Spanish and Portuguese horse saddles

This type of saddle is often used in special riding schools, performances, shows or for riding work with Iberian breeds such as the Andalusian or Lusitano.

What are Spanish and Portuguese saddles for?

Supporting the rider's balance: The saddle has a deep seat and often high front and back corners that keep the rider stable during the horse's various movements.

Contact with the horse: The rider has close contact with both the saddle and the thigh area, which allows for precise communication.

Protecting the horse's back: The right saddle distributes weight evenly and minimizes pressure points.

Elegant presentation: The saddle allows for a classic rider position suitable for performances and school dressage.

How Spanish and Portuguese saddles are used

Choosing the right size: The saddle must fit snugly on the horse's back and allow the rider to be in a comfortable position.

Saddle pad: A quality saddle pad, often with soft padding, is used under the saddle to absorb sweat and protect the horse.

Girth and breastplate: The saddle is fastened firmly, but not too tightly, so as not to restrict the horse's movement.

Position check: Before riding, check that the saddle does not pinch the withers or the back of the back and that it is stable when moving.

Maintenance: Leather saddles are cleaned regularly and treated with balm or oil to maintain flexibility and durability.

Types of Spanish and Portuguese saddles
1. Classic Spanish saddle (Silla Española)

Deep seat, high front corner (helps with dressage and school riding).
Advantages:3

Maximum rider stability

Allows precise control of the horse

Ideal for classical dressage and lunging

Disadvantages:

Less suitable for jumping

Requires an experienced rider

2. Portuguese saddle (Sela Portuguesa)

Deep seat with a gentler rise in the horns, often more robust construction.
Advantages:

Suitable for working with livestock

Comfortable for long rides

Stability in traditional Portuguese riding techniques
Disadvantages:

Heavier and less versatile for modern disciplines

Higher price of quality saddles

3. Show and parade saddles

Decorative saddles, often with rich leather decoration, made for shows and presentations.
Advantages:

Aesthetically attractive

Provides comfort to the rider when riding
Disadvantages:

Often less practical for everyday use

Heavy weight and maintenance

4. Modern Spanish-Portuguese saddles

Combine traditional design with ergonomic features for horse and rider comfort.
Advantages:3

Comfort for both horse and rider

Universal use for dressage and free riding

Slightly lowered front and rear corners increase flexibility

Disadvantages:

Higher price

Requires precise fit test on a specific horse

Advantages of Spanish and Portuguese saddles

Stable and safe for the rider

Precise contact and control of the horse

Elegant classic position suitable for school dressage

Even weight distribution reduces pressure points

Traditional aesthetics and decoration

Disadvantages and risks

Less suitable for jumping or modern sports disciplines

Heavy weight and maintenance requirements

Requires an experienced rider for correct use

Incorrect fit can cause back pain or abrasions

How to choose the right Spanish or Portuguese saddle

Type of horse: Iberian saddles are best suited for Andalusian, Lusitano and similar breeds, but can fit other breeds if chosen correctly.

Seat size and depth: The rider should be comfortably seated with legs slightly bent, knees slightly locked.

Rider level: Beginners may need milder horns, experienced riders may choose traditional high horns for stability.

Material: Leather is traditional and aesthetic, synthetic versions are easier to maintain.

Maintenance: Regular cleaning, embalming or oiling to maintain suppleness and durability.

Saddle testing: Always try the saddle on a specific horse to verify comfort, stability and fit.

Tips for use

Always use a suitable saddle pad

Check the attachment of the crotch and breastplate

For longer rides, ensure even weight distribution

Clean the saddle after riding and treat the leather surface

Regularly check the saddle and the fit on the horse to prevent pressure points

Most common mistakes

Choosing the wrong size or shape of saddle

Insufficient maintenance and cleaning

Ignoring the horse's reactions

Incorrect attachment of the crotch

Spanish and Portuguese saddles are traditional Iberian saddles that provide stability, elegant position and precise contact with the horse, ideal for school dressage, cattle work and performances. The right choice of saddle takes into account the breed of horse, size, seat depth, rider level and purpose of use. Regular maintenance and checking the fit of the saddle are key to the longevity and comfort of both horse and rider.