Dressage Saddle - knee blocks? diff styles?? makes??

[Emz]

I ookign into buying a dressage saddle for my boys flatwork at home, as my jumping saddle doesn't exactly help my position.

What sort of styles are best?? What sized/shapes of kneeblocks are benficial? what about thigh blocks?

Can anyone recommend a good, but relatively cheap <£200 make/brand??

[teapot]

one of the comfiest I ever rode in was one of the wintec ones (wasnt actually suppose to use it but LOL)

you looked on TDS emz?

[Tangle]

What's best is a very personal thing!

The depth of the seat will have a big impact on how much freedom you have to move. Some people like the apparent security that comes from a very deep seat - others feel trapped or "locked" in and prefer something flatter. Knee/thigh rolls have similar issues - bigger makes it harder for you to move, which can either make you feel secure or wedged in.

I'd suggest you go to a saddlers and sit in some saddles to try and get a handle on what you prefer. Also worth checking out their 2nd hand stock while you're there :)

Only thought re. price is that it may not be easy to find what you're looking for - please don't go for an unbranded cheap "new" saddle off ebay. I think a couple of our more knowledgable members have seen some of those up close and personal, and they were not well, or safely, made.

Good luck with your hunt :)

[DITZ]

i used to have a wintec 500 dressage which was nice and comfy and I would recommend it.

[Emz]

I'm especially looking at either the Wintec 500 or the Wintec Isabelle now, easy maintenance, cheaper and adjustable (Needs to fit med/wide) - anyone have an preferences between them??

[tigs]

i would get a second hand one if i were you;so much cheaper!yet you would still get the quality/comfort.have you thought getting one from auction?i have seen very good quality dressage saddles in exelent condition go though for around£200-300.make sure you check it well over though;tree, stiching etc.

[Emz]

I'd love to be able to do that but i wouldn't want to trust my judgement on it, my boy is only four so i'm always checking his saddle and back etc. Ask me about a Jumping saddle and i probably would but i know zilch about dressage tack/equipment!!

[teapot]

think i used the wintec 500 and was rather comfy.

I'd get a synthetic emz as no point forking out for a leather one is Spazz is gonna be changing which he will just to annoy you :P

(ooo got some vids to show you)

[Lgd]

Under £200 there is very little you will get. Even the Wintec 500 are around £250. If you are paying less than that, don't bother.

[Tangle]

Ask me about a Jumping saddle and i probably would but i know zilch about dressage tack/equipment!!
Basic principles are exactly the same - the tree, quality of manufacture, quality of materials, state of panels, etc. should all be common :)

[Emz]

Under £200 there is very little you will get. Even the Wintec 500 are around £250. If you are paying less than that, don't bother.

I know, hence why am looking around at second hand Wintecs :D

[tigs]

nonsense:-)lol.honestly all it takes is a bit of bargain hunting!i would reconsider going to auction though,maybe you could get a experienced freind to go with you and most people there are happy to give there opinion.i recently saw an albion dressage saddle in exelent condition go though for £350!and loads go though for less than 200.just depends on the day.
p.s dont give up!lol

[KateWooten]

Not a dressage saddle - but I have the Wintec 2000 AP - the one with the CAIR panels ... I was fine with it all last year, until I realised it doesn't actuall fit either of my horses - it is too curved from front to back. Although adjustable, it is only the angle of the panels at the front that can be changed. Now I know a bit more about saddle fit than last year, I can see that the wintec can't be made to fit either of my 2.

Also, if you feel down the panels from front to back, they're far from smooth and even... I would say actually they feel lumpy. And of course there's nothing that can be done about this - they can't be re-flocked like regular padding. Does anyone know if this is normal on these saddles ? Perhaps they just feel that way when they're not on the horse ?