What is the difference between hunt-seat riding and saddle-seat riding?

Answer 1

Both hunt and saddleseat fall under the umbrella of English riding styles.

Hunt style riding involves a more forward seat and a slightly different body position on the part of the rider. The knees are more relaxed, with the calf resting on the horse. The pelvis is tilted forward slightly and the rider's back is slightly arched. The hands are carried low, near the horse's withers. At shows, hunt riders typically wear beige or light colored breeches, knee-high boots, a dark coat, and black helmet. For a non-jumping class at a show, the horse is asked to carry his head relatively low. Hunt is the style of riding that jumpers use. This style is popular with many different breeds.

Saddleseat saddles are flatter than hunt saddles, and the rider sits more on their pockets (but not leaning back - just sitting up straight). The knees are kept flat on the saddle, while the lower leg stays away from the horse's sides when not being used for cues. Proper equitation form requires the rider's hands to be at least level with his elbows, but most people are sloppy and frequently hold their hands lower, though still higher than you would in hunt. Typical show attire is a suit with a long coat, vest, and bowler or fedora type hat. Horses are usually shown in a double bridle - that is, a bridle with two bits and two sets of reins, one for the curb and one for the snaffle. The horse is asked to carry his head high with his nose tucked back (how much depends on the breed). The horse is asked for very animated motion, driving from the rear and picking up his front feet as much as possible. There is no jumping in saddleseat. At most shows, most saddleseat classes are judged primarily on the horse. This style of riding is popular for Saddlebreds and gaited horses.

A third style of English riding is called dressage. This style is used only for flat work (no jumping), and I would describe it as a cross between hunt and saddleseat, in some respects. Dressage classes at shows typically involve a performing a pattern, or set routine of maneuvers. These are more complicated than what is asked for in hunter on the flat and saddleseat classes, which usually just involve rail work. An important aspect of dressage is the rider being able to communicate with the horse extremely well yet discreetly.

(Note: My background is primarily the U.S. Arabian show circuit, where I rode both saddleseat and hunt.)