Saddle seat is a style of horseback riding within the category of English riding that is designed to show off the high trotting action of certain horse breeds. The style developed into its modern form in the United States, and is also seen in Canada and South Africa. To a much lesser extent, it is ridden with American action horse breeds in Europe and Australia.

Gaits shown in Saddle Seat classes include the walk, trot, and canter. Some competitions may call for extended gaits, particularly the trot. In some cases, breeds that can perform five gaits add equitation classes that require two additional gaits: the "slow gait" and "rack." All classes require Rail work, where competitors show and are judged as a group going both ways of the arena. Saddle seat equitation may include individual tests or a pattern to be ridden. Tests may include backing up, mounting and dismounting, riding without stirrups, "addressing" the reins (i.e. picking up the four reins correctly), figure eights, serpentines and straight-line patterns done at any gait. At the canter, only simple changes of lead are required when changing directions. It is possible to have a "ride-off," where two or more riders are asked to perform additional work to determine the winner.

The goal of the Saddle seat riding style is to show off the horse's extravagant gaits, particularly the trot. All saddle seat riding is done on the flat (this means jumping is not involved).

The discipline SADDLE SEAT falls under the SAEC (South African Equestrian Council) and is associated with SANEF (South African National Equestrian Federation) and is managed by ESSASA (Equestrian Saddle Seat Association of South Africa).