Best Dressage Saddles Buying Guide
So, how can you choose the best dressage saddles for you and your horse?
Is material is everything that decides the quality?
Let’s take a look!
Material
Should you take a synthetic or leather dressage saddle?
These days, there are a lot of dressage saddles made from synthetic leather and look nearly identical to traditional ones! Synthetic saddles are often more affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean than classic leather ones.
For traditional leather saddles, you should look for a high-quality one so that it can last for a long time. There are a lot of leather saddles of English or Western styles for you to choose from, so you take your time!
Fitting
Your dressage saddle should not only fit your size but also need to fit your horse’s figure!
That’s the most basic rule in choosing a suitable saddle for any ride. Is your horse long or kinda short? How does its back shape?
You’d better pay close attention to the pommel and cantle position since these two decide how the saddle will fit! But what are these two spots?
The answer is right below!
FAQs about Dressage Saddles
What is a dressage saddle?
Dressage saddles are designed to offer riders with the best balanced and comfortable performance in a dressage ride.
They often have deep seats, straight flaps, and no forward knee pads since dressage rides require no jump.
Parts of a dressage saddle
Above is a picture that shows all parts of a regular dressage saddle.
The most important part that you need to pay attention to when choosing a dressage saddle that suits your horse is the seat, cantle, skirt, two flaps, and the knee pads.
How to choose the best dressage saddle?
It depends on how your horse looks like and what you’ll use the saddle for that you choose an appropriate dressage saddle for yourself!
For example, if your horse has high wither, then you’d better pick it a saddle with high pommel or gullet so that it fits the wither.
>>> Read more: Top 5 Best Horse Saddles – Reviews & Buyer Guide
How to measure a dressage saddle?
Common measurements that you find in online stores saying 16 inches, 17 inches saddle, what does that mean?
Well, it is this distance:
Measure from one of the head nails to the cantle at the back. That’s the size of your dressage saddle!
What is the difference between a dressage saddle and an all-purpose saddle?
Well, they are somethings between a close contact and dressage saddle. They have enough knee roll for small jumps, and also just enough flap length for flat-ground dressage.
Can you trail ride in a dressage saddle?
Yes, you can.
Actually, you can trail ride in any type of saddles you like, but dressage saddles will be best on mule track or path with no or few obstacles.
Conclusion
Which is the best dressage saddles in your heart right now?
For us, it is the HDR Ventura from Henri de Rivel manufacturer! This mid-range dressage saddle with wide flaps is suitable for every rider at any level, from newbies to the pro.
If you find my article helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends who also into equestrian sports!
