The light saddles are awesome, we have one that is just over 30 pounds. Very comfortable to ride in, and a solid investment. The only saddles we have owned that have appreciated in value.
I would stay away from trail saddles, as they will put your leg out in front of you. Tucker and most Circle Y saddles are built this way.
I ended up with a Silver Mesa training saddle for showing this year. Eventually I want to upgrade, but I was running out of time and finances. It is really nicely balanced saddle that puts me in a good alignment. Two thumbs up from me to the brand.
Another brand to look at is Billy Cook. I really liked their reining saddle and their barrel saddle. Again, both put me in a really good alignment, but sadly didn’t fit my horse.
I feel like most of the ‘western dressage saddles’ are a gimmick. Unlike classical dressage, you don’t really need a special saddle in order to show western dressage. Just make sure that the saddle you buy conforms to their rules. It must have a horn, and it must have skirts.
[QUOTE=Draftmare;8582331]
…
I feel like most of the ‘western dressage saddles’ are a gimmick. Unlike classical dressage, you don’t really need a special saddle in order to show western dressage. Just make sure that the saddle you buy conforms to their rules. It must have a horn, and it must have skirts.[/QUOTE]
I would’nt call them a gimic, though they are gimicy looking. Just as there are reining saddles, cutting saddles, barrel saddles; manufacturers are trying to make a saddle for a new disicpline, maybe they’re not yet aware of what a western dressage rider might need in a saddle, if anything.
If you’re willing to do custom, I got a saddle from Double H Ranch Saddle Shop. http://www.dhrss.com/
Their basic “Shop Special Saddle” isn’t all that expensive (or wasn’t several years ago when I got mine). The abbreviated round skirt fits a short-backed equine pretty well. I have a mule for whom a Circle Y saddle with round skirts was too long but the Double H fit him fine…until he got too wide for it. Yeah, it’s always something. 
[QUOTE=RPM;8582135]
Wow, that Circle Y “dressage” saddle is ugLEE. It looks like somebody took a not very attractive barrel saddle, put a big block on it, and called it a dressage saddle. It is almost the opposite of what I want in a western dressage saddle.
I know the last thing you need is another recommendation from a complete stranger, but …
Check this website out:
http://www.westerndressageridinggear.com/saddles.html
I can’t see the stirrups on this saddle but it looks to me like it would put you in a good dressage position:
http://www.westerndressageridinggear.com/harmony-western-dressage-saddle1.html
I’m suspicious of the fact that they don’t show the rigging or the stirrups, and I have never heard of that brand, but the seat and fenders look like they might work.
You might also check out the Western Dressage Association to see if they recommend a certain type of saddle and to see what saddles other western dressage riders are using (also watch YouTube western dressage videos for ideas). –
http://www.westerndressageassociation.org/[/QUOTE]
Man, when I started my WD saddle search and saw that Circle Y had a Western Dressage model out I was SO excited… And then I saw it. Barf. It’s just about as unappealing as any saddle I’ve laid eyes on. To share my personal experience…
I tried a few really nice reining saddles to begin with, but there was just too much saddle for me to deal with. LOVED the Julie Goodnight Circle Y performance saddles, but for a non-custom mass produced saddle they are just too pricey for someone just starting to explore WD, and new enough to the market that finding a used one in my budget range was pretty close to impossible.
Ended up realizing that, coming from a hunter/jumper background, the bulk under the thigh was an issue. There are “close contact” cut skirt pleasure/trail saddles out there that put your body more in a classical dressage position (nice shoulder-hip-heel alignment) with the fenders/stirrups set back slightly, and less bulk/more feeling of the horse under the thigh. This really hit some important points for me. I ended up with a late model Circle Y trail model, with the cut out around where the fender sits and the cinch goes. New wasn’t an option, but used it was under $1k, and it was easy to find a matching headstall and reins. This is the model:
It is also EXTREMELY comfortable. I can find my seat and pelvic bones easily when sitting correctly, without discomfort. It was quite a change from a Devoucoux, but I don’t regret my “try something new” impulse one bit! Having a blast, and looking forward to showing this weekend.
[QUOTE=Lilykoi;8582151]
I have a dressage saddle and a Western dressage saddle, both made by Mike Corcoran. The Western saddle is super comfy and the seat is very much like my dressage saddle. https://m.facebook.com/Mikecorcorancustomsaddles/[/QUOTE]
That Mike Corcoran western performance saddle is my DREAM saddle! One day when I can afford to go custom I WILL have one! I’m sure you love it.
I met a Lady a few years back who had purchased a Circle Y Western Dressage Saddle, she had been doing Dressage for years and wanted to change gears so to speak and took up Western Dressage.
She hated the Circle Y and took a 1K loss 3 weeks after purchasing it new.
She purchased this saddle and still loves it years later http://www.westernsaddlery.us/images/T-9716.jpg she did take the bucking rolls/pollies off while doing Western Dressage.
[QUOTE=SouthernTrailsGA;8585859]
I met a Lady a few years back who had purchased a Circle Y Western Dressage Saddle, she had been doing Dressage for years and wanted to change gears so to speak and took up Western Dressage.
She hated the Circle Y and took a 1K loss 3 weeks after purchasing it new.
She purchased this saddle and still loves it years later http://www.westernsaddlery.us/images/T-9716.jpg she did take the bucking rolls/pollies off while doing Western Dressage.[/QUOTE]
When looking at that picture the fenders look like they are placed forward of where you will be sitting, making it more difficult to get your leg under you with a natural ear/hip/ankle alignment. At least that’s how it looks, might be different to ride.
Look into a Mike Corcoran Western Dressage saddle … all the look of a Western saddle with the functionality and feel of a dressage saddle. The contact, feel and maneuverability you have in it is beyond comparison. And I’ve ridden in A LOT of Western saddles. Mike is based in Justin, TX, but travels nationwide. Let me know if you need his contact info.
[QUOTE=Chrissy;8585683]
Man, when I started my WD saddle search and saw that Circle Y had a Western Dressage model out I was SO excited… And then I saw it. Barf. It’s just about as unappealing as any saddle I’ve laid eyes on. To share my personal experience…
I tried a few really nice reining saddles to begin with, but there was just too much saddle for me to deal with. LOVED the Julie Goodnight Circle Y performance saddles, but for a non-custom mass produced saddle they are just too pricey for someone just starting to explore WD, and new enough to the market that finding a used one in my budget range was pretty close to impossible.
Ended up realizing that, coming from a hunter/jumper background, the bulk under the thigh was an issue. There are “close contact” cut skirt pleasure/trail saddles out there that put your body more in a classical dressage position (nice shoulder-hip-heel alignment) with the fenders/stirrups set back slightly, and less bulk/more feeling of the horse under the thigh. This really hit some important points for me. I ended up with a late model Circle Y trail model, with the cut out around where the fender sits and the cinch goes. New wasn’t an option, but used it was under $1k, and it was easy to find a matching headstall and reins. This is the model:
It is also EXTREMELY comfortable. I can find my seat and pelvic bones easily when sitting correctly, without discomfort. It was quite a change from a Devoucoux, but I don’t regret my “try something new” impulse one bit! Having a blast, and looking forward to showing this weekend.[/QUOTE]
The Julie Goodnight was my dream saddle. So disappointed that it doesn’t come on their extra wide tree. I did occasionally see them up for sale used on eBay, though they were usually only a couple hundred dollars less than new. I almost got the Circle Y Alpine, but I didn’t like how far forward the stirrups were hung. My other issue with the Circle Y saddles is that as the seat sizes get bigger it seems like they just stretch the back of the saddle instead of rebalancing the stirrups as the seat sizes get bigger. I need a 17 inch seat, and the Alpine looked like a stretch limo with the stirrups hung way far forward of the sweet spot compared to the smaller seat sizes.
[QUOTE=SouthernTrailsGA;8585859]I met a Lady a few years back who had purchased a Circle Y Western Dressage Saddle, she had been doing Dressage for years and wanted to change gears so to speak and took up Western Dressage.
She hated the Circle Y and took a 1K loss 3 weeks after purchasing it new.
She purchased this saddle and still loves it years later http://www.westernsaddlery.us/images/T-9716.jpg she did take the bucking rolls/pollies off while doing Western Dressage.[/QUOTE]
Wow, that saddle is stunning, though the fenders look like they would be too far forward. That was my big struggle when looking for a western saddle to use. So many of them are meant for pursuits where being able to get your leg out in front of you is needed.
I agree that the Circle Y western dressage saddle was disappointing. I sat in one at Horse Saddle Shop and it felt like a barrel saddle that they slapped knee rolls on for some odd reason.
[QUOTE=Ozzerati;8586555]
Look into a Mike Corcoran Western Dressage saddle … all the look of a Western saddle with the functionality and feel of a dressage saddle. The contact, feel and maneuverability you have in it is beyond comparison. And I’ve ridden in A LOT of Western saddles. Mike is based in Justin, TX, but travels nationwide. Let me know if you need his contact info.[/QUOTE]
Another vote for Mike, he is a talented saddle maker and a genius saddle fitter.
I think Lilykoi posted his Facebook page.
1 Like
http://westerndressageridinggear.com/saddles.html This is a purpose made Western dressage saddle. The local to me Western Dressage guru recommends it, but tbh I’ve never seen it in person so can’t comment on the quality
A reining saddle may work. Continental sells a short Western saddle, only 25" # C81 Little River Reiner http://www.reiningauthority.com/ I used to have a Continental, comfiest saddle I’ve ridden in, but sadly the tree wasn’t right for my mare or gelding.
I generally ride dressage in a Stubben Aramis with no blocks. So, when I went looking for a western saddle I found I was unhappy with most and even got a Circle Y equitation saddle before I knew better. My knees and back hurt, plus I swear I could not feel what my horse was doing. I was just off kilter and all locked in.
I finally rode in a split fork Wade a cowboy at the barn had. Finally I got all the freedom I was looking for and my horse walked out beautiflly. I eventually tried McCall saddles. Loved the Lady Wade, but after buying custom English saddles, I did not want to spend that much for my western one, so I got the Diamond M McCall saddle. Love it.
I too have seen those western dressage saddles with the blocks and rolls an opted not to go that direction. Good luck!
[QUOTE=fallenupright;8587085]
http://westerndressageridinggear.com/saddles.html This is a purpose made Western dressage saddle. The local to me Western Dressage guru recommends it, but tbh I’ve never seen it in person so can’t comment on the quality
A reining saddle may work. Continental sells a short Western saddle, only 25" # C81 Little River Reiner http://www.reiningauthority.com/ I used to have a Continental, comfiest saddle I’ve ridden in, but sadly the tree wasn’t right for my mare or gelding.[/QUOTE]
Continental are so pretty. Maybe some day if I find a rich cowboy I will get one… :winkgrin:
[QUOTE=fallenupright;8587085]
http://westerndressageridinggear.com/saddles.html This is a purpose made Western dressage saddle. The local to me Western Dressage guru recommends it, but tbh I’ve never seen it in person so can’t comment on the quality
A reining saddle may work. Continental sells a short Western saddle, only 25" # C81 Little River Reiner http://www.reiningauthority.com/ I used to have a Continental, comfiest saddle I’ve ridden in, but sadly the tree wasn’t right for my mare or gelding.[/QUOTE]
Continental are so pretty. Maybe some day if I find a rich cowboy I will get one… :winkgrin:
[QUOTE=js;8585906]
When looking at that picture the fenders look like they are placed forward of where you will be sitting, making it more difficult to get your leg under you with a natural ear/hip/ankle alignment. At least that’s how it looks, might be different to ride.[/QUOTE]
I may be an optical illusion as my friend who had done English Dressage for 20 plus years never mentioned feeling off balance or being in a bad riding position. She has had that saddle for a little over 2 years now.
The shirts and housing are very small compared to many western saddles and allows for close contact.
I always find it a little funny when dressage folks get uppity about close contact and the supposed lack of same with western saddles. The panels on most dressage saddles are FAR thicker than the bars and build up on a western seat, and the strict vertical distance between horse and rider is generally much LESS on a western saddle.
What they’re usually bemoaning is the lack of stirrup swing, or the width/narrowness of the seat. At least one saddlemaker I know spent years trying to get people closer to the horse, and only when he gave up and went the other way with a build UP seat (but narrower seat) did people yell eureka and claim he’d made a good “close contact” seat.
Moral of the story - you have to sit in each saddle you’re interested in.
I really like Mike Corcoran’s saddles. There is also the Harmony Western Dressage Saddle. Just an FYI re: the Circle Y western dressage model was at one time illegal is competition due to the thigh blocks.
I am a long time English–pony club and eventing, now just lower level dressage–rider who has moved to western for my current mount. I ended up with a Martin all around saddle that I absolutely love. It’s not quite as light as a straight barrel saddle, which is what I was looking for, but it’s not as heavy as some other western styles. It is super comfortable and allows me to ride in a correct position. I don’t feel like I have any trouble using my seat to communicate with my horse; in fact, he actually goes better in this saddle than my dressage saddle.
Martin barrel saddles are da bomb (I have a courts, but looked at several Martins first).
