To replace my saddle or not?

[horsecrazy333]

So we've been toying with the idea of whether or not to replace Emma's really nice and comfortable all purpose saddle with a dressage saddle. More to help me than anything. I really don't know. There are some great deals out there on used ones. Or do I bite the bullet and just buy a less expensive dressage saddle and keep my all purpose in the hopes one day she'll jump again? <br /> <br />Thoughts and suggestions are welcome. <br /> <br />Also, as I know nothing about dressage saddles. What doe I even look at. I want something really comforatable.

[horsemad!]

I started my dressage lessons in an AP saddle, but when I began to progress I got my Paramount dressage saddle and my progress was greatly escalated. The right dressage saddle will put you into the ideal position for dressage… that’s not to say you can’t do it in an AP, but if dressage is to be your focus, then I’d get a dressage saddle. I still mostly hack in my Bates AP, but my dressage saddle is very comfy for hacking too. Of course I need more than one saddle as I’ve got more than one horse… so if I’m to ride out with anyone, I need that extra saddle anyway. <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley4.gif" border="0">

[chenders01]

Well, if you want to get serious about dressage, a dressage saddle will definitely help your position.&nbsp; Most A/P saddles tilt you forward (for jumping) but for dressage you want to be sitting upright, so you need a saddle that will help you with that, not work against you.
As far as *what* saddle, well, that'll be entirely up to you.&nbsp; I loove my Wintec Isabell but they're not for everyone.&nbsp; You can often find good, used Stubbens for under $1,000.00.&nbsp; You're gonna just have to try out a bunch of saddles, to see what fits Emma and what YOU feel comfortable in as well.&nbsp;
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[Patricia]

When I started out I got a nice second hand dressage saddle to start my journey in dressage.&nbsp; It was a Stubben Tristan..but it was old.&nbsp; It did the job for quite a while till it started to not fit my horse...I traded up to a Passier....When I progressed and got a new horse to take me to the next level I traded in my two older saddles and bought a NEW Stubben Tristan.&nbsp; This wasn't till after I tried a few different ones at the dressage barn I was boarding at.&nbsp;

[horsecrazy333]

Thanks so much everyone. <br /> <br />Bahr's is coming out to look at my saddle as it's pinching a bit. I'm thinking of having them bring out some of their used saddles as they seem to have a tonne of them on the website and try them. <br />I guess I was always hoping that one day Emma might jump again, but I think down deep in my heart I know that's not likely with me. Don't get me wrong I'm having so much fun with dressage. It takes me back to my many years of ballet and being a perfectionist! It's just more of a final decision. <br /> <br />Though I guess I could keep my a/p for hacking and if we ever wanted to go and do a hack class at one of the fairs right!<edited><editID>horsecrazy333</editID><editDate>38386.459537037</editDate></edited>

[chenders01]

HC, if your A/P is pinching Emma, then there's not much point in keepig it, is there?&nbsp; If it's in good condition, you can probably trade it in on a used dressage saddle from Bahr's.&nbsp; But just be aware that they will likely not give you much for it.&nbsp; You'd probably be better to try to sell it privately.
I had a really nice&nbsp;A/P saddle before I bought my Isabell.&nbsp; I kept the A/P thinking that I would jump again too.&nbsp; But after riding in my Isabell for about 6 months, I put my A/P back on my horse and I could NOT ride in that saddle anymore!!&nbsp; Within about 10 minutes of trotting, my low back was screaming in pain!&nbsp; I was fighting against the saddle, trying to stay upright, in the nice dressage seat I had developed, while my saddle was trying to tilt me forward.&nbsp; I sold that saddle the very&nbsp;next weekend <IMG src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0">&nbsp;
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[horsecrazy333]

Emma has changed shape from when they originally fit it to her so Jeff is coming out to adjust on the shoulders. It fits everywhere else, she's just a bit of a porker now. <br /> <br />I hear you on the selling etc. There is a girl at the barn that is looking to buy her own horse and I'm contemplating offering it. The thing is, it's only a year old and in excellent condition. <br /> <br />I'd like to just ride in a dressage saddle for a week and see if I like it. <br /> <br />Am I being retarded?

[babytigger]

no HC - you're not being "retarded"...it is always better to try the saddle out for a little bit, if possible, before buying. afterall...what if <em>you</em> don't like the way a dressage saddle makes you feel. <br /> <br />i've ridden in them, and it's not my fave way to ride...i feel i'm leaning back to much, but then again, i don't "do" dressage and have no aspirations of becoming a DQ at all. i <em>LOVE</em> jumping. i have, on occasion, jumped in a dressage saddle....but would not highly recommend it!!

[horsecrazy333]

Thanks bt. <br /> <br />You make me laugh about jumping in a DQ saddle! <br /> <br />

[horsemad!]

Jumping in a dressage saddle is NO FUN… I know this from experience as sometimes one of my big eejits will leap over a bunch of cavaletti rather than trot through them… yeehaw! <br /> <br />Just wanted to add, Paramount gave me two saddles to try for “a while” and decide which I liked best.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whomever you’re buying from should be good about letting you get some real saddle time in to decide what works for you. <br /><img border="0" src="smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0">

[chenders01]

HC, is there anyone at your barn who might let you borrow their dressage saddle for a ride or two?&nbsp; I know that most tack stores will let you bring the saddle home and try it on, but they don't want you putting stirrip leathers on it (for fear of scratching).&nbsp; They also won't usually let you keep it for more than a couple days.&nbsp; If you want to try one out for a week, your best bet is to try to borrow one.&nbsp; I'd let you try out my Isabell if you lived closer <IMG src="smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0">
And re. whether you will feel comfortable in it or not, it's not something that (IMO) will take you a week to figure out.&nbsp; Either it'll be comfy from the minute you place your butt on it, or it won't.&nbsp; The second I sat in my coach's Isabell, that was it, I was SOLD.&nbsp; I had to have one for myself <IMG src="smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0">
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[draftdriver]

I've jumped in my DQ saddle. Nothing huge, mind you. The saddle is relatively flat and semi-cutback, so there is nothing to get in the way, so to speak <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0"> . I still also have my AP saddle that I started out with, but then, I'm a pack-rat...

[*rickie*]

[QUOTE=chenders01] And re. whether you will feel comfortable in it or not, it's not something that (IMO) will take you a week to figure out.  Either it'll be comfy from the minute you place your butt on it, or it won't.  The second I sat in my coach's Isabell, that was it, I was SOLD.  I had to have one for myself <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0">[/QUOTE] <br /> <br /> REALLY Chenders??? I was the total opposite! Even though I did buy the saddle that I have now, when I tried it I LOVED IT! but after about 2-3 weeks of riding in it, I've found that I probably could have found one that was more comfortable! I love it, but it's not as comfortable as others I've sat in. <br /> <br />HC....I would try as many different Dressage saddles as you possibily can! They all fit and feel different, and try to be able to ride in them at least twice! <br /> <br />As for trying new saddles.....I've seen people get a pair of socks, and cut the toes out, and then put those over the leathers, so that there wouldn't be any *scratches* on the new saddle....mind you they didn't ride hard, just walk and a bit of trot....but that might also be an option. <br /> <br />Where abouts are you located??? <br />

[chenders01]

I've never had to "get used" to a saddle...I've either loved it right away and felt really comfortable in it, or I haven't.&nbsp; Of course, this is just me <IMG src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0">&nbsp;
FWIW, I have never found a western saddle that I felt comfortable in.&nbsp; Probably I just haven't ever sat in any good ones, but I've always found the fenders to be too stiff which would result in aching knees, or the seat to be too hard...or whatever.&nbsp;
Oh yeah, and HC, you should be able to narrow down your search a little bit.&nbsp; Some dressage saddle have really deep seats (like the Isabell) while others are flatter.&nbsp; So, if you prefer a deep seat, you can look specifically for saddles that have deep seats, but if you prefer a flatter seat, then you can look for flat saddles.&nbsp; Should help to narrow down your search a little bit.
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[horsecrazy333]

I'm in Oakville, and I know Bahr's has a bunch of used ones so I'm guessing they won't be as concerned if I rode in a used one. <br /> <br />I'd really just like to try one so I can see if it will work. We're starting to focus on deep seat and using the seat and I'm finding it really hard in my a/p though I LOVE jumping in it, when I do. <br /> <br />Oh the dilema. Maybe I should play the lotto and I can have both.

[Ruth]

I find it harder to do dressage in an all purpose than to jump in a dressage. I don't mind jumping in a dressage saddle at all as long as I'm staying under 3'. Not that I jump anymore anyway! I didn't really like my saddle at first (It's a Schleese Jane Savoie with the Flair panels), I found it really bouncy, but after awhile I got used to it. My coach loves it, but if I had it to do over I wouldn't do the Flair panels. They're great if you have a really good sitting trot and the horse does seem to be able to feel your seat better, but they do seem to add more bounce. <br />Dressage saddles that I like are the Miller Kleimke (this is a nice economical saddle), the Passier Grand Gilbert and the Prestige. I also have an ancient Wintec for Allie and find it very comfortable, but I didn't like it at all on Baye.<edited><editID>Ruth</editID><editDate>38386.6889236111</editDate></edited>

[*Giddy Up*]

HC- You generally are allowed to try a saddle out. When my friend was looking at a CC stubben, she had it for a week and was allowed to put stirrups on it, but she was told not to put anything on it (like soap or conditioner).
It wouldn't hurt to call up Bahr's and ask them to bring up a few saddles for you to try.
Good luck in your search!

[loki]

&nbsp;I bought both my saddles from bahrs and they are great for allowing you to try them! good luck with the dressage!