Does a dressage saddle make much difference?

HollyB66

HollyB66

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 October 2009
Messages
1,411
Location
Kent
Visit site
Okay, probably a really 'numpty' question, but I've never ridden on a dressage saddle, only a Wintec GP.

How much of a difference and what difference do you feel using a dressage saddle compared to a GP?

Just started some low level W&T and wondered if there is any point investing in a saddle for the dressage (other than not having to scrape the mud off from hacking the night before the test lol).

TIA :D
 
a dressage saddle puts you in the correct 'dressage position' i.e. longer legs, taller frame...thus in theory you have better 'conectivity' with your horse

i always ride in a dressage saddle; 1 i only do dressage, 2 i feel more comfortable and safer due to the deeper seat and longer stirrups....

unless you only want to do dressage i would say there is no point unless you get a very cheap one?
 
Yes!
The newer makes of saddle have the stirrup bar set back further than a GP, therefore pulling your leg back into a classic position. If you try to put your leg 'back and down' in a GP saddle, you will only manage it for a short while as the stirrup bar will pull your leg further forward. Once you get used to the feeling of the longer leg and deeper seat it will feel great. Wintec do a pretty good dressage saddle for not a fortune if you decide to give it a go. You won't look back. I have two horses and two dressage saddles & have done the lot in them!
 
thespanishmane said:
Yes!
The newer makes of saddle have the stirrup bar set back further than a GP, therefore pulling your leg back into a classic position. If you try to put your leg 'back and down' in a GP saddle, you will only manage it for a short while as the stirrup bar will pull your leg further forward. Once you get used to the feeling of the longer leg and deeper seat it will feel great. Wintec do a pretty good dressage saddle for not a fortune if you decide to give it a go. You won't look back. I have two horses and two dressage saddles & have done the lot in them!
Click to expand...

My GP is a Wintec and I love it, I was looking at cheapy Wintec dressage saddles on Ebay earlier today - nearly bid on one that went for £50, think I'll keep my eyes open for other bargains.

We've done loads of hacking, endurance rides, sponsored rides, 1 hunt, and the GP has served me well.

I'm now enjoying trying something different. I had a lesson before my first unaffiliated W&T a couple of weeks ago and we scored 63.9% (came 3rd lol), if it doesn't rain tomorrow I should be having another lesson, my next test is on 13th January, so we've got something to work towards.

I know my girl knows what to do, I just need to ask her correctly, that's why I wondered if having a dressage saddle would help my aids to be more clear, or whether it's just my technique.
 
hi..yes dressage saddles do make a difference as others have pointed out they generally put you in a more classical position and give you a feeling of security whilst being more connected obviously depending on the make and the seat depth etc and there are many variations...but also dressage saddles are designed so the horse can move his/her sholder more freely thus helping movement, i would firstly see how you get on with your dressage training and comps and if you decide its for you then i would definatley invest in a dressage saddle later on :)
 
It definately makes a difference.

My position is so different in my dressage saddle to my jumping saddle.

They each put me in the correct place what the decipline im doing.

Maybe at low level you could use a straighter cut gp like a vsd.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top