Saddle style and position

S

Silvermiyazawa

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 July 2005
Messages
348
Visit site
I had someone take some photos of me riding my share horse today, I had never seen myself ride him before. I was a bit shocked by my posture. Remove the horse and I am straight on my a*s!

So, I have been looking back at old photos and comparing. My old lad, 14.3, nice WH saddle. Position reasonable. My friend's beautiful 16.3, fabulous Albion dressage saddle. Position bob on! Today, 16hh, GP(ish) saddle, comfy saddle. Position shocking!!

I can't seem to get my stirrups long enough, my legs are all tucked in. Is it the saddle or am I making excuses?
 
Yes I think saddles can make a big difference, I had a horse on loan who was young and quite unbalanced, and the saddle was just the worst match for me imaginable and I was all over the place! We tried a flatter seat more jumping style one on him and instantly I felt more stable and balanced, alas he did not like one bit! Hate having to ride in what you're given!

I think dressage saddles are always going to be better for position, unless you're me and have the issues of horse with short back and me with long legs and too much bum! In my case I like a square cantle to stop me feeling squashed forwards, thankfully I like a longer leg position as horse needs a straighter cut. I fear with this horse there is no perfect saddle for me!
 
One thing with dressage saddles compared to the WH/ showing saddle, is the blocks. They might be blocking you a bit?
 
All sorts of saddle factors CAn put you in a chair seat - the saddle being out of balance (seat not level, sloping back or forwards), deepest part of seat too far back even when in balance (I see some models designed this way!), stirrup bar too far forwards. Flap design can influence but a forward cut flap should still ALLOW you to have your leg hang down, it just won't help it.

There is another factor as well - the shape of the ribcage - a ribcage that broadens as you go further back can push your leg, the saddle and the girth forwards! Even if the ribcage is even in width, if it is very wide it can hinder you from sitting in balance.
 
If its a gp I'd lay money it's the stirrup bar position causing the problem! I bet it's a good 3 inches forward of the deepest part of the seat?
 
Sorry to hijack op, but that is interesting sbloom, i'venever considered that the ribcage can stop you sitting in balance - I wonder if that has been my problem all of these years (wide arabx)! How do you tackle such an issue?
 
It's not totally solvable really - you just have to stack everything elseto do with the saddle in your favour and work on hip openings etc :cool: A half panel saddle can help a little, a rear block may make it worse, but they won't make much difference.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top