Dressage or GP saddle?

[Iron Maiden]

Question is in the title really! Given the choice of a dressage or GP saddle, which is best for showing in? We're talking classes for hunter, sports horse, riding horse & the like. Thanks for any advice!

[Pink's lady]

Could you get a working hunter saddle? Feels like a GP to ride (so good for jumping) but straighter flaps for showing and cob shoulders.

A dressage saddle is really hard to jump in, as is any saddle with set back stirrup bars.

[Iron Maiden]

Hiya PL, I have bought a WH saddle for exactly the reasons you give! This is posted on behalf of a friend. I don't think she has the funds for another saddle & her main interests are dressage and jumping, hence the saddle selection she currently has. It's just a case of which one she uses if she has a crack at showing this summer.

[Pink's lady]

In which case - if she's doing a flat show class dressage would probably be better. If she does WH then she could use her GP.

It would be worth trying them both thought and seeing which one the horse looks better in - dressage makes them look big infront, GP make them look deeper etc

[S_F_S]

Are you doing shows where you might get a judge ride? dressage saddles are not best for male judges as some of the modern ones are very deep!

Ebay is excellent for saddles - I got my Farrington WH from there for £250. Straight cut enough to show her off but when we have a 'moment' I don't move !

Link - as picture too big! http://www.farringtons-saddlery.co.uk/images/W-H1.jpg

[chickflick1066]

I wouldv'e suggested WH too. A compromise on the two saddle styles:D

[Joyscarer]

I love my VSD :)

[Daffy Dilly]

Provided the judge isn't riding, go for whatever the horse goes best in, followed by what shows it off best, but if the judge is riding, go for the GP.