If I buy a ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐, that should save me having to buy a ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ and a ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐, shouldnโt it? Not necessarilyโฆ
๐๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ saddles are a Jack of all Trades, highly suitable for leisure riding, basic flat work and popping small fences. They are also often chosen as a cheap option for a young horse that is likely to mature and change shape during the first training season. However, once you decide to compete more seriously, you should consider buying a saddle designed for your chosen discipline.
๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ have a straighter cut so they lie behind the horseโs shoulders and do not inhibit movement. They have a deep seat and large thigh (front) blocks, optimising the riderโs position and helping the rider to ride securely with a longer stirrup. Of course you can hack out in a dressage saddle, but you may find it difficult to canter off the horseโs back, as the position of the blocks prevents you shortening your stirrups.
๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ have a mid to flat seat (depending upon preference) and are forward cut, so you can ride with a short stirrup – suitable for jumping and cross country riding and of course hacking! The thigh blocks tend to sit above the riders knee, so the rider can maintain a secure leg position over a fence. You can of course do basic schooling in a jump saddle, but more advanced work, (sitting trot and lateral movements etc) will be easier in a dressage saddle.
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ fall in between โ they are more forward cut than a dressage saddle and tend to have a mid-depth seat. They have โpencil rollsโ in front of the knees, so riderโs legs tend to get pushed backwards when jumping โ not ideal! However it is true to say that some riders feel more secure in a GP.
And Finally…
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ can vary โ the more forward cut โ๐๐๐โ models cater more for jumping, and โ๐๐๐โ lean towards dressage.
If you would like assistance in choosing the best saddle for you purpose or to book a saddle assessment/fitting appointment the please do not hesitate to contact me on 07941 512933.
๐๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ saddles are a Jack of all Trades, highly suitable for leisure riding, basic flat work and popping small fences. They are also often chosen as a cheap option for a young horse that is likely to mature and change shape during the first training season. However, once you decide to compete more seriously, you should consider buying a saddle designed for your chosen discipline.
