Rode in a dressage saddle for the first time ever

[Gorgeous George]

All I can say is WOW!! I can now see why people have them, it made me feel so safe and secure and I felt like I was sitting in George rather than perched on top if that makes any sense! The friend who is helping me out with George let me borrow her saddle after getting the fit checked for George and although it felt weird at first I really enjoyed the ride it gave

Unfortunately her saddle is a £1500 saddle, and if I could ever save enough money it would be a £500 or less job, but I'm glad I now know what they're like - gosh!

 

[myhorsefred]

Yes, it feels really odd the first time, doesn't it?

Mine (Bates Isabel) really makes you sit up straight, and it made me think that I must have been sat like a sack of potatoes in my gp saddle! lol

 

[Murphy3]

Isn't it great? I was able to get a good secondhand dressage saddle for very reasonable money from a saddle fitter - I traded in the saddle that came with my horse when I got him (it didn't fit him at all). It has made such a difference to my riding - as you say no longer perched on top. Maybe if you look around you might be able to get one without breaking the bank?

 

[jesterfaerie]

I am hoping to get one for my lad as I just love them sooo much I feel like I ride much better ion them too I may that may sound odd but I really do. What saddle was it?

 

[MillionDollar]

I love my Wintec Isabel Werth saddle, it is so comfy and puts you in the correct position! Plus they're only £450 brand new.

 

[Persephone]

Amazing isn't it! Hubby was so impressed in the difference after seeing me ride in one that he bought me a Passier GT. It is incredible the difference they make!

Jo x

 

[HBII]

I lurve my dressage saddle

has made such a difference!

 

[pennyh]

[ QUOTE ]
......... and if I could ever save enough money it would be a £500 or less job, but I'm glad I now know what they're like - gosh!

[/ QUOTE ]

you could at a pinch pick up a decent second hand dressage saddle for that in a private sale , i've had a couple of second hand ones in the past & would def recommend a good second hand over a cheaper type new one

(i happen to have a medium wide 17.5" albion that my boy has outgrown that would fit yr bedget if interested

)

 

[Ezme]

Sorry to go against the trend but i don't like these modern really built up saddles, far too restricting. Nowadays my leg position is fairly good anyway so i don't feel the need for the mahovisve knee rolls that some dressage saddles have, that being said I do like the flatter variety for flatwork, i mean their designed with a straight cut for a reason!

 

[Stoxx]

Ezme, as someone with a 'modern, really built up' dressage saddle, I'm inclined to agree with you!!
I think my saddle has made me (or helped to make me) lazy when riding. I don't have to have control over me to stay on or to stay in a decent position. Since having me picked apart whilst riding in a different saddle I've realised how little I have got used to doing. Not good and am now thinking of schooling in my GP for a while.

 

[baleofhay]

[ QUOTE ]
Amazing isn't it! Hubby was so impressed in the difference after seeing me ride in one that he bought me a Passier GT. It is incredible the difference they make!

Jo x

[/ QUOTE ]
I want a husband like that

 

[Persephone]

Lol! he has his moments!

He doesn't mind me getting anything really as long as it gets used. Saying that he is really encouraging and much more interested now as I am working towards competitions!

Jo x

 

[baleofhay]

Cant really complain myself as he has offered to walk out with me this weekend as i have no one to ride with. Too cowardly to take three year old out by myself

 

[Ezme]

[ QUOTE ]
Ezme, as someone with a 'modern, really built up' dressage saddle, I'm inclined to agree with you!!
I think my saddle has made me (or helped to make me) lazy when riding. I don't have to have control over me to stay on or to stay in a decent position. Since having me picked apart whilst riding in a different saddle I've realised how little I have got used to doing. Not good and am now thinking of schooling in my GP for a while.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yay! I'm not weird! That argument sounds really familier... i think my instructor might have said something similar years ago when they started to appear more. I think i'd suck in a more supportive saddle like a aussie stock or western but i hate being restricted anyway same reason why i hate body pros, if your horse has a spaz (a propper bronking one) i don't think your flexible enough to stay on, i'd rather not fall than have padding when I hit the deck every time! Saying that I have my own natural padding and body pros don't fit me too well, well the ones that are in my price range anyway.

What was this thread again... lol

 

[Accy]

I love my dressage saddle and would never be without on, I have a Thorowgood T6 Dressage saddle it gives me a lovely position and fits my boy so well all for the huge price new of 395.00 GBP and to top it all off its as light as a feather.

 

[Natch]

You can get second hand bates ones (without the massive leg/knee rolls) for about £500 I think.

I love F's - even been on a fun ride in it (can't really remember WHY I did that now though!)

Ezme/Ifield, completely with both of you - I have never liked the look of those really built up ones and didn't like the feel of the bates one that I tried just on a trade stand.

LOL at the western, Ezme, I loved riding in one when I was on holiday one year, but my rising trot (it was instructional hol) went completely to pot - those flipping whatever-the-are-called got right in the way!

 

[Ezme]

I'm taking the riding club to the mendip stud for a western evening next semester so i guess i'll find out then!

 

[sundance]

The Saddle Company do great little dr saddles, leather uppers, synthetic underneath, brand new aroud £550 I think. They are sooo light they are great. Friend has had one for years, worn really well and you would never know not full leather