Dressage Saddles
“Dressage Saddles – How To Choose the Right Dressage Saddle”
English Saddles or Dressage Saddles differ among themselves in many distinct ways. To begin, the differences lay in the seat placement and the flap configuration and flap length.
In disciplines like jumping where the rider calls for shorter stirrups for additional support, the flap is more forward and shorter to accommodate the curve of the knee joint. For the same reason, the seat is placed further back so that the rider is not pushed forward of the saddle when jumping a fence. In addition, padding in the seat and knee rolls of a saddle will aid the hunt seat rider, but is not necessary in other English saddles.
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Within the field of Dressage, the rider sits more upright and with a longer stirrup length than a hunt seat rider since Dressage riders do not jump obstructions. Consequently, the saddle flap is longer and less bent down behind the horse’s shoulder joint than a hunt saddle.
The seat of a dressage saddle is closer-fitting to the horse’s withers which helps hold the rider’s center of gravity in the right place. The pommel is a bit higher and the deepest point of the seat is more forward as it provides a longer leg attitude.
A few designs feature additional padding in front of the knee, a good deal more than in a jumping saddle, said to serve the rider in holding the knee down and thigh back. Nevertheless, there is usually little padding behind the calf, as the rider needs to be able to freely move the lower leg around to give aids to the horse.
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The seat is usually much deeper in a dressage saddle than a jumping saddle, and allows for the rider to comfortably sit up in the saddle yet in an unstrained attitude to influence the horse. The
padding of the panels is usually less than in a hunt saddle to permit a closer feel to the horse. It often has a wider bearing surface than a jumping saddle as well.
The billets of most dressage saddles are really long, to permit the girth to be clasped near the horse’s elbow rather than underneath the rider’s leg (which would get in the way of giving effecting leg aids).
Oftentimes you can visit tack shops and sit in the Dressage saddle you may buy while it is on a saddle stand. Brands and styles vary, so become familiar with them all before spending a lot of money!You had better also sit in several Dressage saddles to find one that is most comfortable for you. Oftentimes you can visit tack shops and sit in the Dressage saddle you may buy while it is on a saddle stand. Brands and styles vary, so become familiar with them all before spending a lot of money!
“Insure That Your New Saddle… Fits Both You and Your Horse”
It is crucial that your saddle fit both you and your horse. As you evaluate Dressage saddles be certain you measure your horse from his hoof to his withers and then from his withers to his croup. You’ll need these measurements when you choose your saddle to be sure it fits.
Still, if you ride more than one horse, it is not that practical to buy different Dressage saddles for each one! You can try gel pads that will conform to your horse’s shape to help your one saddle fit. Try to fit the saddle such that there is sufficient room between the gullet and the horse’s withers and spaced over the spine evenly.
You can find a great deal of information about Dressage Saddle variations and how to select the right saddle. You can also find great deals on Dressage tack which can really save you money! In fact, you can find great Used Dressage Saddles Here!” href=”http://equestrianimports.com” target=”_blank”>used Dressage saddles online if you look!
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Well… I hope this information will help you choose the right Dressage Saddles!
Lisa Blackstone
President of The American Horse Association.
Director of Horse And Rider Club.
