Dressage saddle or Jumping when viewing a horse?

[Birker2020]

Another horse viewing question....

I've been to two viewings now and been asked both times if I want to see the horse in a jumping or dressage saddle. I opted for jumping both times because you can't jump a horse in a dressage saddle but you can do flat work and jump in a jumping saddle. But when you try a horse is it normal to try the horse in both saddles?

Do you think a horse will go just as well on the flat in a jumping saddle and is it more they way its ridden that makes a difference?.

I may be viewing a horse at the weekend and know I will get asked this question. I've always bought from a dealer before and they just have a 'GP one saddle fits all' type of affair.

Please, if you can't be kind then don't answer my question. Thank you.

 

[Velcrobum]

Actually you can jump in a dressage saddle if the knee blocks are not huge and it does not have a deep seat. I was doing an Eventer's challenge as part of a team and picked up the wrong saddle. Was not going to let my team-mates down so I dealt with it. Went clear so horse did not find it an impediment (he could be sensitive about the saddle on his back).

 

[ihatework]

I think you are over thinking this!
Some people have little interest in jumping and prefer to ride in a dressage saddle. But I agree if you want to jump then ride in the jump for both flat & jump.
Just answer the sellers question to suit yourself

 

[Muddy unicorn]

Can you try the horse in both? When we were looking for my daughter, if the horse had two saddles she'd do flat in the dressage saddle and jump in the jump saddle. Changing tack only takes a few minutes and bearing in mind that if we liked the horse, we could be handing over many thousands of pounds, it was in the seller's interest for the horse to be seen at its best.

 

[AFB]

I'd pick whatever I preferred riding in - for me it's always a jump. I don't think it really matters as there's not usually an option - you usually get what you're given and don't think twice about it.

The only caveat would be I would ask if the horse went better in one that the other and be swayed by that if so.

 

[Leandy]

Up to which you prefer, what you are buying the horse for etc etc, surely?