Who has dressage and jumping saddles?

ann-jen

ann-jen

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I currently just have a jumping saddle and do dressage in it. I'm contemplating getting a dressage saddle. Dressage is our second discipline but I still do a fair bit - maybe 2 comps a month BD. We are only at Novice level although we are thinking of tackling our first elementary some time soon. So I just wondered how many people feel its necessary or preferable to have seperate saddles for each discipline or how many people think it doesn't make that much difference as the case may be. Or if there is a level of dressage where having the correct saddle might make more of a difference.
Just weighing up the pros and cons before parting with a load of cash!
 
I have just bought a new dressage saddle after years of having only a jumping one and the difference in the horses way of going on the flat is incredible!
Their jumping saddles have been fitted to them and I really like riding in them, but the dressage saddle is great... they are much more free over the back and through their shoulders!
 
I think it depends on whether your jump saddle is more GP shaped than close contact. I have separate jump and dressage saddles, or did have (my dressage saddle is currently on sick leave awaiting repair). I've been schooling in my jumping saddle for the last 2 weeks and it is a nightmare! I really notice the difference.

I feel like I'm flapping all over the place in my jump saddle
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, the girth buckles and the short saddle flaps are really annoying. But I will hopefully be a better rider for it, by the time I get my dressage saddle back!

I haven't noticed a massive difference in the way my horse goes tbh, but then I'm probably concentrating on what I'm doing too much to notice
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(Horse competing elem dressage, working towards med if that makes a difference)
 
I have a jump and dr saddle, my jump saddle is a vey close contact single flap jobby, but I do a majority of my riding in it tbh. I love my dressage saddle, but only really ride in it at comps and a couple of times a month at home. I have ummed and arghed about selling my dr saddle, but although i dont use it ALOT would miss it if I didnt have it.
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i have bth but purely for the reason that chester arrived with it until my jump saddle arrived but have to say that most of my ridin - well all f my riding is done in the jumping sddle!!!
 
I come from the other side! I have a GP, and am getting a dressage saddle for my first specialised one. I really like riding in them. Eventually, I'd like to have a jumping one too, but first I need to get good enough to justify it. Not to mention having a horse that's not scared of cross poles! Well, working on that...
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I've just bought a synthetic dressage saddle after years of doing all my dressage in a close contact jumping saddle!!

I tried Rising Promises' synthetic after my lesson last week and Rosie felt so different in it - so I ordered one and it came today. Rode her up and down the drive in the dark in it. It's lovely!!

It felt like her neck was a foot longer!
 
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I come from the other side! I have a GP, and am getting a dressage saddle for my first specialised one. I really like riding in them. Eventually, I'd like to have a jumping one too, but first I need to get good enough to justify it.

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Same
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Saddler is booked for Feb to (attempt to) fit a dressage saddle. Would love to affiliate one day (only ever Novice unless some miracle happens) but that's a pipedream. I just need one to anchor me in - I'm small, horse is huge and I need weighing down a bit!
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I probably won't ever invest in a jumping saddle. For the amount we do, I can do it in a GP.
 
have both once you have done dressage in the right saddle you wont go back the cut of the saddle frees up the shoulders and the movement is amazing even my horse knows when he has got it on i swear he grows 3 inches then performes his best Show Off
 
Riding in a dressage saddle is like cheating compared to a jump saddle. Everything is easier!

However I'm now on my second dressage saddle (in 6months!) as found the first really hurt my hips, but my new (er 3rd) wow one is very comfy and no more torture!!!
 
Its all sounding like a big thumbs up for another saddle then. Although not for the bank account!
I'm going to be getting another WOW so it'll likely have the same seat and panels as the one I've already got so I don't think it'll make that much of a difference to Jenny - it's more for me in terms of my position and effectiveness as a rider I'm hoping it'll improve.
CotswoldSJ - when you first got your WOW did you start with just a GP or jump version and then go on to get a dressage version or have you always had both? Your situation is likely to be the most similar so if you found a big difference getting the dressage version then thats very encouraging. Which version do you have? I tried the fixed block ones at Bramham and really liked them but it was just on the mechanical horse so might feel completely different on Jen. I rode in my friends extra deep seat with giant blocks and didn't like it as I felt trapped in place and would prefer a bit more freedom than that, so I'm thinking deep seat with bog standard fixed blocks.
 
the only thing i find hard in my jump saddle is leg yield so yes if you are going up to elimentary then i would get one - it will help your position etc and the way you use your legs x
 
I started with pure jumping wows - so flat seat and fixed jumping blocks aimed only at show jumping.

However as per my other posts, one horse is particularly rubbish at show jumping, but appears to be quite into dressage (weirdo!), so I am going to give him a good go at that.

Dressage in my flat seat jumping saddles is quite difficult as I get no help from flaps or seat. I found my first dressage saddle (saddle company), helped with my legs, but really made me ache around my hips as the twist was too wide.

The wow saddle is good as it really hold me in place so I can get the horse moving with out any loss of balance. Its a joy now to do dressage without a dull hip ache after the first 20 mins!

I bought my saddle from eBay, and ended up with an extra deep seat with conventional fixed block flaps. Have to say I quite like the idea of my legs being jammed in with giant blocks!!
 
I have both-

i would not mind doing both in one saddle but my jumping saddle is really foward and flat seated(although i do school in it in lessons) and with my long legs i can't go for something in between as it thows me off balance.
 
Cough I have a jumping, dressage, show and side saddle cough , yes I know I know but they all do different things honestly!
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I have a dressage and jumping saddle, I got an Albion dressage saddle 18 months ago and my trainer couldnt believe the difference it made to my position! couldnt be without both now!
 
i have both for some horses but ride others just in a jumping saddle for all disciplines.

i have ridden a few horses to win at Elementary BD in my Pessoa but i find that saddle so easy to sit to, even doing extentions and lateral work.

it is easier in a dressage saddle but i don't find flatwork hard in a good, comfy jumping saddle.

i hate GP saddles with avengence as i can't jump in them- too much padding!
 
I am trying to get a dressage saddle but not having much luck. ColouredFan what type of dressage saddle did you get I have a K2 jump and wondered if a K2 dressage would be the same fit on my mare.
 
Always had a VSD saddle that have shown, dressaged and jumped in BUT now also have a dressage saddle, and love it. Only use it for schooling and competitions, not hacking. Didn't have issues with position before and can easily swap between both saddles and don't become dependant on the blocks etc. Although, and i ride long length anyway, if i haven't rode in dressage saddle for week or so at first feel like reaching for stirrups. Your leg position and everything is in a different place, which took a bit of getting used to at first for me as i kept pushing my leg too far back.
Be prepared for you legs to ache at first if you aren't used to riding in a dressage saddle.
I'm competing at elementary level, but have done so in a non dressage saddle too.
Would love to have a jumping saddle, but VSD suffices fine, maybe one day . . .
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Thanks everyone who's replied. I'm very convinced that a new saddle might be on the cards! The fitter will be out on Thursday to adjust the Flair in the jump saddle and is bringing some for me to try. I'll obviously make a decision then but you are all making me feel quite excited that it is going to be a good idea.
 
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