When to buy dressage saddle... (eventing)...?

Question

so, i was thinking today that its getting more and more difficult to do what i need for dressage in my close contact jumping saddle.

so when do you think you shold buy your first dressage saddle?

i've been riding 8 years and started combined training a little over a year ago, but it is by far what i like the most!

also, although i still jump now i see myself switching fully to dressage in the near future..

so what do you think?

Answer 1

you can get a dressage saddle at anytime.  it is just the question of if u can afford it or want it.  they will improve your dressage score so i say buy it!

Answer 2

I love my stubben, What you need to do is set your budget and sit in every saddle that falls into that budget.

I had a lot more to spend then I did because the cheaper saddle fit me the best.

Answer 3

I think the time to buy one is as soon as you can afford one!  It's so much better to do dressage in a dressage saddle.  People (including me) spend years thinking they're doing fine in their all purpose or CC saddle, but they just don't know what they're missing until they start riding in a dressage saddle.

If you get a good one and take good care of it, it will last you a very long time.  My County Competitor is somewhere between 22 - 24 years old.

Answer 4

When I went recognized for the first time, I bought a new close contact and dressage saddle.  Previously, I had an event saddle.  It is a good saddle, but not great for either dressage or jumping.

If you are starting to work on first level movements with your horse, a dressage saddle will be better.  If you are just starting out in eventing and still working on balance, obedience and suppleness, you do not necessarily need a dressage saddle.  

If you know you will continue to enjoy dressage, no matter how low of a level you are now - go ahead and get a dressage saddle.  It is definitely something that you need to spend time getting used to, so might as well start now.

Answer 5

I started out in dressage then moved into combined training so I got a dressage saddle in the beginning. If its starting to get difficult for you with your close contact and you can afford it I would go ahead and get one. you're going to need one so might as well get it now. I'm kind of slowly moving through the levels so I just started out with a wintec and absolutely love it. i got mine on ebay for under $400 and unless you think you're going to be doing upper levels really soon, I would go ahead and get something more reasonable like that.

Answer 6

I think that you usually know/ can feel when it is time to move into a dressage saddle. I know that the further I went in dressage the more I fought my close contact saddle... It was heaven to get into a good dressage saddle and actually be able to feel all of those things I was missing and actually move my body correctly. I love my dressage saddle and even use it on my saddleseat horses... I trail ride in it , I have even chased cattle in it... Did I say that I LOVE my dressage saddle??? LOL good luck!

Answer 7

I started doing more and more dressage training and as my leg got longer and longer I found my all purpose saddle was in my way. By the end of the week I purchased a Klimke dressage saddle and have never looked back!