Dressage saddle??

[gibsylee]

Hi All, I am looking at having my first dressage lesson on my big boy soon in hope that it will really help with my position and riding.( I have spent too many years just hacking and jumping that my actual riding aids and position needs improving) I rode in a friends dressage saddle the other day and noticed a change in leg and seat position, I could definately feel a pull in my lower back. So really my question is, should I purchase a dressage saddle and will I benefit from it? I have reserved a Kent & Masters s series dressage saddle. Any advise will be great :0)

 

[wellsat]

Depends how much dressage you want to do. I have a dressage saddle but I used to do it in a GP and its perfectly possible.

Personally I don't like the kent and masters saddles. If you decide to get a dressage saddle I'd try out a range to see which suits you and your horse best.

 

[essex_rider]

I bought a Kent & Masters S series for my youngster and i love it. He is 5 and almost 18h. As soon as i rode him in the saddle he moved much more freely as he has massive shoulders and gp's interfere a bit with his movement. It also has quite big knee rolls which is good for me as i am quite slight and he is a monster to hold together!
Personally now i would only school and do dressage in a dressage saddle. I feel that they can improve both horse and rider and if you are able to get one i would say go for it!!

 

[gibsylee]

Thanks sooo much for your replys, I have a 17.2 ISH who is very long :0). I will only do local dressage shows but I suppose after watching the Olympics it's made me more focused on my actual riding, and to have a big horse that throws a strop when he has had enough and twists his body to get out of doing anything he doesn't want to, I feel I need to make schooling interesting for him and me. He naturally has nice paces but I don't want to be a just sit on top rider, I want to make things happen - got a long way to go but looking forward to us both learning. :0).