Table of contents:

What are the main types of horse riding disciplines?
What’s the difference between English and Western riding?
Which horse riding discipline is best for beginners?
What equipment is needed for different riding styles?
Can one saddle work for multiple horse riding disciplines?

Horse riding disciplines each come with their own unique style, history, and requirements—but they all share one thing in common: a strong connection between horse and rider. At Cavaletti Collection, we support every kind of rider, whether you’re schooling for dressage, hacking out for fun, or preparing for your first show jumping class. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular horse riding disciplines and explain how to choose the right gear to support you and your horse.

English Riding: The Foundation of Many Disciplines
English riding forms the base of many competitive and recreational disciplines in the UK. This style is known for its focus on balance, subtle cues, and a close-contact riding position. Within English riding, you’ll find:

Dressage:
A highly skilled form of riding that highlights the horse’s athleticism and the rider’s precision. It’s often described as ‘horse ballet’ and requires clear, invisible communication. Comfort and balance are key, so choosing a saddle like the Cavaletti Dressage Saddle ensures correct posture and connection.

Show Jumping:
This fast-paced event involves riding over a series of fences. It’s physically demanding and requires quick reactions, so both saddle design and security matter. A close-contact jump saddle supports a forward seat and agility, perfect for clearing fences.

Eventing:
A combination of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Riders often need versatile equipment or multiple saddles depending on the phase. For eventers looking for practicality and performance, we offer adjustable saddle options that can be fine-tuned to suit your horse’s development across disciplines.

Western Riding: Relaxed, Functional, and Rich in Tradition
Western riding has its roots in ranch work and is more commonly found in the US, but it’s becoming increasingly popular in the UK. It’s known for long reins, a deep seat, and relaxed gaits.

Reining and Western Pleasure:
Western disciplines often reward calm, responsive horses and riders who can control them with minimal cues. Saddles are heavier and more decorative, built for hours in the saddle. While we currently specialise in English tack, our adjustable trees and gullet systems offer a tailored fit that rivals even Western comfort.

Hacking and Leisure Riding: The Heart of Daily Horse Life
For many, horse riding is about connection, exploration, and peace of mind. Hacking, trail riding, or simply schooling at home all require a saddle that works with your horse’s shape and your own comfort.

The Cavaletti General Purpose Saddle is ideal here. Designed to adapt, it suits everything from light schooling to long hacks. Plus, with our saddle trial service, you can try it at home before committing.

Pony Club and Riding Schools: Where Young Riders Start Strong
Riding schools and Pony Club members need saddles that can grow with both horse and rider. Whether it's jumping, gymkhana games, or flatwork lessons, versatility is everything.

That’s why many instructors choose Cavaletti Collection’s adjustable saddles for their tack rooms. They're built to last, easy to maintain, and offer all the adjustability young riders need as they move between horse riding disciplines.

Which Saddle is Best for Each Horse Riding Discipline?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice depends on your riding goals, your horse’s shape, and how often you switch between activities. Luckily, many riders don’t need a completely new saddle for every single discipline. For example, a well-designed general-purpose or jump saddle can cover dressage schooling, light jumping, and hacking.

We’re here to help you figure that out. Visit our saddle fitting page to learn how our range adapts to suit both your horse’s conformation and your riding preferences.

At Cavaletti Collection, we’ve helped thousands of riders make the right call. Still unsure? Reach out to us directly and we’ll happily guide you through your options or walk you through a saddle trial to help you feel confident in your choice.

Your Riding Style Deserves the Right Support
Each of the main horse riding disciplines brings out something different in both horse and rider. Whether you’re refining your flatwork or heading out on a countryside hack, having the right saddle makes all the difference to your performance, comfort, and your horse’s wellbeing.

We’re proud to offer a collection that doesn’t just fit a type—it fits your horse and your way of riding. Our adjustable saddle range is designed for real horses and real riders, with styles that keep up with the demands of everyday life and evolving ambitions.

Explore our full selection or start with a trial saddle to find what feels right for you and your horse.

Ready to ride your way? Let’s find the perfect fit together.