Dressage in a jump saddle?? & new pony update

[daveismycat]

Firstly, I need to hear from you super duper riders who can cope with doing dressage in a jump saddle. I am spoilt with my older horse, despite not being very good at either, she has a jump and a dressage saddle. I love the position the dressage saddle helps put me into, but I simply don't feel brave/safe enough to hack out in it. I am in the process of getting a saddle for my new horse. Initially I've decided to get a saddle I can do flatwork, hacking and jumping in, and if she shows any talent for dressage invest in a dressage saddle at a later date. I tried some Barnsby saddles today and have narrowed it down to a Schockemohle Jump or a VSS GP, both of which fit her a treat and are very comfy but I can't decide which to go for.

My heart says go for the Schockemohle but my head is telling me the VSS GP is probably more of a practical choice for someone who probably wont ever do more than very low level BE/BS. Hmmmm...

Secondly, the bright orange pony is settling in well, although at times I wonder if I was mis-sold a donkey?!

We have been on some mini-excursions around the estate. I will be glad when they start exterminating the pheasants in at the weekend!!

Our flatwork is coming along slowly but surely. We can now trot in stretchy mode, although I did see her star on her face from between her ears the other day.

She loves polework and we might've accidently done our first very baby jumps at the weekend.

http://youtu.be/DHO4RF3f3_k
(We were meant to be trotting in and her baby canter made me giggle, ooops!)

All I can say is what she lacks in co-ordination she makes up for in enthusiasm.

A baby riding club flatwork clinic with Les Smith next week and a walk and trot test planned for the week after, all dependant on our reaction to going back in the trailer..!

 

[daveismycat]

sorry for MONSTER pics, no idea how resize

 

[Lolo]

She's so cute!

Al has a jumping saddle for both Bea and Reg, and no dressage saddle. She rides at about SJ length, and seems to do well out of it- usually 7s or the occasional 8 for her riding. With riding Bea, it's added security as well...

The goal is to eventually get a dressage saddle for each of them, but it's not exactly a rush to get it!

 

[applestroodle]

I use a jump saddle for everything!

 

[charlimouse]

Deleted

 

[Quadro]

I would go for a gp. My dr trainer thinks that my dr was being hindered by my jump saddle so was made to get a dr one! I used to have a horse that i would jump up to 1m40 in a gp with no ill effects so would go for that.
Q

 

[charlimouse]

Personally I would go for a jump saddle over a GP any day. I find GP's are no good for anything. Also if you are willing to invest in a dressage saddle at a later date (if she shows aptitude) what is the point in having a dressage saddle and a GP? Far better to have a dressage and a jumping! I have no more issues dressaging in a jump saddle than I do a GP (infact I think I prefere a jump saddle!).

New girl looks lovely!

 

[Kokopelli]

Always dressage in jump as our dressage saddle no longer fits. I used to ride in the gp but after some advice on here I found I looked better in jump.

 

[TarrSteps]

I'd also say go with the jump, especially if you love it. A VSS is going to be jumping oriented so won't help your dressage position but will likely not be forward cut enough to help your leg xc.

 

[KatB]

Definitely a jump saddle. Madam has only ever had a single flap jump saddle which I do everything in. I have just purchased a Dr. Saddle cheaply as it will be helpuful, but is definitely not a necessity!

 

[Javabb94]

I use a jump saddle on both of mine for everything - firstly I wouldn't fit on a GP saddle with my legs and secondly I ride short anyway and find flatwork easier at a shorter length weirdly!?!

I would say go for the jump - my monoflap jump saddle puts me in a better position for dressage than any GP has!

 

[measles]

Agree with the others - I'd go for the jump. Delighted you are having so much fun already

 

[daveismycat]

Thanks for that.

The majority have helped me justify going with my heart. Quadro, I think you are bonkers jumping 1m40, but nonetheless, your position over a jump is so good I don't think you need the help that I do!

Will give the saddler a call later and give her the thumbs up to order me a Schockemohle.

And thanks Measles, yes, love her she's such a sweetie.

 

[ellie_e]

Jump saddle, I hate GP's personally. I have only just bought a dressage saddle so before that did everything in my jump

 

[First Time Mum]

Cant tell how tall you are but if you are long in the leg get a jump saddle as GP is useless for jumping when tall

 

[rowy]

I can't stand doing dressage in a jump saddle. All 3 of my horses only have a dressage saddle although I do only mainly dressage.
I did jump the other day in my dressage saddle on my youngster. It only has small knee rolls so I got away with it. A cheap jump saddle is on my wanted list for him though.

 

[ArcticFox]

Jump saddle!

I did Eden Valley BE this year in my jump saddle - I dropped my stirrups down a couple of holes and there was no mention of it causing any problems.

ETA - I don't think GP's do anything for jumping position. I know some people jump in them, but you cannot get your stirrups short enough and shorter stirrups mean better lower leg security. And I have seen so many riders using a GP saddle and it constantly hits them up the bum while they ride.

I also plan to get a jump saddle for the ginger one when he is backed

 

[TarrSteps]

The other qualifier is that at lower levels anyway, most horses/riders can get away reasonably with a less expensive, synthetic dressage saddle. While there are decent synthetic jumping saddles they are fewer and further between so more difficult to find a good fit. And since a good jumping saddle is a big part of staying safe, especially on a young horse, I feel there is much less leeway.