Saddles for youngsters

[millitiger]

I just don't know why some are making dressage saddles out to be the devil when it comes to backing youngsters. It's by far not the LAST thing I'd put on a youngster.

I think probably just our experiences, rather than an inherent hatred of dressage saddles.
I've backed dozens of horses and only had 1 or 2 I put a dressage saddle on early.
Btw, I wrote the above as someone who rides 90% of the time in a dressage saddle and I've always been very comfortable in them. It's less about me though and more about the horses seeming to be more comfortable when you can get your weight forwards and off their backs easier

Ambers Echo can ignore us and the world won't fall in!

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I think probably just our experiences, rather than an inherent hatred of dressage saddles.
I've backed dozens of horses and only had 1 or 2 I put a dressage saddle on early.
Btw, I wrote the above as someone who rides 90% of the time in a dressage saddle and I've always been very comfortable in them. It's less about me though and more about the horses seeming to be more comfortable when you can get your weight forwards and off their backs easier

Ambers Echo can ignore us and the world won't fall in!

I guess it just depends. Sometimes I want weight forward and off of their backs (you can still ride lightly in a dressage saddle, but yeah, it's not quite the same) but other times I don't or I've had a horse uncomfortable with it.

It also depends on background. So many horses in the US are started in western saddles, and that works fine too.

 

[millitiger]

Agreed- however, I don't think you can discount that majority of people will break in a GP or jump saddle.
That includes most dressage yards I know too.

It's OP's horse to do as she wishes with, we can all just share our experiences

 

[ihatework]

FWIW everyone I know backs using jump/gp saddles - and mostly the young eventers do their first year or so in a jump saddle before seeing a dressage saddle.

But like millietiger says, AE can do as she pleases and I doubt the world will end!!

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I've started horses in a jump saddle, dressage saddle, and a western saddle. So I'm not diehard one or the other. I just don't think starting in a dressage saddle is absolutely terrible. People can do as they choose.

I just go with what I and the horse seem comfortable with. I've also started with one style, and switched to another. As with most things with young horses, and horses in general, I'm fairly flexible, especially when it comes to their needs.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Wow who knew this would be so controversial! Anyway saddle fitter has been and Lottie's jump saddle fitted her, with a bit of tweaking. Which is good I guess as it saves me having to buy anything yet. Saddle fitter wants to recheck once I am on board to do a more throrough assessment, but it's balanced, level, with plenty of clearance for withers and spine, not too long (just!), and stays put well. Which is as good starting point. She was totally chilled about having saddles pulled on and off her, and girths tightened/loosened. Which is encouraging.

@Tiddlypom very good point about the girth - sadly that is going to be an issue for the jump one too, but I'l have to go with it for now and see how we get on.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

It's very rare that I tighten my girth once on. It's entirely possible that I ride with it too loose.

It was weird finding a saddle for an unridden horse. I'm so used to riding as part of the fitting and feeling how the horse and I feel. So it's a different experience for sure.

 

[eahotson]

Unless there is a reason it would not suit the horse but I also feel there is more communication possible in a dressage saddle compared to my jump saddle

Have a look at the Arena.Adjustable and decent quality. My cob and I both like ours.A good fitter is of course essential.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Yes it’s the Isabel Werth Wintec. I’ve always really liked it

I loved mine, it was so comfy, i actually cried when i sold it as it didnt fit my new one

 

[Ample Prosecco]

I loved mine, it was so comfy, i actually cried when i sold it as it didnt fit my new one

I loved it too. Might need to try and fine another

 

[Vodkagirly]

Trusted saddle fitter first, their recommendation will be far more relevant than anything we can recommend. A lot of the press against dressage saddles for youngsters is, in my opinion, exactly the same as why modern "lock you in" dressage saddles shouldn't be used full stop.

Then something second hand, adjustable or even treeless as appropriate. Even highly adjustable saddles, if expensive, are a big financial risk and generally just not worth it as there no guarantee they can be adjusted enough, no matter what the marketing says.

S bloom - are there any treeless that you recommend for a very wide cob? Having problems getting a saddle for my youngster and looking for options to tidy us over till he grows a wither (she prays)

 

[Spirit7]

I wouldn’t care to start a youngster in a dressage saddle, I’d prefer something where you could ride shorter and be better able to sit the unexpected.

I did find Lottie’s dressage saddle, is it a Wintec? to be really nice and secure to hack in though, whereas I wouldn’t normally hack in a dressage saddle .

Definitely like to be a light when required (most of the time) when hacking my 4 year old. I have a fitted adjustable gfs monarch. It’s really comfortable! Good luck

 

[RachelFerd]

the very thought of riding a newly backed horse in a dressage saddle rather than a jump is bringing me out in hives

 

[sbloom]

S bloom - are there any treeless that you recommend for a very wide cob? Having problems getting a saddle for my youngster and looking for options to tidy us over till he grows a wither (she prays)

I'm not allowed to advertise and any recommendation would fall under that, but can say that I use my real name on here......