Saddleseat Tack/Attire ?

[hillhavenmercedes]

Hi! I have another, probably seemingly stupid/silly question for y’all. I’m looking to take my young dressage horse (friesian) off property, just for the sake of getting her more comfortable with the show atmosphere… In not looking to break the bank for these adventures, my local open shows seem to be the best option however I am having a hard time figuring out what to enter her in… Obviously we wouldn’t fit into a hunter under saddle division and so I found myself looking at the saddleseat classes… Would we be crucified if I entered with my dressage tack and attire??? I could obviously tweak my own clothes a bit if needed (i.e. tan breeches instead of white, regular tie instead of stock tie, etc)… Not looking to win ribbons but not looking to get laughed at/DQ’d either, if that makes sense.

TIA!

(For reference this is the description under the division list for the particular show I am looking at:

Personal Appointments: Derby, soft hat or ASTM approved helmet with harness to be worn over confined hair. Hair must not cover the rider’s number. Saddlesuit or Jodhpur pants with day coat (day coat not to be penalized in equitation classes), shirt, tie, vest, and Jodhpur boots required. Gloves should be worn in all classes and are required in equitation. Whips are optional and should be less than 3’6" long. Optional spurs are to be of the unrowelled type.

Tack: Flat”type saddle with appropriate girth. Headstall: colored brow band or cavesson set with single or double bit and double reins. Bell boots, bandages or martingales are prohibited. )

[poltroon]

I’d call the organizer. A saddle suit doesn’t look much like a dressage outfit (longer coat, jodhpurs that are dark or matching the coat, and short boots) and a dressage saddle isn’t a flat saddle. You’d be stretching more there than the HUS class, IMHO, but your organizer will tell you who if anyone will care.

[luvmyhackney]

Call the org to find out the typical turnout. You would be fine in an open pleasure class with your dressage attire.

You might be be able to get away with a pair of jods, paddock boots and a polo shirt depending on the size of the show.

[TC3200]

What I’ve seen of saddle seat Fresisns is they deliberately want pure saddle seat attire and saddles. An uphill horse with high action.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT1Hcow5gv0DE74VNJLNRLq58EE8Q2hxc-nS_Ass9utmua7xtGj

[TC3200]

There is a consignment business called Commotion that sells used saddle seat attire. It might be in Kentucky. They are in Facebook.

[furlong47]

Saddleseat is a whole other world… not just the attire and tack but the movement, position, and everything. Quite frankly, I also think the HUS class would be a better fit if those are your only two options. Usually open shows like that also have pleasure classes, which might be your best bet of all.

[TWH_Girl]

I think you should try it. You won’t know if you like it unless you try it. Saddleseat is a lot of fun!
you will need a suit, or jods and daycoat, paddock or jod boots and a cutback saddle. eBay has a ton of saddles and attire without a huge price tag to get you started!

[OneGrayPony]

Saddle seat is so much fun!! Cutbacks are cheap and generally fit most horses pretty well. I got a classic with adjustable stirrup bars for $400 at first and then upgraded to an $800 model which is considered prettt nice for showing. If you don’t do the adjustable bars, then they can be found under $200 (although I love them).

I haven’t bought a show suit yet but I’ve been browsing and they are pretty easy & cheap to find and seem to have a good resale value.

You know that grin you feel internally when you do a good extended trot down the diagonal or land after a line of jumps well taken? That’s every saddle seat ride once you figure out how to sit back, lift your hands and trot on!

[hoopoe]

HUS, English Pleasure, Hunter type, Bridle Path hack, English equitation. Hopefully a local GMO will start having Dressage schooling shows soon. Show your horse to his purpose and ride him as you aim to when you show rated. You are there for a positive experience, not to confuse your friend.