What else do you do in a dressage saddle?!

[Trish C]

I'm contemplating buying myself and Monty a dressage saddle. I find them much more comfortable to ride in, as I ride so long that I'm always miles back from the knee rolls on a GP.

The GP saddle that was thrown in with his sale is chronically uncomfortable for me - it's so short-cut that it looks like a racing saddle on him and was bruising my calves where the bottom of the flaps rubbed the top of my half-chaps. I have since started using my old Wintec GP, which is slightly better but as he changes shape is starting to look as though it may be too tight around his shoulder. And it's still too forward cut for me!

However, I can't at this stage justify splashing out on a dressage saddle if I'm only going to use if occasionally... please help me justify it by telling me that you all hack/school/ride full time etc in yours

Or dash my dreams/save my bank account by telling me that it must only be used for serious flatwork schooling and nothing else.

 

[blood_magik]

i jump in mine
purely because I say I'll do flatwork and end up wanting to pop over a jump

 

[Trish C]

i jump in mine
purely because I say I'll do flatwork and end up wanting to pop over a jump

Glad you've said that, cos that sounds pretty much like my current phase! Well one tick in the 'splash out' box

 

[CambridgeParamour]

I hack in mine unless im planning to do faster work, every time I school I use it. before I got my jump saddle I did jump clear in BSJA Newcomers in mine too

 

[blood_magik]

Glad you've said that, cos that sounds pretty much like my current phase! Well one tick in the 'splash out' box

my new saddle arrived last night (he's wearing it in the CC thread) - defo treat yourself (and monty)

 

[helloamys]

I hack, school and occassionally jump in it. We're not all that good at jumping, well I'm not, so we don't do alot and usually it's a small jump at the end of a session. It's our main saddle atm, until I shape up and start jumping properly then I'll get a GP.

I have a Bates Caprilli one, it's really really comfy!

 

[Trish C]

It was that picture of Jerry that just tipped me over the edge and prompted this thread - have been fighting myself about it for weeks now then I saw your saddle, thought it looked GORGEOUS and I want one!

Thank you helloamys and CambridgeParamour... thank you from my greed/ego, *£&$ you from my bank account

*looks up second hand listings on donedeal*

 

[blood_magik]

It was that picture that prompted this thread - have been fighting myself about it for weeks now then I saw your saddle, thought it looked GORGEOUS and I want one!

well then i hope you're prepared to be shocked - because it was stupidly expensive (£1900)
Assuming you haven't had a heart attack at the price p) its a m2m by apg equine. Annette made my GP as well and i love it - its so comfy and its hollistic.

I wouldn't have spent that much personally, but Dad bought it as a birthday present and I got a free upgrade on the leather because it's our third saddle from Annette.

There are lovely saddles out there without the silly price tag though

 

[Vickijay]

As my jump saddle is away having a new head put in it the other day I took my very fresh and rather sharp ex racehorse to the gallops in her dressage saddle!!

 

[Piaffey]

My mare only has a dressage saddle!

I'm not a jumper but have been known to pop a log etc. I always hack in mine too.

 

[Dort]

Hi,
I used to have a Free 'n' Easy dressage and GP saddle (one for each horse) and I did endurance in both. Regularly rode up to 40 miles (65 km) in either style.

 

[Holly Hocks]

I only have dressage saddles for both of my horses. I can't afford more than one saddle for each horse, and as most of my work is flatwork and hacking, I find it the most comfortable. However they are both ex-racers and I have taken them both out on the gallops and also on the beach in them - I've only ridden in dressage saddles for about the last eight years, so it's all I know really, so it doesn't feel wrong to me. I would probably feel more strange riding in a GP or a jumping saddle. I also pop the odd fence in mine and I actually find it keeps me in a slightly more secure position, but as jumping is my nemesis and such a rare occurence, it doesn't warrant me buying a saddle just for that purpose.

 

[miss_molly]

I school and hack in mine. Much better for my hips, which in the end must be better for my mare.

 

[Trish C]

Thanks all, you have me decided. Though I shall be blaming yous when I get the call from my bank manager

I have a friend up north who's selling her dressage saddle so going to get more details from her. Also stalking donedeal.ie now, may have to ask your opinions on any potential purchases as it's been many years since I bought a saddle. In fact, I think I've never bought a saddle - that was the Mammy's job when I was younger

 

[xloopylozzax]

I school, compete (showing), hack, hunt, jump in mine- basically you name it we've done it! Mine doesnt have huge knee/thigh blocks though, which makes it easier. I do all the above in a flat board of a show cut saddle aswell, makes no odds yet

 

[posie_honey]

i hack for miles in all paces, jump smaller things (ditches, logs up to about 2'6 etc that i find)

for specific fast work i use the jumping saddle - ir if i'm going routes that have larger fallen logs to jump!

 

[Charlie007]

I ride in mine evry day, hacking, schooling, pole work. I would jump in mine as it feels very safe but I don't jump any more.