Hunting in a working hunter saddle

[Orchardbeck]

Does anyone actually use a working hunter saddle in the field, or are they solely for the show ring? I read a post on here about hunting in dressage saddles, and wondered if it would be similar, or whether a WH would be ok to jump in.

 

[alidegg]

I hunted nearly every Saturday last season in a WH saddle and it was perfect- very comfortable and smart too. We aren't in big jumping country (Norfolk) though so that might be something to consider!

 

[partypremier]

I always used to hunt point to pointers in a wh saddle it had a lovely suede seat & rolls to help me stick with them.
I liked them to be ridden forward off the leg rather than them just tanking off & I found it helped me to ride with my seat even out hunting.

 

[partypremier]

Forgot to mention we are mainly ditch jumpers in Suffolk, so as previously mentioned your Hunt country might dictate the necessity for a jumping saddle.

 

[CrazyMare]

I used to use one - I manage a few days each year with the Quorn & Readyfield Bloodhounds.

I only swapped it when the horse changed shape and it no longer fit. I have a jump saddle now.

 

[sbloom]

I think it totally depends on the rider, I'd hate to hunt in one but I have lots of clients who do. Do be aware that some show/WH saddles have very thin panels and are not really built to protect the horse enough for everyday riding, let alone several hours in the saddle out hunting.

 

[Dizzle]

I have a WH Saddle for my New Forest (an Ideal one) and I do everything in it, dressage, show jumping and hunting (well, only autumn hunting so far). She has a good shoulder so I don't want it too forward cut and it suits our needs perfectly.

 

[posie_honey]

Does anyone actually use a working hunter saddle in the field, or are they solely for the show ring? I read a post on here about hunting in dressage saddles, and wondered if it would be similar, or whether a WH would be ok to jump in.

considering open workers is 4' i think you'd be fine with most fences out hunting in a WH saddle

saying that - i'd rather be in a jumping saddle for hunting LOL but each to their own.

 

[lauraandjack]

As long as it fits and suits you and your horse it'll be fine.

I have one saddle! It's a fairly straight cut Ideal VSD so probably not so dissimilar from some of the WH ones out there. It gets used for everything - dressage, xc, hunting and even survived a day hedge hopping with the Wynnstay! Massive knee rolls aren't everything!