Some dressage saddle advice please!

[clairel]

I'm looking into buying a dressage saddle. I've never had one and only ever ridden in one once before (a harry daubs (sp?) jaguar) which I found ok but didn't really know what it was supposed to be like?!

Does anyone have any ideas on what would suit a short jockey on big horse or is it just a case of trying loads to see? If I could narrow it down to a few types that would be very helpful!

P.S. would a photo help????!!!!

 

[CastleMouse]

You should try as many different saddles as you can - Everyone is different when it comes to their opinions on saddles

I love my Lovatt & Ricketts dressage saddle though

 

[KatB]

I had 7 different saddles to try when i brought mine!! I had sat on some on another horse and loved them, but hated it on my horse.... it does vary alot!!! Jags suit short petite people as they are very narrow, but can also restrict some horses through the shoulders. Albions are generally alot of saddle, but if they fit you well are gorgeous. Amerigos are alot more close contact, beautiful but may not "help" you in the way some would.... Barnsby and Ideal are excellent saddles for the riders and horses backs, and can pretty much customise for you....

 

[Hollycat]

Its just a matter of trying them and finding one YOU like. I have a WOW which I love but the co-owner of my horse hates! She loves Albion but I can't stand them!

If your not really into dressage probably look at a mid priced one such as Albion, Barnsby, Ideal, Black Country. Spalding saddles are nice too. WOW are quite expensive but I loved mine, though I have just ordered an Amerigo - takes 6 weeks to arrive so can't comment on it yet - except its pricy!

 

[Joss]

I absolutely love my wintec Isabel dressage saddle. It fits me & my horse & anchors me into a semi-reasonable dressage position. I bought it because I couldnt afford a posh leather dressage saddle but now I wouldnt swap it.

 

[kerilli]

try lots and lots. if you have friends who have them, even just wandering around at walk in one for 5 minutes will give you an idea of how it feels.
a good dressage saddle for you will feel made to measure, it won't push your leg into an awkward place, it'll make it easy and comfortable for you to get your leg on in the right place etc.
fwiw i've found Ideal dr saddles very good.
hope that helps a bit!

 

[K27]

I'd try as many as you can- you'll then get an idea of what you like and dont like and what suits your horse.

I've ridden in lots of different types of DR saddles and I'm quite petite and only 5ft4 so I know that I cant ride in bulky saddles with big blocks etc - I love my Amerigo's , my 17.2 has one of these(Alto Pinerolo) and I just dont move in it, but neither do me or the horse feel restricted. Had an Amerigo CC on my other horse for years as well but he's recently outgrown it so I opted for a Passier which is really really lovely to ride in too. Its such a personal choice buying a saddle I guess because what one rider likes another may hate!

Good Luck.

 

[Tiffany]

It's personal taste plus what suits you and your horse. I had a WOW and hated it, I've now got an Albion and love it and my horse is just so much more supple through her back and neck. I'd find a good saddler that you REALLY trust and try a few.

Good luck.