Dressage Saddle Agony

T

Tootsiepop

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Have decided I want to do some dressage because I'm going eventing in the spring and have changed from showjumping to new discipline ---- now I'm certainly no Anky but am a fairly decent rider on the flat but have always just ridden in my jumping saddle. Delema is that I have acquired a Jaguar dressage saddle - how on earth do people ride in dressage saddles - it hurts my hips, my knees keep wanting to jut out over the huge knee rolls - is this because I'm just riding too short or is it because at 5'2" im just a bit vertically challenged and my legs are not long enough. On the positive side it feels like it puts me in a very straight position. Any tips would be welcome - have I just got the wrong make of saddle?
Thanks
Toots
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Different saddles suit different sizes/types of build.

To get you sitting properly, first of all put your leggs right up so your knees are virtualy touching... lif your horse will tolerate it, put your leggs up in front of you, up the horses neck! Then, keep your pelvis in position and slowly put your legs down in to the correct position. You will have to THINK about getting them far enough back! This will give you a very good deep seat and good, long leg position. See how that feels!
 
You will probably find its the saddle, the majority don't get on with Jags (they suit a very specific shape & style of rider I think). I had one for a brief spell and did'nt get on with it at all. They go for good money on ebay even used though.
 
I would describe myself as short and a bit dumpy! Do you know what type I could try? My saddler does albions and I could trade one in - would they be worth trying?
 
the ideal jessicas are lovely to ride it (im also short and dumpy) they hold you in a lovely position and are like sitting on a sofa... I also have schooled for the last 4 yrs in a jump saddle but when i tried the ideal it was lovely and i got on with it really well. however it didnt work for my horse (boo hiss) so im still trying others (and saving up!).
What type of horse is it for?
 
Im 5'8" and get on really well with the Albions, but agree with the post above the Jessicas (and all the new Ideals) are lovely saddles and you could probably buy a brand new one for the used price of your Jag.

Best bet is to get the saddler out and give a few different ones a try and see what suits
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hmmm an ideal could work really well then... my mare IS very withery and has no shoulder and it shifted to the left... but a friend of mine has one on a ID type and its fab for him. I agree with lillie id have a saddler out and try a load.
 
I had the saddler drop round 8 dressage saddles and I was then able to ride in them for a week it is fascinating how much they alter your position as I can pretty much ride in any jumping saddle and find it does not effect me so much. With dressage saddles some tilted me back, some forwards, some my legs did not stretch etc.
Friend has a Kieffer and she is 5ft really likes it yet she did not get on with my saddle which fits me as I am 5'9.
 
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