Seeking Dressage, SJ, Showing etc knowledge

S

Strathmore Talloway

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Hi all,

I have never done any form of competing before be it showing, show jumping, dressage etc. I am thinking that with my new horse I would like to go down the dressage route (shes a beautiful 15.3 dark bay (nearly black) hanoverian) but it may be that I want to dabble in other bits and bobs.

In terms of showing what classes would I be eligible for and what attire would I need both for me and for my horse.

I have already purchased a black Stubben galway bridle which does have a 365 day exchange policy. I am now looking for a saddle...

Can i compete in dressage in a GP saddle? Do i buy a dressage saddle but then I cant dabble in jumping can i without buying a separate jumping saddle?

Black vs. brown tack?

etc etc

I know you are all going to bombard me with information but the more the better :) thankyou x
 
you can jump in a dressage saddle if you want to :) it may not be as comfortable and you won't get as much support from the actual saddle but you can jump in it :)
 
A Gp saddle will be best to start with. You can compete on it in dressage and do some jumping in it. A dressage saddle may not be best for jumping because it places you in a position which is more upright than you will need for jumping and it is designed for a longer stirrup length than you would have for jumping. A Gp saddle will be much more suitable if you want to try both. You don't need a special bridle for dressage - just make sure the bit you use is allowed in the dressage rules. Dressage is not all about fancy expensive gear its about correct training and the flatwork will probably help your jumping too so having a go at both is a great idea.
 
If you wish to do a bit of everything with your horse you would be best getting a GP saddle for now, plenty of time for a dressage one once you are more established in your partnership, a GP will give you more security when jumping and hacking.

I would go for a brown one, so if you want to show her it would be more suitable, you can use your black bridle initially then get a brown one if you decide to pursue this sphere. You could get a black dressage saddle to match the bridle when the time is right.
Without a photo it is hard to advise on classes but possibly riding horse, riding club horse.
You would be best getting a smart tweed jacket, acceptable for all activities at the lower levels, cream jods and a coloured stock or for show classes a shirt and tie is correct.

Hope this helps get you started and photos would be nice:)
 
be positive said:
If you wish to do a bit of everything with your horse you would be best getting a GP saddle for now, plenty of time for a dressage one once you are more established in your partnership, a GP will give you more security when jumping and hacking.

I would go for a brown one, so if you want to show her it would be more suitable, you can use your black bridle initially then get a brown one if you decide to pursue this sphere. You could get a black dressage saddle to match the bridle when the time is right.
Without a photo it is hard to advise on classes but possibly riding horse, riding club horse.
You would be best getting a smart tweed jacket, acceptable for all activities at the lower levels, cream jods and a coloured stock or for show classes a shirt and tie is correct.

Hope this helps get you started and photos would be nice:)
Click to expand...


Is it that you prefer brown saddles or that I would HAVE to have a brown saddle for certain classes/spheres etc? Thanks :)
 
Brown is more traditional and preferred in the show ring so if you did get bitten by the showing bug it would make sense to start with a brown dual purpose saddle, it is cheaper to replace or have two bridles than feel you need to change the saddle.
I do prefer brown anyway, it seems to look good on all horses and the leather often has a better quality look and feel to it, black can go rather a strange colour.
 
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