A dressage saddle is a type of English saddle in which the rider sits in deep seats with flaps that are cut straight to help the rider stay closely connected to the horse. In dressage, close contact with the animal is important so that the rider can give the horse precise directions.

Although saddles may look similar to the untrained eye, there are different types of English saddles, each serving its own purpose. On the dressage saddle, the rider sits upright and the legs are kept fairly straight. The flags are longer on dressage saddles to accommodate this. In dressage, the knees have no need to go forward, so the rider can sit up straight and not worry about leaning towards the horse, like he might when jumping. The dressage saddles are placed towards the base of the animal's neck to keep the center of gravity. (The proper term for this area of the horse is the withers.)

Dressage take place at all levels, from beginner exhibitions to Olympic competitions. The point of dressage is to train the horse to respond to minimal commands as smoothly as possible. The more relaxed the animal seems, and the more effortless his movements are, the better the animal will be judged during the competition.

The United States Dressage Foundation divides riders into a series of classes, depending on their skill levels. Beginner dressage riders will get to know their animal, and both the rider and the animal will start becoming familiar with the commands. In the next stage, the rider will develop the purity of the animal's movements.