How much can saddle fit affect your position?

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Ranyhyn

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Hi all. Just wondering your thoughts on the above?
I have always suffered with my position and just wondering whether the right saddle (for me) can really help that much?
I feel very lost and unstable taking my lower leg back into the right place, I have no muscle memory in the leg and even though I correct, correct correct it always sidles back forwards.

I'm currently riding in an Albion k2 gp, would getting a dressage saddle really make any difference? If so which one? And if not, has any one got any help to give me?
Hot cross buns for all!
 
I think it does help! I used to try and school in a K2 jump. Gorgeous for jumping but near on impossible to ride in with long stirrups.
 
P.s GP's do make you sit in a comfy chair position! I really notice the difference swapping between my GP and dressage saddle.
 
Watching replies with interest, I'm contemplating buying a dressage saddle if/when funds allow but riding in a GP at the moment.
 
Thank you, I'm glad it's not just me. I'm not the strongest of riders with my position anyway, but I had the feeling it wasn't helping!
 
it was the best thing ive ever done to ride in a dressage saddle for everything! i jump ,hack and school in it and its wonderful :)
 
I found a big difference going from a gp to a made to measure dressage saddle. My position improved and my horse went so much better
 
likewise jumping in a decent jump saddle compared to a GP saddle makes a big difference for me; my position, balance and lower leg stability is much improved.
 
I find it makes a huge difference, the only GP saddle we have is on Mini's pony, he find it fine, and I have to up until now, but as flat work is increasing, cant wait to get the pony a dressage saddle and jump saddle, but with 50p in the savings jar its going to take a very long time:)
 
Massively!.Too many people only consider the fit ,with regard to the horse.It must also fit the rider. A relatively short person riding a big horse with a large saddle will find generaly that the stirrup bars are fitted in the wrong position.
Adjustable stirrup bars (eg Wellep bars) demonstrate how a riders position and effectiveness on a horse are influenced. I have wellep bars fitted to a large jumping saddle. On a conventional saddle of the same size ,the stirrup bars would be so far forward that I would be quite unable to use my legs effectively.By having a stirrup bar that I can adjust to suit my foot size (its the distance from where the stirrup sits under your foot,to your ankle that is critical.) I get the best of both worlds.A saddle I can ride in,and a large saddle which reduces the pressure on the back.(should be no more than 1.5 psi.the less the better)Even the width of the stirrup leather can affect rider position .Thin narrow leathers bring the stirrup forward about 1.5 cm.Doesnt sound much but its effects are quite out of proportion (either good or bad)
Saddles which dont suit a rider are one of my pet hates. I see so many riders struggling and trying their heart out ,to improve and ride well .Too often they are told ,or it is implied that "a bad workman blames his tools". You will get nowhere fast on a saddle that doesnt fit the rider.
 
That's very informative, thanks Mike. I often feel like I'm slipping into that "armchair" position when I ride and am very often blaming myself, however I'm sure when I briefly rode in a DR saddle, on the same horse - I didn't find it half such a problem!
 
I think even the difference between two dressage saddles on the same horse can be staggering. I've got two very different horses one older, smaller, less extravagant but far more established, the other big gangly and green! I sit SO much better on the big gangly green one that I recently put his saddle on the little one, and have now ridden in it 3 times and lo and behold I am no longer tipping forward. Now just need saddler's approval but if they are happy I will be sticking with that one on both horses!
 
A lot! Had a bog standard Wintec whilst Rio was growing as I could change the gullets. However once he hit 6 years his shoulders grew huge! This then pushed the saddle forward, tipping me out of the seat and my lower leg back. I didn't realize this though as I'd never ridden him in anything different and was unnecessarily pushing him forward but then holding him back with my hands thinking he was just a speedy horse. Once I got a saddle fitter out for our first "proper" saddle the difference was unreal. He's not speedy at all, in fact can be very lazy. I can use my legs and seat a lot more effectively and leave my hands alone to control speed or direction. Deffinetly worth getting your saddle fitted correctly and checked regularly!!
 
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