If you’ve visited Licciardello Stables in Lutz, Florida, you’ve probably noticed that our horses move a little differently than the ones you might see at a typical riding school. That’s because we specialize in Saddle Seat — a distinctive riding discipline built around showing off a horse’s natural animation, elegance, and presence.

Here’s what new riders and horse-curious families should know before their first lesson.

What Makes Saddle Seat Different

Saddle Seat is an American riding discipline developed to highlight high-stepping, animated gaits in breeds like the American Saddlebred, Morgan, and Hackney — the very breeds we train and board here at our stables. Unlike hunt seat or western riding, where the focus is often on the rider blending into the horse’s movement, Saddle Seat riders sit slightly behind the horse’s center of motion, with a longer rein and an upright, elegant posture that lets the horse’s gaits truly shine.

The result is a striking, “look-at-me” style of riding — flashy, poised, and a joy to watch in the show ring.

The Gaits You’ll See

Depending on the horse, Saddle Seat riders may work with:

• Walk, trot, and canter — the foundational three gaits every rider learns first
• Slow gait and rack — additional gaits found in five-gaited Saddlebreds, prized for their smoothness and flash

Learning to recognize and ride each gait is a core part of our training program, and it’s part of what makes Saddle Seat so rewarding to master.

What a Beginner Lesson Looks Like

New riders don’t need any prior experience to start. A first lesson typically includes:

1. Groundwork basics — learning how to approach, groom, and lead a horse safely
2. Proper position — building the tall, upright Saddle Seat posture from the saddle up
3. Steering and stopping — the fundamentals of rein and leg communication
4. Walking and early trotting — getting comfortable with motion in the saddle

Our instructors match every new rider with a school horse suited to their experience level, so first-timers feel confident rather than overwhelmed.

Why Families Choose Saddle Seat

Saddle Seat is often described as an especially welcoming discipline for riders of all ages and body types, since the emphasis is on elegance and partnership with the horse rather than speed or jumping. It’s a wonderful way to build confidence, focus, and a genuine bond with a horse — one lesson at a time.

Ready to Try It?

Whether you’re a lifelong horse lover or your child just discovered a fascination with horses, Saddle Seat riding at Licciardello Stables is a great place to start. We offer lessons for all ages and skill levels on our 15-acre Lutz facility.