What dressage saddles do you all have on your connies

[Stenners]

I’ve just been fitted with a high performance 17.5” but on reflection it’s far too big and bulky for my little mare (she’s only 14.1)
I’ve got a GFS Monarch jump saddle and I’m thinking of trying the dressage version of that…

pics would be greatly appreciated!

 

[w1bbler]

Expensive, even 2nd hand, but I've got a stride free dressage on my conny. I love it & more importantly so does she. ?

 

[sbloom]

Big and bulky in itself really doesn't matter for performance sports, or everyday use (as opposed to showing), does it fit you and her?

 

[Stenners]

Big and bulky in itself really doesn't matter for performance sports, or everyday use (as opposed to showing), does it fit you and her?

It just look like it swamps her a bit and would look better on a much bigger horse!
Saddler said initially the flaps look too long for her and didn't expect it to fit but it did so we went with it but trying it again yesterday and girthing it up the girth (the size they recommended) is too close to her elbows for my liking i'm not really comfy with that. Saying that I've never had a dressage saddle so not entirely sure how they should fit!!

 

[sbloom]

It just look like it swamps her a bit and would look better on a much bigger horse!
Saddler said initially the flaps look too long for her and didn't expect it to fit but it did so we went with it but trying it again yesterday and girthing it up the girth (the size they recommended) is too close to her elbows for my liking i'm not really comfy with that. Saying that I've never had a dressage saddle so not entirely sure how they should fit!!

No different to a regular saddle in terms of tree, panel and girthing, it's only the flap should look different. The tree points should be 2" or so behind the back of the shoulder blade. Connies have very forward girth grooves in many cases, does this girth sit further forwards than with your other saddle (size of girth would rarely make any difference to whether it sits in the right place or not)? Or do you mean it seems a bit short to the buckles are too close to her elbows? You should always use the longest short girth possible to as not to interfere with the numnah/pad.

Is the saddle the right size for you? Does it go beyond the back rib, when in the right place? If so did they explain why it's okay (as in some cases it is indeed okay)? I would go back to the fitter with any questions you have. I DO, however, see a lot of larger saddles fitted for smaller riders, with fitters not really considering stablity of the rider. A too large saddle can leave you unstable, without a decent base of support (larger saddles tend to ride narrower as an example) and with stirrup bars further away from you. The larger flap may not be so much of an issue, especially if it has velcro blocks.

The saddle you have is, IMO, a better saddle than the Monarch. And there are plenty better saddles for natives, flatter, wider backs, but they may be more expensive than the Monarch.

 

[Stenners]

No different to a regular saddle in terms of tree, panel and girthing, it's only the flap should look different. The tree points should be 2" or so behind the back of the shoulder blade. Connies have very forward girth grooves in many cases, does this girth sit further forwards than with your other saddle (size of girth would rarely make any difference to whether it sits in the right place or not)? Or do you mean it seems a bit short to the buckles are too close to her elbows? You should always use the longest short girth possible to as not to interfere with the numnah/pad.

Is the saddle the right size for you? Does it go beyond the back rib, when in the right place? If so did they explain why it's okay (as in some cases it is indeed okay)? I would go back to the fitter with any questions you have. I DO, however, see a lot of larger saddles fitted for smaller riders, with fitters not really considering stablity of the rider. A too large saddle can leave you unstable, without a decent base of support (larger saddles tend to ride narrower as an example) and with stirrup bars further away from you. The larger flap may not be so much of an issue, especially if it has velcro blocks.

The saddle you have is, IMO, a better saddle than the Monarch. And there are plenty better saddles for natives, flatter, wider backs, but they may be more expensive than the Monarch.

Ah so you know the dressage saddle I have? It's really lovely!!! I've popped you a PM!

 

[Stenners]

Does anyone else think it swamps her? It's such a lovely saddle!

 

[sbloom]

I THINK it's a little on the shoulder - so many riders put saddles on a little far forwards, double check with your fitter if that's where you should be putting it. It might be a little high in front too, but moving it back would make it more level. I don't think the saddle looks ridiculously large, and there's certainly a chance its weight bearing area lies within the back rib area even if you move it back a little.

 

[Stenners]

I THINK it's a little on the shoulder - so many riders put saddles on a little far forwards, double check with your fitter if that's where you should be putting it. It might be a little high in front too, but moving it back would make it more level. I don't think the saddle looks ridiculously large, and there's certainly a chance its weight bearing area lies within the back rib area even if you move it back a little.

This is great to know thank you! Unfortunately my saddle fitter can't get out to me for 8 weeks to check it so hoping she will say enough from the photo!

 

[Palindrome]

This is great to know thank you! Unfortunately my saddle fitter can't get out to me for 8 weeks to check it so hoping she will say enough from the photo!

I am a bit confused, didn't your saddle fitter fit the saddle to start with?
It looks to be sitting too far forward to me.

 

[sbloom]

This is great to know thank you! Unfortunately my saddle fitter can't get out to me for 8 weeks to check it so hoping she will say enough from the photo!

Photos are often enough, if there's a real issue with the fitting then most fitters will try and get out to you sooner than any prebooked second visit (presuming that is what you have arranged).

 

[Stenners]

I am a bit confused, didn't your saddle fitter fit the saddle to start with?
It looks to be sitting too far forward to me.

No she did - this was me putting it on again yesterday!

Update - saddle fitter is in the area on Monday so is coming back to check it!

 

[Leandy]

No I don't think that swamps her. I also think your girth looks fine. You can't go much longer or there won't be room to do it up another hole or two when you are on. It would be most helpful to see you in the saddle on her, it is of course all about proportion and the saddle needs to fit the rider too. We don't know your proportions so can't comment. Remember that a larger bearing area spreads the weight better so your pony may be more comfortable in a larger rather than smaller saddle.