Jumping Saddle or GP

[Joyous70]

How many of you ride in jumping saddles rather than GP, i.e. flatwork and hacking etc?

Im hoping to back my youngster later this year, so will have to get a saddle fitted for her, but as I want to jump and XC eventually I was wondering whether i would be better off with a jump saddle?

I really like the look of the Ideal Impala & Nyala saddles, but not sure at the moment if they would suit my girl, obviously i know she is going to grow and change shape and I will probably have to change saddles along the way, or would i be better off for now just sticking with a GP until she's finished growing?

 

[becca1305]

Ive done my DR tests & flatwork for years in a jump saddle, having only just bought a DR saddle. Im not a fan of GPs personally. I wouldnt want to do DR tests etc in a big blocky jump saddle really, but have had no problems doing it in a monoflap equipe as it doesnt block you in so can drop stirrups adjust your position and still have a good feel. When I went to a DR trainer to have specific lessons and asked he said the way I was able to ride in the jump saddle I had meant there was no need to buy a DR saddle unless I wanted to at the lower levels BE. I would go for a good jump, I havent looked at the one above so can't advise, but thats just my personal opinion and GPs dont really suit me, however many people do use GPs for both .

 

[Joyous70]

Thanks Becca1305 - i have only ever had GP saddles, but i ride quite short and am short anyway 5'1" with a 29" inside leg ive always found when i was jumping my boy in my GP i couldn't seem to get comfy or be able to push my bottom back far enough.

 

[Jnhuk]

Personally I can't do decent flatwork in a jumping saddle.

I got my GP first and only had that saddle for a good few years until I got a second hand dressage saddle. I have just recently got myself a jump saddle. My GP is now going to be kept for my two year hoping that it may be useful when he gets to the correct age as it has air bags so easily adjustable.

I would be wary of just having a jumping saddle as my only saddle but each to their own.

 

[Daytona]

I only have a Black Country jumping saddle for my 6 year old WB, I've bought him to do BS bu I still do dressage too on him and just do it in my jumping saddle, can't hinder us as we still get decent marks

 

[Lolo]

Al has a jumping saddle for both hers, as GPs just don't work well enough for either dressage or jumping. Her saddle is also very flat seated and forward cut (she has unfairly long legs, so blocky saddles don't fit her). I generally dislike GP saddles though, as they aren't really 'right' for anything.

This is them with the jumping saddle:

And with the showing saddle (dressage saddle are too blocky on the whole):

 

[claracanter]

I bought a GP saddle a couple of years ago when I got my boy. Have recently changed to a jumping saddle and find my position is so much better and can feel the horse underneath me and not all blocked out. (I appreciate this maybe more to do with the make rather than GP or jump) I am planning to do everything in it. As someone above has already mentioned you can really get your bum back in it. I was also advised that GP saddles are something of a compromise.

 

[becca1305]

Joyous - If you havent got on with GPs in the past I would definitely try a jump. When riding in GPs before I have felt same as you, couldn't achieve a jump position I wanted, and also could not get my lower leg on and keep it still (probably more of an issue with my lanky legs though). Of course not all GPs are the same and this is just my experience with them, others will love them. If it helps here is a picture of me doing a dressage test in my jump saddle - it is a monoflap and as you can see very close contact and doesnt have chunky blocks.

Sorry if its big on phone so struggling!

If you are using a saddler with varied stock you could always ask them to bring a selection of both types in your price range and see which you feel best in? A friend to video you in them is always a bonus too .

 

[Joyous70]

Thank you everyone for your replies - much appreciated.

Its nice to see that people do use jumping saddles for dressage and other activities.

I think maybe a jumping saddle is the way to go, as i said previously although i have always found GP's comfortable for hacking and flatwork, ive never managed to get the jumping position i want, or feel secure with or be able to keep my lower leg stable.