Why Women's Saddles are Essential for Female Riders

Women's saddles have unique features that are designed to accommodate the anatomical differences between men and women. In contrast, a man's saddle can cause discomfort, pain, and negatively impact performance if used by women. This article will delve into the differences between a man's and woman's horse saddle and explore Schleese Saddles as one of the best options for women.

Choosing A Woman’s Saddle

When it comes to horse saddles for women, there are several factors to consider, including the rider's body type and riding style, as well as the horse's conformation.

Twist Of Saddle

The part of the saddle that comes into contact with the upper inner thighs is known as the twist. The width of the twist of the saddle is affected by the distance between the upper inner thighs.

Due to the Qflexion phenomenon, whereby female thighs tend to angle outwards at the hip and inwards at the knee, women tend to carry more weight on their upper inner thighs than men.

Leg Position

When a woman sits on a male saddle that is too wide between her upper inner thighs, her leg is pushed forward, causing her knees and toes to point outwards at a 45-degree angle. This results in an awkward leg position that makes it difficult to achieve the desired straight line between the shoulders, hips, and heels.

Sitting on a female saddle allows women to point their toes forward while still having more upper leg support on the barrel or sides of the horse.

Stirrups

The length of a woman's upper leg is usually longer than her lower leg. This ratio determines the position and length of the stirrup bar. The stirrup bar acts as a fulcrum, while the stirrup leather serves as the pendulum.

When the stirrup bar is positioned normally, a woman's leg tends to fall too far forward due to the center of gravity.

Therefore, an extended stirrup bar or an extra-extended stirrup bar is necessary for women to hang their legs in the correct position. This allows the stirrup leathers to be positioned further back, resulting in a balanced leg position.

Men, on the other hand, often have equal leg lengths, so a regular stirrup bar length and position suffice.

Pelvis

The joint connecting women's hip bones to the pelvis is different from that of men. Female adult riders, particularly those who began riding later in life or do not ride frequently, may have difficulty keeping their legs straight due to this joint articulation causing their legs to angle out.

To address this issue, the angle of the flap and the position of the thigh roll may need to be adjusted in a female saddle. If the flap is too straight, the knee may come too close to the front, causing the leg to go over the flap while in motion. Forcing the leg back can push the pelvis forward, causing discomfort or back pain. Proper positioning of the flap is a small but significant factor in accommodating female anatomy in saddle design.

Measuring Mistakes

Many saddle fit mistakes occur during measurement of the width of the twist and the width of the seat. Whereas the twist is that area of the saddle which is actually located between your thighs, the width of the seat is determined by the space between the seam running along the outer edge of the seat.

In the male pelvis, the seat bones are much closer together and the distance between the two seat bones is much smaller. Therefore, he fits into the padded part of most saddles very comfortably.

Man’s Saddle vs Woman’s Saddle

The main difference between a man's and a woman's horse saddle is the way they are designed to accommodate the anatomical differences between men and women.

Specifically, women tend to have wider pelvic bones and a different riding position than men, so a woman's saddle is designed to address these differences and provide a more comfortable and effective riding experience.

A woman should not use a man's horse saddle because men and women have different anatomies, especially in the pelvic region.

Women tend to have wider pelvises than men, which can cause discomfort and pain if they ride in a saddle that is not designed to accommodate their anatomy.

A man's saddle is typically narrower and may have a different shape than a woman's saddle, which can cause pressure points and chafing on the woman's seat bones and pubic area.

Plus, the stirrup bars on a man's saddle are often positioned differently than those on a woman's saddle, which can affect the rider's balance and stability while riding.

Overall, using a man's horse saddle can negatively impact the rider's comfort, performance, and even health, so it is important for women to use a saddle that is specifically designed to fit their unique anatomy.

Here are some of the key differences:

Seat Size and Shape

Women's saddles typically have a wider seat than men's saddles to accommodate the wider hips and seat bones of women. The shape of the seat may also be different to provide more support and comfort for the female anatomy.

Stirrup Bar Position

The position of the stirrup bars on a woman's saddle is typically more forward than on a man's saddle. This accommodates the different riding position of women and allows them to maintain proper balance and posture.

Flap angle

The angle of the flap on a woman's saddle is typically more forward than on a man's saddle. This accommodates the natural angle of a woman's leg and allows her to maintain proper alignment with her horse.

Gullet Width

The gullet (the channel that runs down the center of the saddle) on a woman's saddle may be wider to accommodate the wider pelvic bones of women.

A woman's saddle is designed to provide a more comfortable and effective riding experience for women, while a man's saddle is designed to fit the anatomical differences of men.

Schleese Saddles For Women

Many riders consider Schleese Saddles the best woman’s saddle.

A Schleese saddle is a type of English saddle that is designed and manufactured by Schleese Saddlery, a Canadian company founded by Jochen Schleese in 1986. Schleese saddles are known for their innovative design and adjustability, which allows them to be customized to fit the individual horse and rider.

They are designed with the female anatomy in mind, and are intended to improve the comfort and performance of female riders by accommodating the wider pelvis and different riding position of women.

Schleese saddles are typically made with high-quality materials, such as top-grain leather, and are available in a variety of styles for different riding disciplines. They are often used by professional riders, as well as amateurs and recreational riders who are seeking a high-quality and comfortable saddle for themselves and their horse.

Types of Woman’s Western Saddles

Sadly, Schleese doesn't make a Western horse saddle. So here are some Western saddle types that may work well for women:

Dressage Saddles

These saddles have a deep seat and long flaps that allow the rider's leg to hang straight down. They are ideal for women with a long femur bone who need more support and a longer stirrup length.

Jumping Saddles

These saddles have a forward flap that allows the rider's leg to be positioned slightly more forward, which can be more comfortable for women with a shorter femur bone. They also tend to have a flatter seat, which can be easier on the hips and pelvis.

Endurance Saddles

These saddles are designed for long-distance riding and offer a lightweight and comfortable design.

They typically have a wider seat, which can be more comfortable for women.

Trail Saddles

These saddles are designed for comfort and durability for long trail rides. They tend to have a wider seat and offer more cushioning and support, which can be beneficial for women.

Ultimately, the best saddle for women will depend on their individual body type and riding preferences. It's always a good idea to work with a professional saddle fitter to find the right fit for both the rider and the horse.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right saddle is crucial for a comfortable and effective riding experience, especially for women with different anatomies than men. Factors such as the twist of the saddle, leg position, stirrups, and pelvis joint all play important roles in determining the fit of the saddle.

Women's saddles are specifically designed to address the anatomical differences between men and women, and provide a more comfortable and effective riding experience for women.

Brands such as Schleese Saddles are highly recommended by many riders due to their innovative designs and quality craftsmanship. Ultimately, investing in a proper woman's saddle can help improve your riding performance, prevent discomfort and pain, and promote overall well-being while riding.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.