Most secure GP saddles

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ApolloandSakura

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Thanks in advance for any advice.

I currently have a Fairfax Rebecca dressage saddle which I primarily bought for security when on my horse which at the beginning bucked me off (turned out to be KS which has now been treated and he has never bucked since).

However, our current issue, thanks to some reckless riders who went past us in gallop on a bridleway, is that my horse who was never a bolter before now panics and bolts at full gallop. As you can imagine a dressage saddle in that situation is not exactly helpful. I’ve now come off twice and only escaped serious injury thanks to my air vest.

So I’m looking to switch to a GP, but I would still like something that is as secure as possible. My saddler will suggest a few, but I like to know what the general consensus is out there also to guide my research. Naturally, any saddle will need to work for my horse too as his comfort is my priority.

Thank you
 
There are so many useful GP saddles out there your saddler (who knows you and your horse) is probably the best one to advise. But rather than introducing a new saddle into the mix I think I would work on the problem of your horse panicking and running off. If you're not able to stop him and tend to come off when he does it, could you hire a local professional to hack him out for you until he settles down and stops taking off? They should also have a good feel for whether he's actually panicking or just carting you off because he's realised that he can.
 
I agree that focussing on the problem may be more effective than hoping a saddle will keep you on. I would think it would only make a small % difference to your chances.

This is in some ways an unpopular opinion but I have used draw reins in hacking situations (more in my case for naps/spins than bolts) and believe it’s a good behavioural tool for giving you some control (rather than for ramming the head down during schooling). I also once fashioned myself a single safety rein, using a long dog lead, which passed from the d ring through the bit to my hand - enabling me to pull the head around (again for a horse with a wicked spook and spin, but might help for bolting).

Do you hack alone or in company, and if you have company is he ok?

Importantly, stay safe - you’ve come off twice and it’s pretty scary to ride through this even if you don’t.
 
Widgeon said:
There are so many useful GP saddles out there your saddler (who knows you and your horse) is probably the best one to advise. But rather than introducing a new saddle into the mix I think I would work on the problem of your horse panicking and running off. If you're not able to stop him and tend to come off when he does it, could you hire a local professional to hack him out for you until he settles down and stops taking off? They should also have a good feel for whether he's actually panicking or just carting you off because he's realised that he can.
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Thank you for the reply. Yes, that was the first thing I did, I am addressing his panicking through the use of professionals and the tools available to me, and all that is in hand.

However, my question is regarding saddles. I don’t believe my dressage saddle is the best at helping me ride a gallop if it should happen again. I don’t actually do dressage, I bought that saddle for a secure seat when he used to buck which he hasn’t done now in years, the new challenge is of a different nature and I feel I need to adapt my saddle accordingly.

I 100% agree that my saddler will advise me, however my post which probably wasn’t very clear, was looking for people’s opinions on what they find is a secure GP saddle.

Thank you
 
Thanks for the replies. I am dealing with the issues of him panicking, including tack changes, behaviour work, professionals, etc. That's always my first port of call, get to the route of the issue.

However, I just wanted to know what GP saddles are considered the most secure?

Thank you
 
Vodkagirly said:
I think which saddle is most secure will depend on you and horses confirmation. I think my first thing would be to look at improving core strength and balance. Along with some sticky seat jods and a neck strap.
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Thank you, I have the sticky jods and neck strap and every other conceivable safety gear you can think of. However, my dressage saddle doesn’t help my balance when trying to ride a gallop for obvious reasons. I agree, it will depend on my and my horse’s conformation but I’m still interested to know what people find a secure GP saddle for them so I can look into it and see if it would work for us.
 
Sticky seat saver and a grab strap whilst you work on training would be cheaper and easier than a whole new saddle: the trouble with asking for advice on a forum is it's going to be really quite an individual thing according to your body composition, riding style (eg long versus short stirrups), the terrain over which you ride and your own horse amongst other factors so someone's recommendation might feel hellish for you.
 
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