I’m starting a search for my new dressage saddle. I have a 16.1 big/long moving long backed oldenburg. I’m currently riding in an Erreplus CA jumping saddle as it is the only saddle I’ve tried that lets my horses shoulder’s be free and that doesn’t hold me in a set position. I have a Stubben Genesis but it doesn’t allow her to move as freely. I also find myself bracing against her movement where as in the jumping saddle I am able to sit and collect or lengthen.
What saddles have you found that work for the big rangey movers that don’t force you into one fixed position?
If a saddle force you into a position, it means it doesn’t fit you or you are not ready for the longer leg position.
If you are bracing in your Genesis, is that it doesn’t fit the horse (not level on the back/too wide/too narrow/uneven panels/…) and makes it unbalanced for you. So understandably, you are fighting agains’t it.
Maybe the saddle doesn’t fit you… too long, too straight, too flat/not enough… It depends on your anatomy and general position.
Why not trying an Erreplus dressage saddle?
A few companies offer shoulder free design : County, Schleese, Hennig, Trilogy…
Seems like the best saddle is going to be the one that fits the horse, AND makes the rider comfortable enough to ride well. I don’t think there is any one “best” saddle for a big moving horse. Can you borrow saddles from anyone else in the barn to try? Are there any good saddle fitters in the area?
^ what MysticOakRanch said. One thing that I would add is that make sure you work with a saddle fitter who assesses the “static” fit of a saddle AND the fit when the horse is moving. That is the one thing I experienced with my bigger moving young horse. The fitter noted that she has a lot of back movement, so the saddle that appeared to fit ok while she was standing still, did not stay stable when she was moving. See if you can borrow a few different types of saddle to try. You might land on one that you are more comfortable in. If you like a more open seat (doesn’t make you feel so “locked in”) you could try a Passier (a GG Extra is one that comes to mind). If you are used to riding in a jump saddle, you may want a close contact style dressage saddle with less of a thigh block. Again, that may be a preference for you, but you will need a competent saddle fitter to help you decide if it will work for your horse.
I agree with all the advice above. My personal preference is the flat spot the seats of my Custom Advantages have. I like the Advantage R especially because short points make it more easily able to work on a variety of horses, though my Advantage monoflap fits two of my horses just right. Fitting horse and rider properly is the biggest key rather than brand.
I ride in a Schleese HK - has cutback “shoulder relief” panels that are great for big movement. It has a deep seat which some people do not like, but has velcro thigh blocks so you can create a “locked in” feeling if you like, or ride with smaller/no blocks for a bit less saddle. The HK has a forward balance, which not everyone likes, but the relief panels are available on lots of their models.
I currently am trying a Tad Coffin dressage saddle. It is the minimalist of minimalist saddles so your position is totally up to you. My girl is a big mover (16.2 Oldenburg with a long shoulder and a big lofty trot) and demands shoulder freedom and she seems to love it. I am surprised by how much I like it, but it has a great close contact feel that makes me feel like I’m really with her and thus feel very secure. It has the bonus of making my wide girl feel like a “normal” sized horse.
I also intend to check out the new EQ Science Saddles (dressage spin-off of the Reactor Panel saddles) when I’m at WEG. I’ve spoken with the person who did the recent testing and it seems that everyone who tries them reports back that their horses are more forward, which to me screams more comfortable on the shoulders. There also was an article in this month’s Equus discussing flapless saddles and how they make the rider more secure. So if you can beyond their appearance (they are a bit funky looking), they might be something to consider.
EQ Saddle Science!!! I currently have a flapped version on trial and we both love it!!! The seat opens my hips up and the panels distribute the weight evenly to allow his shoulders the freedom necessary. My gelding has large shoulders, a flat back when standing and is a big mover. https://eqsaddlescience.com/
