Gembo
Well-Known Member
ive been told by my dressage instructor i need to get a dressage saddle so have just bought one. just wondering to who has a dressage saddle and does it help ?
do dressage saddles help?
- Thread starter Gembo
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chestnut cob
Well-Known Member
If you get the right one! I had a Harry Dabbs Elegant a couple of years ago - both me and the horse hated it. Was bullied into buying it my the saddler I used at the time. I couldn't ride in it!
I've now got an Ideal Jessica which I love and horse also likes. Took me a little while to get used to it as I'd had a jumping saddle before but I feel that it really helps my position. Horse can move his shoulders better and goes well in it. I also bought a Thorowgood T4, just to have a cheap GP saddle for hacking and maybe a bit of hunting - I HATE it with a passion! After the Jessica I feel like I'm sitting on the loo and it does nothing at all for my position.
I've now got an Ideal Jessica which I love and horse also likes. Took me a little while to get used to it as I'd had a jumping saddle before but I feel that it really helps my position. Horse can move his shoulders better and goes well in it. I also bought a Thorowgood T4, just to have a cheap GP saddle for hacking and maybe a bit of hunting - I HATE it with a passion! After the Jessica I feel like I'm sitting on the loo and it does nothing at all for my position.
catkin
Well-Known Member
would agree with the poster above - it has to be the right saddle for both of you.
Having said that I like straight cut saddles very much - though it could be because I'm very used to them.
Try lots before you make a decision, what suits one partnership will not suit another.
Having said that I like straight cut saddles very much - though it could be because I'm very used to them.
Try lots before you make a decision, what suits one partnership will not suit another.
dressagelove
Well-Known Member
Yes! It helps hold (guide if you like) your leg and seat in a more classical position 
Beatrice5
Well-Known Member
Yes if it's the right saddle for you and the horse so you need a good fitter with a wide range of saddles to try.
Straighter cut so should if fitted properly free up the horses shoulder and help you achieve a better position.
Straighter cut so should if fitted properly free up the horses shoulder and help you achieve a better position.
nikCscott
Well-Known Member
Yes but it depends on the combination.
I've ridden a friends horse in a dressage saddle and hated it- i was so insecure in my seat, but I have since tried same saddle on my horse and bought it and i adore it and we are finally started getting somewhere with our canter as i sit so much deeper in it than the GP.
Get a good saddler and try lots
I've ridden a friends horse in a dressage saddle and hated it- i was so insecure in my seat, but I have since tried same saddle on my horse and bought it and i adore it and we are finally started getting somewhere with our canter as i sit so much deeper in it than the GP.
Get a good saddler and try lots
thespanishmane
Well-Known Member
It depends what you are trying to achieve. There are many 'dressage' saddles out there, but will not make one jot of difference to your position. It goes without saying that it must fit the horse.
Firstly many older (and some new) dressage saddles are made on the same trees as a GP saddle, but with straighter flaps. This does nothing for you. The reason being is that the stirrup bars will be in the same place, pulling your leg into a more forward position (fine for GP/Jumping saddles where a shorter stirrup and 'out of the saddle' position is required)
A decent dressage saddle will have the stirrup bars set at further back, enabling you to have a longer and more controlled leg position, enabling you sit more upright and central in the saddle - this takes away the old problem of being told 'legs back and down' you are fighting against gravity in a GP as your leg will automaticaly swing forward, and you will be desperate to obtain the 'correct position' by force!
Decent dressage saddles do not have huge thigh blocks - you may be told that these will keep you in place - yes, but what place? the one that has been set for you no matter what size your legs! (it also hurts like hell if a horse has a spook - groin strain possible as you are so fixed!)
Don't be led by the latest 'star rider' fashion - after all they are paid to endorse the saddles (mostly). Just try as many as you can, that fit the horse. You will soon know which one is right for you - it feels great. If you feel like you are slipping and sliding, dont buy it - if you feel like you are rattling around in it, don't buy it!
Best of luck in your search!
Firstly many older (and some new) dressage saddles are made on the same trees as a GP saddle, but with straighter flaps. This does nothing for you. The reason being is that the stirrup bars will be in the same place, pulling your leg into a more forward position (fine for GP/Jumping saddles where a shorter stirrup and 'out of the saddle' position is required)
A decent dressage saddle will have the stirrup bars set at further back, enabling you to have a longer and more controlled leg position, enabling you sit more upright and central in the saddle - this takes away the old problem of being told 'legs back and down' you are fighting against gravity in a GP as your leg will automaticaly swing forward, and you will be desperate to obtain the 'correct position' by force!
Decent dressage saddles do not have huge thigh blocks - you may be told that these will keep you in place - yes, but what place? the one that has been set for you no matter what size your legs! (it also hurts like hell if a horse has a spook - groin strain possible as you are so fixed!)
Don't be led by the latest 'star rider' fashion - after all they are paid to endorse the saddles (mostly). Just try as many as you can, that fit the horse. You will soon know which one is right for you - it feels great. If you feel like you are slipping and sliding, dont buy it - if you feel like you are rattling around in it, don't buy it!
Best of luck in your search!
king_of_diamonds
Well-Known Member
I just bought the Stubben Romanus Dressage saddle and I'd say it does help.
As a previous poster said, it helps 'guide' you into the classical position. The Romanus fits me well, as well as the horse, but previously I was using a Wintec 500 dressage (which I sold today, yay!) and it just didn't fit me, makes the Stubben feel like a royal throne for my position!
As a previous poster said, it helps 'guide' you into the classical position. The Romanus fits me well, as well as the horse, but previously I was using a Wintec 500 dressage (which I sold today, yay!) and it just didn't fit me, makes the Stubben feel like a royal throne for my position!
Madam Min
Well-Known Member
I've just got a Thorowgood Fairfax dressage saddle and feel it has really benefitted my position as I've always had a bit of an issue with my seat. It also helped that it was the best fit/style for my mare so think the combination together has helped.
thespanishmane
Well-Known Member
oh boy! just laughed out loud at 'sitting on the loo'. I SO know how that feels! - I had a Falcon VSD and it was like sitting on a pane of glass - hard and slippy!