Dressage saddle!

sheep

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Today I had my second lesson since moving out here, they gave me a much more energetic mare this time- the first time, I was put on a very sweet, quiet elderly mare (I guess to suss out my ability).

Anyway one of the things I really want to learn more about is dressage. I know bugger all about it because my lessons when I was a kid and teenager were always very general. So I think it'd be really good for me to learn the fundamentals because I really think it can be beneficial in all areas of riding.

So I groomed the mare, then went to tack her up, and realised- I have never, ever put my backside in a dressage saddle! Which she had! In fact, I have never even so much as touched one- I've been riding for 19 years now, and the closest I've got to a dressage saddle was the very straight-cut show saddle my friend used to have.

Anyway to cut a long story short, it was incredibly comfortable and although it will take me a while to get used to, I think eventually I will.. kudos to whoever linked the "finding your dressage leg" thing the other day, I read it at the time but need to read it again ;) I could really feel how the horse responded to my position and seat, soon as I was in sitting trot (more of a bounce but shh) she really dropped her head and became much more round.

Can't wait til next week!

If anyone has any other tips for finding their ideal dressage seat, please share. Position wise I wasn't too bad (their indoor school has mirrors! hoorah!) but I would appreciate any hints.
 
No tips really just wanted to say I love dressage saddles and don't like doing flatwork in a GP anymore! Glad you are having a good time.
 
Love my dressage saddle - comfiest thing ever, so even hack out in it as I feel incredibly secure.

Actually had to jump in it for a bit too, as didn't have anything forward cut that fit!

Not so sure about dressage leg in a dressage saddle, but the Luso that I share sorted my seat right out - if I didn't sit in complete balance, then he just tried to run on - once in correct position then a new world opened up! Same thing I guess!
 
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