Show or GP saddle for intro dressage test?

[Gwenno Jones]

I have entered my youngster for the intro test at my riding club next month, it will be mine and his first ever test, We are total beginners with dressage! So my question is do I use my GP or Show saddle, obviously not wanting to invest in a dressage saddle just yet as we might be rubbish or not enjoy it! Which saddle would be most appropriate?
Photo of us at a show this summer in our show saddle, any other tips for our first test is greatly appreciated?

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Whichever you find the most comfortable and he goes best in.

 

[ihatework]

Either. Judge won’t care or notice! Whatever horse and rider go best in.

 

[Marigold4]

I agree - either will do. Lovely horse and good luck with your test. Hope it goes well.

 

[sbloom]

Saddle fitter - whichever you both go best in, there is never another answer, even if one of them was a dressage and one a jump!

On a similar note I see people who have a saddle for every day and a saddle for best - insanity, use the one that fits best, and never have a saddle that you put away and dig out without a thought, it might not fit quite as well as it did! The only exception is ultra close contact show saddles which are show RING saddles, seeing as there are perfectly good fitting show saddles out there that can be used every day, why would you?

 

[humblepie]

Just to say a lovely horse and must have a good temperament as looks like a big show. Good luck with your dressage.

 

[rara007]

As above- one he goes best in and you can ride best in.

 

[Leandy]

There are no marks for appearance in dressage, it is all judged on way of going and the performance of the movements of the test. So I agree with all the others, whichever saddle you and the horse go best in. The judge is not looking at the saddle.