Posted: 26th April 2018 | Back to news feed
Finding the Right Dressage Saddle
In dressage, for the rider to achieve the correct balance and elegant position, the right saddle is vital.
Today the riding public has far greater awareness of the important part the saddle plays in terms of welfare, comfort and success. A well-designed, well-made and well - fitting saddle is an excellent tool.
It is important that the dressage saddle fits horse and rider perfectly. If the saddle rolls to one side or pinches the horse’s back, the horse will never be able to work or move well, however skilled its training.
If the saddle is uncomfortable, there are times when a horse will simply stop working altogether and in the long run a saddle that does not fit will lead to soreness and injury.
A dressage saddle is designed with a long and straight saddle flap, which mirrors the leg of the dressage rider. They also have a deep seat and knee blocks that are usually pronounced. This helps prevent the riders’ leg from coming too far forward.
The dressage saddle has been designed with a longer stirrup as well as longer and straighter saddle flaps. It has a higher cantle and pommel to help encourage the rider to have a deeper seat.
A dressage saddle is designed to allow the very best communication with the horse by placing the rider in the centre of gravity, providing a sufficiently deep seat to feel secure but still be able to absorb the horse's movement and by placing their leg long and relaxed to enable the appliance of a minimum of aids.
The dressage saddle should encourage a good position without being restrictive. On a dressage saddle the stirrup bars are set further back to encourage a longer, straighter leg position.
Most dressage saddles have long girth straps and a short girth; this allows the rider to maintain closer contact with their legs and give clear but minimal signals.
The stuffing of the panels of a dressage saddle is often kept to a minimum to allow a closer feel to the horse.
When fitting a dressage saddle they are often easier to fit than jumping or general purpose saddles due to the panel and flaps generally sitting behind the shoulder and not impeding the movement.
To find out more information on The Society of Master Saddlers and to find your nearest Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.
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