Dressage Saddles - Fit for Comfort and Freedom of Movement

Dressage saddles are supportive structures for riders that are used in horse riding and are especially made for Dressage. Dressage is a horse riding discipline in which the horse is trained to carry out a sequence of exact controlled movements. In this discipline, the horse is trained to response to minimal signal from its rider. There are two activities in which dressage saddles are needed, Dressage training and Dressage event.

A Dressage saddle is an equestrian saddle that is designed with a long and straight saddle flap, which mirrors the leg of the dressage rider. Its long flap features a slight bend in the knee. It also has a deep seat and a knee block that is typically expounded. Dressage saddles are usually placed over a square, white saddle pad.

Dressage saddles are British saddles, which are used for British riding and in all the Olympic equestrian disciplines. British saddles differ from other saddle styles in its flatter appearance, the lack of horn, and the self-padding design of the panels.

There are other sorts of British saddles aside from Dressage saddles, such as the jumping saddles or jump seat saddles. British saddles sometimes differ from among themselves in the length and angle of the flaps, the depth of the seat and height of the cantle. These differences play a role in the use for which a specific saddle is meant. Dressing saddles and jumping saddles are both British saddles but they have different constructions.

A Dressage saddle is used in dressage discipline in which the rider sits more upright. So the Dressage saddle was designed with a longer stirrup as well as longer and straighter down saddle flaps. On the other hand, a jumping saddle is used for a discipline that involves jumping, where the rider wishes shorter stirrups for additional support. This is why the jumping saddle is designed with a forward-cut flap.

A Dressage saddle has higher cantle and pommel to supply the rider with a deeper seat. Whereas on the jumping saddle, the cantle as well as the pommel is low so that they do not interfere with the rider's jumping position.

Padding in Dressage saddle is mostly smaller than in jumping saddle to allow the rider to move openly to give help to the pony. Inversely , padding in the seat and knee rolls of a jumping saddle will assist the rider.

On a Dressage saddle, the seat is much deeper than that of the jumping saddle to allow the rider to comfortably sit up in a cool position. Also, the seat is nearer to the pony's withers to help keep the rider's center of gravity in the proper place. While on the jumping saddle, the seat is comparatively flat to give the rider more freedom of movement particularly when jumping. Its seat is also positioned further back so that the rider is not pushed before the saddle when jumping a fence.

In selecting a Dressage saddle, it is important that it fits you and your horse perfectly. To know what saddle will fit your horse, measure your horse from its hoof to its withers and then from its withers to its croup. Try to sit on many Dressage saddles to find one that is most comfortable for you.

If you ride more than one horse, you don't have to buy for every one. Choose a saddle that will fit both you and your horses. Try gel pads that will conform to your horses' shapes to help you find your saddle. Your saddle should fit in such a manner that there is sufficient room between the gullet and the pony's withers. It should also be spaced over the spine evenly.

If you are on a humble budget, there are Dressage tack shops that sell used Dressage saddles. You may also find used British saddles in some British tack shops. Visit as many saddle shops as feasible to become acquainted with the brands, styles and prices.

About the Author:
Author Lisa Blackstone is an equestrian and has been in the horse business for ages. She also maintains websites about horses and horsemanship. For extra info on saddles visit Barbie Horse Games and Horse Riding Games.