saddle Seat Equitation
In Equitation, YOU are being judged, not your horse! The judges look at:
- Your riding position and balance
- Your effective use of riding aids
- How neat you and your horse look
You’ll do rail work (riding as a group in both directions around the arena) and then an individual test pattern to show your specific skills, like backing up, riding without stirrups, figure eights and more!
3. In-Hand Utility
In this division, you lead your horse through a course with obstacles – no riding involved!
- Lead your horse through, around, and over obstacles.
- Can be done at walk only (Level 1) or walk and trot (Level 2).
- Great for beginners or younger riders.
4. Fine Harness Driving
Want to try something completely different? Drive a horse from a beautiful show buggy!
- You sit in a light, fancy two- or four-wheel buggy
- An assistant sits with you for safety
- Your horse performs at an animated trot and walk
The SANESA Saddle Seat levels
SANESA Saddle Seat has a level system from absolute beginner to advanced:
Level 0 (Lead Rein & Rising Stars): Someone leads your horse or supports you. Walk only or walk/trot. Perfect for building confidence!
Level 1: Walk and trot on your own! You’re riding independently now.
Level 2: Walk and trot with simple tests to show your skills.
Level 3: Add the halt and do basic tests. You’re getting good!
Level 4: Now you’re doing three-gaited or five-gaited work with individual performances!
Level 5: More advanced work and tests.
Level 7 (Elite): Top level! Requires qualification. You might even qualify for National Team trials!
What to wear – look the part!
Looking smart is part of Saddle Seat! Here are the basics:
For most levels:
- Riding boots or shoes with a heel.
- Jodhpurs or riding slacks.
- Long-sleeved shirt with a waistcoat or pullover and tie.
- Riding helmet (safety first!)
For Level 7:
- A smart three-piece riding suit or blazer.
- Very polished and professional!
For Show Hack and Western divisions, you’ll dress in those specific styles (more hunter-like for Show Hack, Western attire for Western).
A few important rules to know
- Maximum 4 classes per day: Your horse can only do four classes per day (for their welfare).
- Use the correct diagonal: When rising in the trot, you need to be on the correct diagonal.
- Correct leads: Canter on the correct lead for your direction.
- Keep gaits pure: No mixing gaits or pacing.
- Present yourself well: Polish matters! Clean tack, neat turnout, good grooming
Top tips for Saddle Seat success
- Start at the right level: Even if you’re experienced in other riding styles, Saddle Seat is different. Start simple!
- Get proper lessons: The position is unique, so you need good instruction.
- Practice invisible aids: Learn to give subtle signals that look effortless.
- Find your balance: The flat saddle feels different. Practice!
- Move with your horse: You should flow with the movement, not sit stiff.
- Master the basics: Perfect your diagonals, lead changes, and rein handling.
- Watch and learn: Go to shows and watch higher-level riders.
- Try all the divisions: In-Hand is great for confidence, Driving is fun, and both Performance and Equitation teach different skills.
- Be patient: Finding your balance in a flat saddle and learning the unique position takes time.
What makes a great Saddle Seat horse?
While all breeds can compete in SANESA Saddle Seat, certain horses really shine:
- Natural high action: Horses that naturally lift their legs high look spectacular.
- Good conformation: Long, elegant necks and balanced builds.
- Quality movement: Smooth, rhythmic gaits.
- Presence: That special ‘look at me!’ quality that makes them stand out.
Breeds like American Saddlebreds, Arabians, Morgans, and Tennessee Walking Horses are commonly seen in Saddle Seat because of their natural high action. But remember – all breeds are welcome in SANESA!
Why should you try Saddle Seat?
Saddle Seat is perfect for riders who:
- Love elegance and beautiful presentation.
- Want to showcase their horse’s natural beauty and movement.
- Enjoy precision and attention to detail.
- Like having options – you can ride OR drive!
- Appreciate the artistry of refined horsemanship.
- Have a horse with naturally flashy movement.
When you and your horse move together in perfect harmony, both looking absolutely gorgeous with your horse’s legs flashing high and your position perfect – there’s nothing quite like it! It’s like being in a horse show and a dance performance at the same time.
Ready to try Saddle Seat?
If Saddle Seat sounds exciting, here’s how to get started:
- Find a Saddle Seat instructor: The riding position is unique, so proper instruction is essential.
- Try a lesson on a school horse: Get a feel for the cut-back saddle and see if you enjoy the style.
- Start at Level 0 or 1: Build your foundation properly, even if you’re experienced in other styles.
- Try In-Hand Utility: It’s a great way to get comfortable with the show environment.
- Watch some shows: See what Saddle Seat looks like at different levels to get inspired!
- Be patient: Finding your balance and perfecting that elegant position takes practice.
Remember: Saddle Seat is all about the beauty of the partnership between horse and rider. It’s about showing your horse at their absolute best while looking elegant and in control. When you nail that perfect trot with your horse stepping high and your position just right – that’s pure magic!
For more information about SANESA Saddle Seat, visit www.sanesa.co.za.
