Its my first saddle, what do i get?

Question

Hello, i have been riding for about 8 months now, i started off in western for about 2 months and now have switched to dressage. I am going to go to equine college soon and you need to bring your own saddle. I will be english riding there, so what type of saddle do i get? Do i get a dressage saddle, or what ? all pourpose?

Answer 1

Well I would recommend getting an all purpose to start if your just going to be doing general englih riding, but if you plan on concentrating on dressage you should eventually invest in one of those also. Are you bringing your horse or riding a bunch? I agree with the first statement--if your riding a lot of horses you will need an adjustable gullet or else your saddle won't fit many, if any at all of the horses there. The main makers that sell these are Wintec (cheaper and synthetic) or Bates (leather and expensive). I think that collegiate (a cheaper leather saddle maker) has also recently started making adjustable gullet options. Good luck! If it's for your own horse I HIGHLY recommend an M. Toulouse saddle (cheaper but VERY NICE)

Answer 2

Well, being that you've switched from western to dressage in a short period of time, until you're certain what discipline is your "thing", perhaps you should get an all purpose with a "modified" flap that could work in various styles for the time being.

A friend of mine was just in the market for a used saddle and showed me this site to look at the saddle.  They have a ton of saddles for sale and will let you try them out.  So have a look!!

Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of horses!!

http://www.saddlesource.com/categories.a...

Answer 3

If you plan on soley doing Dressage there, then invest ina good dressage sadlle, however if you plan on exploring other aspects of English Riding, I would get an all purpose saddle.  I really like the Wintec 500 All purpose witha changable gullet.  Its really good if you ride a variety of horses and amazingly comfortable and hardy.

Answer 4

I am in the process of looking for a new saddle as well. What I would suggest is looking for an expensive or well known brand saddle that is lightly used. You can get it cheaper but if its really nice  it can last a long time :) Hope this help you and good luck!!

Answer 5

well if your going to be riding english there, i suggest an english saddle... all purpose is probably the way to go.

Answer 6

get an all purpous for sure. and make sure it fits great and you have a good pad cause it really does make a difference.

Answer 7

I agree with the first answer.

Answer 8

Well if your using it on a bunch of different horses, get a changeable gullet, otherwise it might not fit all the horses.

I would recommend getting a Wintec 500 all purpose saddle.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/wintec-500-...

its a really nice starters saddle. Synthetic, so it will be easy to take care of, changeable gullet, and affordable.