English saddles served a purpose.
Fox hunting became popular in England after the Civil War and inspired a new style of riding which needed a new type of saddle.
Because free movement was needed, a new saddle style was born that allowed both rider and horse, more movement.
Before English saddles were designed, most had a high pommel that got in the way when leaning forward during a jump. That style is still widely used in Eastern Europe and the United States.
Saddles with high pommels were cumbersome and weighed more which got in the way of good jumping for both horse and rider when hunting fox through rugged terrain.