Western Dressage Saddle: Complete Buying Guide and Types of Saddles
The Doma Vaquera saddle is a saddle with centuries of history in Spanish equestrian tradition. Designed for cattle work and perfected for high school dressage, it is very different from the English saddle in all aspects.
Characteristics of the Vaquera saddle
- High front and rear cantles that enclose the rider
- Greater seat depth
- Shorter stirrup leathers than English saddles
- Greater weight: between 8 and 15 kg depending on material and decoration
- Generally made of leather with artisanal craftsmanship
Types of Vaquera saddles
| Type | Use | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|
| Work saddle | Ranching, cow sorting and felling | 400-800€ |
| Doma Vaquera saddle | Competition, high school dressage | 800-2,500€ |
| Trail saddle | Trail riding, leisure, beginners | 300-600€ |
| Rejoneador saddle | Bullfighting on horseback (very specific) | 1,500-4,000€ |
Differences between Vaquera saddle and English saddle
The English saddle is designed for active rider movement (jumping, light dressage). The Vaquera saddle aims to secure the rider with less effort, ideal for long days of work on horseback. The rider's posture also changes: in a Vaquera saddle, the rider sits more "in" the saddle, with a straighter back.
