VSD saddle better for cobs than and dressage saddle?

[Dressagerider]

Hi I am completely new to posting on the Horse&Hound forum but I have read some threads in the past. I have a cob, 14.2, not a stereotypical cob because he is rather sporty and he does have quite high withers (for his breed) he has good bone but he is very short backed. I recently bought a shires Optimus dressage saddle, the extra wide gullet in it fits over his withers nicely and does not press on his spine at any point but because he has such a short back I am concerned the position where the saddle sits may be restricting his shoulder movement but if I moved it any further back it would be unbalanced. The previous saddle I had was a wintec general purpose which fitted him nicely but it is no longer useable so I am wondering if I could seek any advice as to whether the wintec VSD saddle which I recently saw on the market will be more suitable than a dressage saddle? Thanks

 

[fusspot]

Hi,I went back to the Wintec VSD for my Welsh D.Started in the Wintec,had a Black Country VSD which he outgrew,tried 2 other Dressage Saddles inc The Wintec Dressage but he a) hates the long girth straps and b) the saddle just never stayed put.Went back to the new Wintec VSD but in brown as he is Chestnut Roan.This with his Fairfax Long Girth keeps everything in place well.He is quite square with a shortish back but not a huge amount of wither.Got so fed up with trying different dressage saddles and my poor saddler was ready to shoot himself!.Hope this helps.

 

[Dressagerider]

This has helped a lot, thank you for your advice

 

[holeymoley]

My boy is 14hh and a welsh c x coloured cob. He is certainly not like a cob , he's no where near flat backed! He does however have big shoulders so I use an Ideal Ramsay on him. Would this be an option? I can't use a GP on him as it just slides back instantly. I have used a winter dressage saddle with him but the difficulties there is the tree shape doesn't suit him.

 

[Dressagerider]

I haven't heard of the ideal Ramsay but I will look into them, thank you my horse also has a big shoulder and the dressage saddle slips back on him

 

[Thistle]

I have just bought a Kent and Masters Cob GP for my young cob, fits perfectly. They also do a cob dressage. they have changeable gullets http://www.kentandmasters.co.uk/original-range/dressage-range/51-cob-dressage

they have addressed the need for a short saddle by having the panels slightly shorter than the seat

Worth a look at their site as they do lots of other options too

 

[Gleeful Imp]

Because my mare is very wide, but with a curve to her back and with stonking shoulders, I have ended up with a bit of an odd mix, but saddle fits her beautifully sits lovely on her shoulder and doesn't shift at all.

It's the Albion ultra dressage, with the dressage seat and pads (cantle lowered) but turned into a workers! Straps are still there so could turn it back into a dressage, shows her shoulder off beautifully but can also jumpin it.

Was worth every penny given how she's felt from the very first ride in it.