Western Dressage Saddle: Complete Buying Guide and Types of Saddles
The doma vaquera saddle is a saddle with centuries of history in the Spanish equestrian tradition. Designed for livestock work and perfected for high school riding, it is very different from the English saddle in every respect.
Characteristics of the vaquera saddle
- High front and back pommels that wrap around the rider
- Greater seat depth
- Shorter stirrup leathers than in English saddles
- Greater weight: between 8 and 15 kg depending on material and decoration
- Generally made of leather with artisanal craftsmanship
Types of vaquera saddle
| Type | Use | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|
| Working saddle | Livestock farming, cattle herding | €400-800 |
| Doma vaquera saddle | Competition, high school riding | €800-2,500 |
| Leisure saddle | Trail riding, leisure, beginner | €300-600 |
| Rejoneador saddle | Bullfighting (highly specific) | €1,500-4,000 |
Differences between the vaquera saddle and the English saddle
The English saddle is designed for the active movement of the rider (jumping, light dressage). The vaquera seeks to secure the rider with less effort, ideal for long days working on horseback. The rider's posture also changes: in a vaquera saddle, one sits more "in" the saddle, with the back straighter.
