:lol:
I’m searching for a snipe. Well, not really. But, I would like to ride in a western saddle that has the stirrups set in a dressage position. Are any saddle makers doing this? Surely I can’t be the only one looking! Thank you in advance for your replies!
Many do. For what discipline?
Mine Abetta barrel saddle works for me.
I have ordered custom saddles and some will ask you how/where you want the stirrups hung, some won’t.
Most good western saddles will allow your legs to be in a balanced position like a dressage saddle. My first question would be what do you weigh and how tall are you? What I see is most people buying a western saddle that is way too big for them.
Love my JJ Maxwell! The seat feels very balanced and it is so comfortable (but not because it is squishy on the bum - because of the position it puts me in).
Thank you for the replies. I was off on a very long 18 hour work day so I’m just getting back to the forum now.
I am a trail rider. I am used to keeping my legs under me but I like the feel and comfort of a western saddle for trail riding. Too many western saddles feel like I am sitting in a chair and posting is awkward at best.
I see that synergist saddles claim to have the stirrups in a “balanced ride” position. would that be the same as a dressage position?
Kdreger I am 5’1" and 130 lbs. I have a Tucker 17" saddle that came with my horse. Too big for me and I slide around. I tried a few 15" saddles and didn’t like the leg position.
Pocket Pony I will look at the JJ Maxwell saddle. Thank you!
You might also consider height of the cantle on the western saddles. The very high cantles do not allow much adjustment of your body, you are more “locked into position” whether that position is good for you or not. I grew up with the lower cantles, which allow the rider to move easier, adjust, for use over long riding times. The lower height also allows the rider to have the shorter/smaller seat on their saddles, yet stay quite comfortable in that size.
You might want to look for the flatter seat saddles, not padded much or built up in the front, which seem to be easier sitting for long rides. I like a padded seat saddle, but it doesn’t affect my sitting position over my feet. My favorite is a 14 1/2" seat size, is STILL a good fit, puts me in an excellent position over my horse for his comfort and mine. Never have had a sore horse using this type saddle, even riding many hours and miles. I am about 5’7", longer legged, about 150#. I look for a saddle that lets me get body aligned with head, hips, heels in a straight line. No work for me to stay in that body alignment, which makes for easy riding all day.
Sorry OP. Thought you were talking about hunting snipe, the birds! Didn’t know there’s a saddle named snipe!
I would think you need to look at 14" saddles. Try some used named brands like Circle Y, Sergeants, Billy Cook.
I have a Synergist, Abetta, and Fabtron and they all have the balanced seat with stirrups placed in the dressage position.
I would think that a 15" might also be too big for you.
I’d try either a 14" or a 14.5".
As far as looking for a saddle that places your leg underneath you, it really will depends on the saddle design. Yes, that are some designs that put you into a chair seat but others that won’t.
I very much like my Circle Y Lisa Lockhart barrel saddle. It helps keep me in a good position, even if going fast!! For referance, it’s a 14.5" seat.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/r_beau/2014%20Horse%20Pictures/Redpolebending_zps647b3afc.jpg
Perhaps a saddle that is made for western dressage would fit the bill. I took dressage lessons in my Marlene Mcrae Special EFFX by Cactus and found it easy to sit properly. Meleta Brown saddles are also known for being well balanced but I can’t say from personal experience (I have a brand new one sitting in my tack room that I haven’t had the chance to use yet!)
I’ve never ridden in a dressage saddle, but I will say that I feel as though I’m more balanced in a saddle with free-swinging fenders as opposed to a saddle with stirrups/fenders in a fixed position :).
I did want to add I am 5’ 1" and around 200 pounds 
and I take a 15.5 western.
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