Macha
Well-Known Member
I am hoping to do Intro eventing and pelim dressage next year. I just have a gp saddle at the moment will i get away with it at this level ? If so what sort of level would i need to get seperate saddles at?
Saddles
- Thread starter Macha
- Start date
KatB
Well-Known Member
Yep not a problem at any level. It's just how long you find you're comfortable in a GP. So personal preference.
Santa_Claus
Well-Known Member
you don't 'have' to have seperate saddles at any level, but obviously speciailist saddles can and will help you out. I have ridden Elementary tests in a forward cut GP and done PC open ODEs (3ft6) in a standard GP for all 3 disciplines. As long as you are not restricted by the saddle it doesn't matter, though as you advance up you may find it harder to keep the required level of finesse without buying a specialist saddle, there is no definite level though when you must or mustn't!!
Macha
Well-Known Member
Thanks OH is still sobbing over the credit card recipt for the gp saddle, anymore would finish him off
evsj
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks OH is still sobbing over the credit card recipt for the gp saddle, anymore would finish him off
[/ QUOTE ]
I think different saddles for different disciplines can be overrated. I got a dressage saddle last year to do that phase of BE PN but could not be bothered to use it in the end (and often forgot to put it in the lorry) - just made do with my jump saddle!
Thanks OH is still sobbing over the credit card recipt for the gp saddle, anymore would finish him off
[/ QUOTE ]
I think different saddles for different disciplines can be overrated. I got a dressage saddle last year to do that phase of BE PN but could not be bothered to use it in the end (and often forgot to put it in the lorry) - just made do with my jump saddle!
Petrie
Well-Known Member
I think you can get away with a GP for dressage until you have to do sitting trot, which most people find much easier in a proper dressage saddle. At eventing, this is obviously Intermediate level, so you're OK at the moment.
I do think they do make a lot of difference though, and having ridden in quite a few different makes over the years, some sit you in a much better position than others, and it's a personal thing. Ultimately, if you are in a better, balanced position, you are better able to give clear, correct aids, then you are helping your horse, not to mention saving its back.
Jumping-wise, I am 5ft10, and long from my hip to my knee, so jumping in a GP is a nightmare for me. I had to find a really forward cut cross country saddle so I have somewhere for my knees to go, otherwise I don't feel very secure.
I do think specialist saddles are worth the money.
I do think they do make a lot of difference though, and having ridden in quite a few different makes over the years, some sit you in a much better position than others, and it's a personal thing. Ultimately, if you are in a better, balanced position, you are better able to give clear, correct aids, then you are helping your horse, not to mention saving its back.
Jumping-wise, I am 5ft10, and long from my hip to my knee, so jumping in a GP is a nightmare for me. I had to find a really forward cut cross country saddle so I have somewhere for my knees to go, otherwise I don't feel very secure.
I do think specialist saddles are worth the money.