Saddle Seat

Saddle seat is a specialized riding style and type of horse used primarily for show competitions, originating in the United States. It emphasizes elegant, disciplined movements that highlight the horse’s natural carriage and gait, often with horses having a high-stepping, animated trot. Riders sit in a slightly elevated position, using a custom saddle that supports this posture, to showcase the horse’s action and beauty. This discipline is popular in youth and adult shows, and the horses are bred for their poised movement and distinctive appearance, making saddle seat a unique blend of equitation and presentation focused on style and grace.