New saddle - GP or WH?

[rforsyth1984]

My beautiful WH saddle was stolen on Tuesday night, so I am now need to buy a new saddle. I initially bought a WH saddle as I used to do a lot of showing with my arab gelding, and had it made to measure by a local saddler.

In recent years I have moved away from showing, and now do more dressage, XC and SJ. I'm no professional by any standards, just doing local prelim/novice dressage, and jumping up to a max of 95cm at home, smaller at little shows and farm rides etc. I'm hoping to (eventually!) go up a level in dressage, and continue jumping, perhaps doing more competitive riding club SJ and XC, but can't see myself jumping much bigger to be honest!

I loved the WH saddle, it looked so smart for dressage and I managed fine jumping in it. It also seemed to suit my horse and I'm worried a GP may interfere with his shoulder movement? On the other hand, would a GP give me a more secure seat for jumping and perhaps enable us to improve?

If anyone has any helpful comments or thoughtsto share I'd be most grateful. Do you think changing to a GP would be best or sticking with what we are used to?
Here are some pics of my beloved WH saddle, jumping and dressage:

 

[ABE]

I personally think a GP would suit you guys best due to you doing a bit of all disciplines. Aslong as its isnt to forward cut it shouldnt interfere with your boys shoulder movement. Maybe you could try a few and see what works best for you. I think you would find a GP much easier for jumping in. But at the end of the day it has to be whats comfiest and most affordable for you and the horse

Good luck trying and sorry to hear your other got stolen

 

[rforsyth1984]

Thanks ABE, we have a pretty generous budget luckilly, but I'm devastated about my other one going, it's like losing an old friend. That said I want to get the best saddle for us both and not be blinded by nostalgia or fear of change!

 

[ABE]

Your saddle in the pics is lovely! what a terrible thing to happen. i once had a VSD which was quite good too

 

[Chumsmum]

A VSD saddle would be good for dressage and showing and you could do small jumps too.

I find a VSD is more supportive than a WH but then my position is rubbish..

 

[Janette]

I wasa going to suggest a VSD also. Good luck with your search

 

[CBAnglo]

Judging by your position in the jumping pics, I would suggest a GP over the WH as you need support for your knees.

Best thing to do would be to get a saddler out with a range of saddles and try them out - you will know which you feel most comfortable in, and if you are lucky you might be able to get the same saddle again or even a dressage and a GP if they have a good range of second hand saddle etc.