Jumping in a dressage saddle.

Halfpass

Halfpass

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Have been having probs with saddles recently and have just bitten the bullet and bought myself a WOW.

I have a jumping lesson today at 5 and can't decide about jumping in a dressage saddle. The WOW currently has dressage flaps but i do have use of a GP that fits with a sheepskin under it.

It wasn't the GP that caused her back to be sore but after having to give her nearly 4 weeks off of ridden work I am worried about riding in anything other than the WOW.

I am not a confident jumper and and need to have a secure leg but will only be jumping 2ft - 2ft 6 at the most.

Thoughts very much appreciated.
 
I too am trying to get back into jumping and am finding my dressage saddle (passier) makes me feel more comfortable. I am sure if and when I go higher I will need something better. My loan horse has a falcon hawk event and yes its very comfy but I still feel safer in my dressage saddle. Probably as I have ridden in it every day for a year now so its my 'safety net'? Perhaps take the GP with and change if the dressage saddle isnt working for you? :)
 
I've never had a problem jumping in my dressage saddle, I've not jumped in a GP since I was 10. Usually you can go up about 2 holes without your legs looking silly, but it feels nice and secure too. I've not jumped over about 3'3, but the saddle has never been a problem. Good Luck :)
 
I don't think it can do any harm - I haven't actually seen a WOW with dressage flaps though, so I don't know how solid/big the blocks would be. For example, I would never have jumped in my kieffer as the blocks were just too big.

Are your legs really long? might be a bit trickier. my little stumps would not have had a problem but i guess it depends on the length you prefer your stirrups for jumping.

Sorry, waffly post and not much help!!
 
I started my loan horse's sj training in a dressage saddle - had some pretty hairy moments, but never felt like I would come off. I'd say give it a go, but be aware that you may get bopped on the bum by the cantle :p
 
I have an amerigo dressage saddle and I seriously can't jump in it... Feel like I'm going to come off and can't go with the horse at all... but it's very structured so your legs can't move (cheating I know) I've never ridden in a WOW so I don't know if you'd be able to.

Blitz

(Totally unhelpful post)
 
I wouldnt jump in a dressage saddle if I were you. I used to do it all the time untill my stirrup leather came off just as I was landing over the last fence of a x country course. I had quite a bad fall. Definately not recommended. Oh, that was the second time it had happened. The first time I saw stars when my head hit the deck. There was nothing wrong with my stirrup leathers or the bars the leathers go round. My friend who is a Master Saddler checked them. Not worth the risk.
 
i jumped 1.05 opens on my old horse in my jaguar dressage saddle but found on new horse,in his bates innova it was impossible as the thigh roll pushed my knee,and consequently lower leg, right back, so bit the bullet and got a whitaker jump saddle!!!
 
I tried jumping in my dressage saddle a few weeks ago and I very nearly did a forward somersault straight over my horse's head!! I have quite big knee blocks on my saddle which was what caused the problem because it pushed my knees and legs too far back so when I leaned forward to jump my weight was too far forward. It was hilarious though! :p As it was so hilarious the first time and I was determined to do it I tried again-the same thing happened! I have no idea how I manged not not fall off but it made my knees very sore from trying to stay on. After 3 times if trying and realising my knees were raw and it probably wasn't doing my horse's back any good I admitted defeat and have always changed to my jump saddle if I want to jump after a dressage session.
 
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