How much do dressage saddles help your posistion?

Question

Im currently riding in a collegaite all purpose saddle but i do mostly dressage and want to be competing by the end of the year. I also do some pc and low level jumping(no higher than 65cm) Im thinking of asking for a dressage saddle for my birthday. I found a bates liberty for sale for $600 dollars and ive ridden in one before and liked.

So... Should i get a dressage saddle? Does it help your posistion? Sometimes i have trouble streaching my legs down, would it help?

Answer 1

A dressage saddle offers a different position than an AP.  You will need a saddle if you are going to compete.  Most dressage saddles have a deeper seat and the leg position is very different because of the movements required in dressage.  Stirrup length is another difference as well as stirrup placement.  My dressage saddles are very different from my jumping saddles.  Go to tack stores and try out several different saddles.  A new dressage saddle would be a great birthday present.  Have a happy!!!

Answer 2

From what I know, the dressage saddle basically makes you sit up straighter, and your much more enlogated, I myself do H/j, so I do all this two point, hip angle, and all that stuff, so when I did ride in my friend's dressage saddle, I instantly noticed that I was much more straight up, my legs weren't in my norma position, they were extended, since the stirrups didn't end at my ankles.