Hi guys. I’m looking into getting my first dressage saddle. I am working with a saddle fitter. I’ve done hunter/jumpers my whole life and I ride in a CWD that I LOVE but It does not fit my high withered TB. I want to be able to also search for saddles on my own and send them along to my fitter but I don’t know where to start. What are some great brands that you guys love to ride in and have had luck fitting to your high withered horses? Would love to get familiar with dressage saddle brands so I know more when I am also presented with potential saddles!
I don’t know if you’re interested in new or used, but Albion’s saddles with the high head tree are made for high-withered horses and fit my TB well. I loved it for me also, but YMMV.
This is an example:
3 Likes
I was also going to mention Albion. In addition to the high head, they have a specific TB tree in some saddles.
I’m a big fan of Black Country. They have panel options that can work well for a TB type (k panel and wither gussets).
1 Like
Ride in as many saddles as you can lay your hands on. Then I suggest buying used initially as your body adapts. The change in position between a jump saddle and a dressage saddle is significant and what you like initially, may not be what you end up with. Many dressage saddles have deep seats and blocks, which can lock you into place. While I started with that kind of saddle, ultimately I ended up with one that had a much more open seat.
In terms of brands, I’ve owned Albion, Kieffer, Prestige and then ordered a custom Roosli. The Roosli is not as trendy as they used to be so you can often find them for short money used.
3 Likes
Agree with this! I started with a Wintec Isabell due to a freak trade that worked out at a saddle fitting appointment and I cannot imagine riding in one now, but it was a great saddle to move from HJ to dressage with!
