Tell me about All Purpose Saddles and position

[Skitten]

I’ve improved a lot on my form since taking lessons with a new instructor.
When we use a dressage saddle on a suitably sized horse, my heels are inline with my butt and shoulders as they should be, but heels tend to be more forward in an all purpose saddle.

The horse I ride in the all purpose saddle is a bit smaller, maybe just over 15 hands and I’m 5’8" He also has a very round barrel.

Do jumpers worry about their heel position, seeing as the saddle is meant for a lighter, more forward seat - and the all purpose being a middle ground between the two?

[Scratch_N_Dent]

Sounds like the balance of the AP saddle may not be right for you. I ride in a close contact jumping saddle and ride hunter/jumpers. I believe my heel is more forward than in a dressage saddle but the shorter stirrup length keeps them pretty close. If I can stand up in my stirrups without falling then my lower leg position is where I want it. I am sure others will respond with more thorough responses; I still haven’t had caffeine yet this morning

[jaybird660]

In my opinion, balance is balance. You should feel like two point is easy with your legs underneath you. There are two main types of AP saddles. Some lean more toward a dressage saddle with a straighter flap and some more toward jumping. They usually have a rounded cantle that is higher than a close contact so therefore, the seat will be a bit deeper. Many also have a larger block or a pencil block and that can impact your ability to get your leg forward for jumping.

There is talk of forward balance saddles but as I have said before, after having had this chat with master saddlers, that balance is balance and if you balance a pencil, there is only one point of balance. The saddle has to work for both horse and rider for real balance.

As for heel position, my trainer always stresses heels down in jumping as it is a safety concern, but whether everyone does it is just their style I think.

Lastly, you mention your horse is round. The shape of your horse will obviously affect saddle fit and balance.

I hope I haven’t confused you more as I kind of jumped around on this answer!

[merrygoround]

You still want your heels beneath your hips. Usually an AP saddle takes a shorter stirrup, and closing the angle at your knee will put your heels there. If the saddle puts you in a chair seat, despite shorter stirrups, it may not be a good saddle for you.