What sort of saddle?

jesterfaerie

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I am buying a new saddle for my TB and going to speak to the saddle fitter tomorrow however I have no idea what sort of saddle to get.
I was thinking a dressage as I prefer to ride in them compared to GP saddles.
I mainly only do schooling and hacking with my lad at the moment (no transport) but I am aiming him for BD. I don't really plan on doing much jumping with him as it isn't my thing so thought a dressage saddle may be more ideal as I will be concentrating on schooling and like I said I generally prefer them.

Because I don't compete would you say I should stick to a GP saddle?

I really hate the saddle at the moment (Thorowgood Maxam - he came with it) I borrowed a saddle off a friend at uni but since coming home and using this saddle I haven't ridden him as much because I hate it.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s193/jesterfaerie/Old%20saddle/026.jpg

I do not feel secure in this saddle, it doesn't have any knee rolls and he doesn't have much of a shoulder as he is rather narrow at front and if we hack down hill I am kicking his ears because there is just nothing there.

Would he actually suit a dressage saddle?
The one I had in mind if I were to get one is an Ideal Jessica.

Sorry probably included stuff that you didn't need to know, can anyone offer me any help? Thanks
 
I had a wonderful Jeffries Falcon Hawk High WIther for my TB.

It has ample knee roll, and a deep seat, you would probs get away with it for a bit of DR too. It would be well worth trying one if you can get one to fit!!
 
If you can get one to fit - the Barnsby 720 without stirrup keepers is lovely too - same sort of idea (got one for my new cob) - dont know if they have one suitable for TBs thou.
 
I have the Jeffries event, love it
smile.gif
 
What about Jeffries Falcon VSD ? I just bought one and I love it. It's slightly straighter cut than the GP so would be good if you want to do dressage. It's not so straight though that you can't jump in it. I jump and hack in mine. It's really well made - the leatherwork and stitching are excellent. It's basically a GP saddle but designed slightly more towards dressage. Only thing is not sure how it would fit a TB.
 
Speaking to your saddle fitter is the way to go. Tell them exactly what you want out of your saddle and what you intend to use it for. He or she will be able to offer you, hopefully, a good choice of styles that suit both you and your horse. Good luck and I hope you find your perfect saddle.
 
I would highly recommend an Albion K2 VSD and I think it would tick all your boxes.

I feel really secure in it, I had a play over some small XC jumps and it felt great. It puts me in a great position for flatwork, I need all the help I can get lol, and it's great for hacking too, very comfy.

Also, I believe that they suit the tb shape well too.

I've had a few saddle problems and have only had the Albion since June so cannot give a long term view on it but so far I am v happy with it, pony is going better in it than any other saddle I've owned, fingers crossed I will have the same view a year from now.

I also have a Jeffries Hawk Event as a 'spare' saddle with is lovely but still prefer the Albion.

Good luck with finding the perfect one.
 
I believe my saddler mentioned that my boy has a tb type back (tho he isn't a tb) and the Albion would suit him the best (better than the Ideals she sells) but don't quote me on that - I was too busy worrying about how I was going to afford it to listen properly lol.

Have you sorted a saddle out?
 
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