Jumping in a VSD saddle

dibbin

dibbin

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Hi all. The time has come to replace my saddle (it's not an ideal long-term fit for Jazz and he's now fit enough that getting a new one fitted won't be a wasted exercise). I've tried 2 on him with the saddle fitter, which both fitted him great. One was a "normal" GP and one a VSD. At the moment I'm leaning towards the VSD as it put my leg in a great position and I certainly do more flatwork and hacking than jumping just now. My only concern is that I do want to jump more in future, and I worry that a VSD might be a bit restrictive.

I don't jump enough (never have and probably never will!) to justify buying a jumping saddle as well as one for everyday riding.

Does anyone jump regularly in a VSD and, if so, to what height? Do you find it more difficult to jump in than a GP?

Thanks in advance :)
 
I have, and didn't enjoy it! I found that my knee came over the front of the saddle with short stirrups and it was making my lower leg swing back. It was also very uncomfortable due to having a knee roll digging into my leg :p. Think I jumped up to 90cm - 1m in it, didn't feel particularly happy or secure over anything bigger than 80cm.

I know someone who jumps in one very regularly and she seems ok with it - though she is v short and the jumps are a max of 70cm.

I'd say get the VSD for now as it'll suit what you're doing at the moment. If/when your goals change you can always sell it and buy a GP, or keep it and buy a jump saddle ;). I did enjoy my VSD for flatwork and hacking but wouldn't have wanted to be jumping regularly in it.
 
Hmm. I've never jumped over 1m and don't plan to in the near future, I'm happy at the 70-80cm mark! The VSD might suit then. I didn't pop a jump when I tried it because neither of us have jumped since last year, but might try when the saddler comes to do a second fitting.
 
I've got two VSD saddles for my two. Chosen as that is what fitted them (and myself) rather than any other reason. We went xc schooling last weekend (only 70-80 max), both ponies first time xc so we had a few wobbles but felt very secure in the saddle. If I was going to go higher and wanted shorter stirrups then my knees might be an issue as they are close to the front rolls, however my saddles both have movable knee blocks so altering these would probably help. The lady who rides with me is taller than me and she doesn't have a problem with the saddle cut either.

I would go with what feels right for you now. If it becomes an issue in the future then have a rethink then but may as well go with what feels best and what suits you both at the moment.
 
All mine are VSDs I think it depends on the size of the blocks. My pony one I've never had an issue with up to 1.10 at home competing 80. My horse one was fine to 1.20 grids but never competed him and though it wasn't a negative affect on jumping wasn't secure, but my sisters Albion with big blocks on her cobby horse was scary on a missed stride at 70!
 
Have hunted in mine and have jumped up to 70-80 with no problem. It fits me and my cob really well and have owned my Bates VSD for over 7 years. Mini TX has jumped in it and hates it with a passion,but then again she has a jumping saddle, plus a dressage saddle and is spoiled for choice. She is 4 inches shorter than me as well, and finds her legs hang over the saddle flaps, whereas I didnt have that issue, which is odd. To be honest, I dont jump any more as the old git is arthritic and we now purely hack, but I would happily jump in it again if I could, but then again I dont jump anything big as have lost my jumping brave pants, unless we are hunting and I am full of adrenaline and port.
 
I've jumped up to 3'3 ish in mine ideal vsd, it isn't ideal for my position but not any worse than the previous GP. Mine has movable/changeable blocks so I take the larger ones out and pop my little triangle ones on. (and I also move the blocks back for flatwork compared to hacking) Hunt in mine to but we don't jump much ;). Amount of jumping has reduced since buying it but that is because of pony's age/soundness than the saddle.

I'd rather jump in a jumping saddle but not sure I'd rather have a dressage saddle and for an all round comfy sit in for hours saddle it has been fab. :D
 
my daughter jumps in hers around 2'6 - 2'9 no problem but kids are more adaptable. It was best fit for him so was told to get on with it. Only downside is the cantle is higher so interferes with body protector for xc.

Shes doing pony racing in it in a few weeks which think might be a problem as will be hitching stirups up by about 5 holes and her knees will surely be over the edge but its only 6 furlongs and one off
 
My daughter jumps and does hunter trials in her ideal ramsey show saddle. Ideally it would be great to have another saddle to jump etc in, but apart from the buying cost of another saddle, it's really difficult to get a good fit for our pony. Anything thats not quite 'flat' just perches on him.
 
Thanks to everyone for your advice :) the saddle fitter was back out today, I've decided to go with the VSD as it's definitely what suits us best at the moment. Super comfy and Jazz moves beautifully in it :)
 
I used to jump in one loads. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a whole lot easier in a decent jump saddle, but it's certainly do-able in a VSD!

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Jump isn't big, but the pony's a midget ;)
 
I've only ever jumped Pie in a vsd, we compete up to 3ft. I don't really have anything to compare it to but I feel secure in it.
 
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