Anyone use an Ideal "Jessica" saddle for Showing?

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ArtyLinz

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Been offered one at an amazing price for my new horse but it's a Dressage saddle rather than a Showing saddle. I will be doing County shows so wondered if anyone could give me a steer on whether it is suitable please?

Link to the saddle is here (the one I am looking at has no suede on it, it's all leather):
http://www.idealsaddle.com/catalogue/saddle/15

Some opinions from Showing folk would be lovely! Oh - he is a Small Riding Horse type.

Thanks SO much in advance.
 
I think at the higher levels it's not ideal (ha ha) - deep seat not liked by most judges, though I know this model is not as deep as some. The saddle also looks bulky, will not show off the topline in the same way as a showing saddle, and will stand out. You would probably want to change the girth straps to short ones as well, not a great cost, but something to be born in mind. If you don't it really will stand out at that level.
 
Thank you! I would definitely be having the girth straps changed, had thought about that one. Was just trying to imagine what it would look like without the long straps!!! Agreed on the depth of the seat, there is a slight knee roll too, but I would be using this saddle for everyday schooling and riding out too (I don't jump so one saddle does the trick!). Undecided now :(
 
If you want to show to that level I'd recommend a slightly deeper seated WH/showing saddle, there are models around, and the ones I fit are quite popular with my customers. Worth a try, you may find one that helps you just as much as a dressage saddle with your flat work.
 
Ideal saddles are a good choice, I agree that for showing the Jessica would be best left but look at the show saddles on the Ideal site they would be ideal for your purpose and can often be found second hand in excellent condition.
 
Have a look on Horsequest, there are a fair amount on there, the Fyldes are very good and be worth looking at, there is a Ramsey on at the moment.
 
Fyldes are very minimal and purely showing, no rider support really, the Ramsay is only slightly more saddle. Something like the Derby House Samber might be better, and I fit for Native Pony & Cob Saddles who have a selection of models that might fit the bill.
 
I've just bought a gfs fieldhouse pro extra show saddle second hand and I love it, has a flatter seat, but wierdly I feel more secure in it than a normal gp. It is slightly smaller than I would normally like, but the seat padding is so comfy, and I can jump more easily on it too (again wierdly) than in a gp, considering it is so straight cut.
 
I do know someone who has a highland and she's in a Jessica. I have a ideal Josephine on my girlie. Ideal ramsey nice saddle but like the whp go up 0.5 of an inch.

Ideal do a good leaflet, have a look through and get some demo saddles out to look at. Demo saddle might be for sale now, worth asking!
 
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