Saddle Seat

While saddle Seat is an English style of riding, it is also a uniquely American style of riding used primarily on, American Saddlebred horses, Tennesse Walkers, Morgan and Arabians.

These horses are thrilling to watch; extremely elegant, classy, and stylish. This style of riding is about animation. It is about a high head carriage with an arched neck, and lots of "action" or high-stepping.

“Our next class is for gaited horses ridden saddle seat. Many people consider these animals to be the peacocks of the horse world.” The announcer said as the gate was opened.

“Hurry Caitlin,” Jessie said as she sprinted to a seat with Caitlin right behind her. They slid onto one of the bleachers, as the gate was opened. “Lady Kim is in this saddle seat class,” Jessie continued, “She is gorgeous, you won’t believe the way she moves. Her owner, Dawn, is a horsewoman and nice. I hope they win.”

The American Saddle Horses and Tennessee Walkers entered the ring at a walk, beautiful heads held proudly on long fine necks with sloping shoulders. Several times they circled the ring as the judge observed them.

“Rack on!” the announcer called. The high-stepping horses lengthened and quickened their strides, but still the knees came up improbably high in the four beat gait. Manes flew back, tails held high, streamed behind like banners.

Riders, leaning slightly back to keep their weight off the high stepping front legs, appeared motionless, cues imperceptible.

Caitlin sat spellbound as the horses passed at dizzying speed, yet each movement so precise. Front legs lifted so high that the knee was momentarily above the elbow. Then the hoof flashed downward, hardly seeming to hit the ground before it was again raised.

Caitlin saw Lady Kim coming towards her. Her ears back, head perpendicular to the ground, flecks of foam flying from her mouth to land on her shinning black coat now darkening with sweat. Her first lock of hair after the long bridle path had a burgundy ribbon in it. Her owner, Dawn, dressed in traditional black jodhpurs and coat, wore a matching burgundy tie at the collar of her white shirt. White gloved hands held the four reins of the full bridle, all of Dawn’s excitement passed like electricity through the reins to Kim. Lady Kim, eyes shinning, responded with all her heart.

“Go, Lady Kim! Go!” Yelled Jessie sitting beside the mesmerized Caitlin.

Lady Kim flicked an ear towards Jessie, catching her name in the roar of the crowd. Unbelievably she racked even faster, coming alongside and then passing a bay gelding.

Around the ring again and again the horses racked. Nostrils distended, reddened, as the horses sucked in air. Some horses still trying to pass the horse in front of them, others, spent by the grueling pace, slowed.

“Walk! Walk your horses please.” Called the announcer.

Horses slowed, Lady Kim flying by them, reluctant to respond to the pressure of the bit. Dawn telling her the race is over; there are still horses in front of me, she argued, shaking her head slightly left and right. “I know Kim, but you have passed them all, some twice. You have won the race, Kim. Now slow down.” Kim’s flashing legs slowed obeying Dawn, despite her own desires to lead the herd, an impossible task in a circle.

The horses walked the ring, the crowd quiet, it’s energy seemingly as depleted as the horses below them.

“Ring center! Please bring your mounts to the center of the ring.”

The riders turned inward and lined up. Dawn smiled at the boy on a Spotted Saddle Horse next to her.

“First place to Lady Kim ridden by Dawn Spain.” Kim stepped forward before Dawn could cue, her claiming her rightful spot as winner. The blue ribbon fluttered as the judge pinned it to her bridle. Dawn stroked Kim’s neck, proud of her gallant mare. With a slight loosening of the reins and pressure of her legs, Dawn said, “let’s show them girl.” Kim surged forward, racking around the ring as the crowd cheered, then they exited the gate.

“Wow! I didn’t know horses could move like that.” Caitlin said her eyes following Kim as she exited the ring.

“Saddle seat horses are beautiful to watch,” Jessie agreed, “but you need to go get ready. Your class will be coming up soon.”

Saddle Seat essay is from Olympic Gold.





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