126 A horse saddle question  

A saddle is a seat for the rider of an animal, usually a horse. A well-made saddle gives the horse rider the necessary support, security, and control over the animal. The saddle makes it possible for the rider to keep in balance with the horse by allowing him or her to sit over the horse's point of balance.

Modern saddles are mainly divided into two types: the light, flat English or Hungarian style used for sport and recreation, and the sturdy Western style used originally for cattle roping and now also for recreation.

Different style saddles, huh? Well, there's many.

Western Saddle, developed during the early 1800s in the United Sates for herding cattle. Has a medium pommel and cantle to allow comfort for riding long hours in and to hold the rider within the saddle. The horn upon the pommel was used for tying off rope when roping calves. These saddles use a cinch strap to secure the synch vai a knot.

Spanish Saddle, very similar to a western saddle, and may also be referred as a Mexican Saddle. The pommel and cantle of these saddles are very high.

English Saddle, used extensively in Europe and has been in existence far longer than the western saddle. The cantle and pommel are very low upon these saddles. These saddles are secured with buckles to the cinch.

Flat Saddle, something of a veriation of the English saddle, having very little pommel and no cantle. Commonly used for exercising race horses.

Jock Saddle, use for the sport of horse racing, essentially containing nothing more than the saddle tree, strap and stirrups, very very light in weigh. The saddle is secured onto a horse with a cinch and an overgirth.

Riding Pad, generally a heavy cloth pad with straps for stirrups and a cinch.

These are just the few I've been able to come up off the top of my head. There most likely others from different cultures of the world.