Saddle debate please humour me maybe ...

Do you wear a riding hat?

  • Total voters
    0
H

HBII

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 November 2006
Messages
4,484
Visit site
Right so which one in your opinions would be better for flatwork, schooling and hacking and also to maintain a moew secure lower leg position.

Number ONE [dressage]

stu05scandl.jpg


Number TWO [vsd]

stu0305scanvsddl.jpg


Number THREE [for example]

stuSiegfriedCS.jpg




Thanks

Hb
 
Given your criteria, I would be looking at a dressage or VSD saddle. Given that, I wouldnt touch stubben with a 10 foot pole. The stirrup bar is too far forward.. they dont move it from their jumping saddle to their dressage models giving incorrect alignment of the leg.
 
No I wouldn't touch Stubben either, but would definitely go for a VSD saddle if you are going to be doing a high percentage of hacking over uneven terrain or a pure dressage if the balance is more schooling rather than hacking.
 
Disagree, for general purpose I have a Stubben I think it is a VSD but it was made with extra long saddle flaps for my long legs and it is wonderful
 
Well its nothing to do with the flaps really. Its to do with where your stirrup bar is.

Stubben always made good jumping saddles. However, when they moved to dressage they never moved the stirrup bar back. If you compare most companies, you'll see that the stirrup bar between their dressage and jumping is very different (a good inch difference).

That does make a lot of difference in how your leg sits. It pulls the whole leg forward which knocks you completly out of the alignment required (ear, hip, heel) and puts you ahead of that vertical line. Great for jumping... not good for creating a good leg position (and ultimately, creating a good, independent seat).

Theres a lot of good VSDs / dressage saddles out there that will create the correct leg alignment. Perhaps look at some of the albions? They'll sit you much better and you dont have to go with the all singing, all dancing SLK's... a couple of their other models are very nice with a much lower price tag.
 
Thanks guys for your responses lol you dont have to say sorry for not liking Stubbens
crazy.gif
wink.gif
.

Tierra I always read your posts with interest, I currently ride in Number Three for all flatwork. My main decision for changing is to try and stabilise my lower leg - interesting you say about the stirrup bar being in the wrong place.

Hb x
 
Please please, if you are concerned about having a good position... reconsider!

Firstly, im not anti stubben... I rode in nothing but throughout my jumping days. Although I have to say, i think many companies have progressed the technology behind their saddles much much more than stubben have (who still make theirs the same way they always have... which is a long long time
tongue.gif
)

If you go to a tack shop that stock them, you'll be able to see yourself what i mean by comparing their jumping and dressage saddles. (The wow is a good example of this also, it has two stirrup bars attached to it... one in traditional "jumping" position and one in a classical dressage position. The different is a good inch... perhaps a bit more and allows you to see how much difference really is).

You will find it much much easier to start gaining a more secure lower leg if the stirrup is hanging in the correct place to begin with. I always get the feeling with stubben that they made their dressage saddles as an "after thought". Sure they straightened the flaps and deepened the seat, but not much thought has gone into helping the rider reach a good, independent seat.
 
Yea your whole leg (right from the thigh) will be dragged too far forwards. You'll always be fighting a loosing battle with your lower leg if your upper leg is all wrong. It will also be affecting your seat, making it much much harder to refine weight aids (which will always be needed to gain higher levels of collection).

Go shopping!
laugh.gif
You might be in for a pleasant surprise in your flatwork with a saddle that sits you better
laugh.gif
 
I agree with everyone else, the stubben saddles are no good for flat work. There are loads of nice saddles out there which will put you in a better positions. The albions are my fave but the ideal saddles are fab and great value.
 
I would go for a vsd or just a gp, but one that you have trialed as some saddles work for some people/horses and others don't. It's hard to do flatwork in a jump saddle, I had a albion k2 and just couldn't use it for everyday. So it's not so much about the style as the saddle itself.
 
Id go for the VSD. You will sacrifice a little on your position because of the positioning of the stirrup bars but it will be much better for hacking out in that the dressage.
 
Thanks for all your help and advice
grin.gif


It does seem I might be fighting a loosing battle lol if I go for another Stubben. I will give my saddler a ring to see what other types of saddles she has got and give them all a go. I do like the look of the Ablion especially the Ultima and K2 GP's.

This is what I love about this forum - so much advice there!

Cheers

Hb
 
I voted for other - stubben used to be a good make but i personally think the latest saddles are lumpy. I think you shoudl be going for something that feels comfortable and YOU are happy riding in - ie. you are gonna have to get a saddler out and try them on you and your horse.

I persoanlly love my Albion Dressage saddle - SLK. I even jumped 1.20m on Saturday in it!!!
 
VSD here!
YO would love you as she loves Stubben, had 4 saddles for me to try on snoopy for SJing but i change the subject everytime she mentions it lol
 
[ QUOTE ]
I persoanlly love my Albion Dressage saddle - SLK. I even jumped 1.20m on Saturday in it!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

NUTTER
grin.gif
tongue.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
VSD here!
YO would love you as she loves Stubben, had 4 saddles for me to try on snoopy for SJing but i change the subject everytime she mentions it lol

[/ QUOTE ]

Not a fan BBs?
tongue.gif
grin.gif


Well if you ever ride my pony your backside will have to like it
grin.gif
tongue.gif
 
HB - I actually found it quite easy, it held me in the saddle!! I'm not ashamed to say that I am completely C*** at jumping and just aim the horse towards the jump and leave him to it. I only did it cos I have to sell/loan him and the girl who is interested wants to do POny Club eventing.
frown.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
HB - I actually found it quite easy, it held me in the saddle!! I'm not ashamed to say that I am completely C*** at jumping

[/ QUOTE ]

At least you gave it a go! I am more of the Cant Jump Wont Jump school
grin.gif
tongue.gif


Oh I hope he does well at his pony club eventing, I hope you wont be too sad to see him go.

Hugs

Hb x
 
Thanks Tierra! I must say if I was to jump properly i would put on the loverly Albion XC saddle I have just sitting in my tack room but it was only to give the horse a bit of fun in between trying to get him to the correct level in dressage before he goes to his new home - he's moveing back to UK to be a lancashire Hot pot! At the mo he is a pork pie!! LOL! (cos he is not the slimmest of horses!)
 
HB - I ahve had him since he was 3 so 6 yrs now and am gonna cry buckets but I have got 2 others to keep me busy and it'll be more fun for him to do jumping and pony club. Better than dressage which he is reluctant to do!
 
Very easy way to sort the stirrups bars - take a piece of rubber surical tubing, cut a 1" piece and slide over stirrup bar. Place leather on behind this...voilá stirrup bars much further back and leg under you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top