Portuguese Dressage Saddles....thoughts please

[bethg1910]

Hi All,

Looking for some advice / thoughts on Portuguese Dressage saddles, anyone ride in one?? Good/bad?? Are the BD legal ??

Thanks

 

[MrsMozart]

Never seen one

Pictures? Links?

 

[bethg1910]

http://www.animoruitersport.nl/portugese_zadels.htm

This is what they look like incase you've never seen one. I know you aren't allowed the coloured ones but the one i'm possibly buying is blask leather and suede.

 

[Angua2]

I have one of these!....

Wouldn't have said that they are BD legal though. i got mine for re-enactment riding and will say that I find mine hard and occasionally tricky to get out of..... especially with chain mail on

 

[MrsMozart]

Oh I like thooooooooooooooooooooooooose

.

Just out of interest, why wouldn't it be BD legal?

 

[bethg1910]

Well this is the official BD ruling on sadlles:

50. Saddles
Saddles must be worn and be of English or Continental style and must be brown, black, grey or navy.
Stirrup leathers and irons are compulsory and must be attached to the saddle and used in the conventional
way. The rider’s boots must not be fixed to the stirrup iron by mechanical means. Western style or brightly
coloured saddles are not permitted It is permissible to ride side saddle. Saddle covers are not permitted
except during riding-in. A gel pad seat saver is permitted, provided that it is unobtrusive and matches the
colour of the saddle. Other types of seat saver including sheepskin/fur fabric are not permitted unless
written dispensation has been obtained from the British Dressage Office. Treeless saddles are permitted.

But i've seen a few forums saying that "continental" really means english style but could be made in germany for example. So although Portugal is in this continent i'm not convinced it's legal, even if it is just black! Help!