Dressage is a popular form of English riding where precision and elegance are needed from both horse and rider. To perform well in dressage, a deep seat, good leg position and close contact with the horse are essential. These vital elements can be achieved by using the right type of saddle. In this guide, we'll take a look at all of the things you need to consider so that you can choose the best dressage saddles.
In A Hurry? Here's The Top 3 Picks!
Wintec HART Isabell Dressage Saddle
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Wintec 500 Flocked Dressage Saddle
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EquiRoyal Newport Wide Tree
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What Is a Dressage Saddle?
Dressage saddles are constructed with a high pommel and deep seat which helps keep the rider in a more upright position which is preferred for dressage.
They're different from close contact, jumping saddles because they have a distinctively long, unpadded flap, and lengthy billet straps. These extra-long flaps allow the rider to keep a long leg position which leads to centralized balance which is essential for dressage.
Another thing that makes dressage saddles different from jumping saddles is a drop girth. This special girth design allows the horse more freedom with shoulder movements.
How to Fit a Dressage Saddle
A new dressage saddle should be measured at the seat to fit the rider, and at the gullet to fit the horse. Take a look at our guidelines below to find out the best way to fit and measure a dressage saddle.
For The Rider
To find out your individual seat size, sit in a chair and use a tape to measure the length of your outer thigh. Measure from the knee and finish at the hip, including your rear in the measurement. Seat sizes range from 12 inches for a youth rider up to 17 inches for a large adult.
For The Horse
To choose the best size saddle for your horse, you need to determine its gullet size. The gullet is the hollow part that runs beneath the saddle and is supported by the tree. Some owners can guess the gullet size of their horse just by looking. For a more accurate reading, you can always measure across your horse's withers to find out the exact gullet size. Generally, gullet sizes will come in four sizes: narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide.
Fitting Guidelines
When you're fitting a new saddle, it's better to stand your horse square on a level surface. Instead of using a saddle pad, use a thin sheet or towel instead. Put the saddle forward of the withers and gently slide it back until you reach the natural stopping point.
The horse's spine shouldn’t have any contact with the saddle and there should be plenty of clearance in the gullet. Have a feel around the pommel and wither, you should be able to fit three or four fingers in the space between them.
If the saddle is sitting high then it could be too narrow. If the saddle is making too much contact with the back and withers then it's probably too wide. You can always call a local saddle fitter for professional advice and guidance.
How to Choose a Dressage Saddle
Buying a new saddle is usually a big investment so you want to make sure you find one that you really like. To help you make the right choice we’ve outlined below, the most important details to consider before you buy one.
Material
When it comes to dressage saddles there will usually be a choice of two materials, leather or synthetic. Leather is a favorite material amongst horse owners because of its elegant look and high level of durability. However, a good leather saddle can be expensive to buy new, and they require a lot of regular maintenance with saddle soap to keep them in good condition.
Synthetic saddles are usually less expensive to buy and require less maintenance. They can be washed off easily with water and a cloth. These days, synthetic saddles can look just like leather ones and they’re pretty durable too.
Purpose
If you're a beginner rider then you might like to invest in a less expensive or more general-purpose saddle for learning. This gives you the freedom to try out different English riding disciplines. If you're competing in a high level of dressage then you'll need a high quality, dark color, dressage saddle that looks smart as well as being highly functional to enhance your performance.
Adjustability
Saddle technology has come a long way in recent years so you may want to take advantage of these advancements when you're buying a new saddle. Choosing an adjustable saddle gives you the flexibility to use it to ride several different dressage horses.
Adjustable saddles can also be adapted to suit a horse’s natural change in shape or physique that may occur over time. The main feature to look out for when choosing an adjustable saddle is a changeable or adjustable tree. This allows the saddle to be tightened or widened as required.
Brands
When you find a saddle that you like, always take a look at the brand and do a bit of research into it. If you're looking for top-quality, custom dressage saddles then look for brands favored by professional dressage riders like the John Whitaker, Bates or Prestige brands. Bates is a particularly good brand when you're looking for the best dressage saddles for warmbloods.
If you’re on more of a budget then brands such as Silver Fox and Equiroyal offer good quality, cheap dressage saddles. If you're looking for a synthetic saddle then Wintec is one of the leading synthetic brands on the market. Sometimes, buying a used dressage saddle from a high quality brand can be a good investment option. Take a visit to your local tack shop and see if they have any available.
Five Dressage Saddle Reviews
If you’re not sure where to start in your search for the best dressage saddle then why not take a look at our reviews below for some inspiration.
1. EquiRoyal Pro Am Dressage Saddle
This is an affordable dressage saddle from EquiRoyal that’s great for beginner riders. It has a deep, neoprene covered, foam seat for comfort and to help maintain good balance and riding position. It also has quick molding panels and flexible shoulder points which provide extra comfort for the horse.
And for custom fit and optimum leg position for the rider, it also features moveable knee blocks. This saddle is made from synthetic material which means that it’s durable, low maintenance, and easy to clean.
Wintec are brand leaders when it comes to synthetic saddles and this one has been designed by dressage champion Isabell Worth. This is a perfect saddle for advanced dressage riders both in and out of the show ring.
The deep, “grippy” seat provides the ultimate in comfort and support, and the moveable stirrup bar also allows for a refined leg position.
This saddle is completely adjustable with an easy to change gullet system and it’s made with special “Horse and Rider technology” (HART). This system uses air for stuffing, instead of traditional fabrics to enhance your riding experience.
This is a great kit available from Silver Fox and it comes including everything you need to get going with dressage riding. The package contains a girth, bridle, stirrup irons, stirrup leathers, stirrup pads, and also a cotton saddle pad.
The saddle is durable and made from supple, black leather and it has long padded flaps and deep seat, which are perfect for dressage riding. This is a great value package for beginner riders.
This is a durable synthetic leather saddle from EquiRoyal. It has a deep seat and long, U shaped, billets which encourage a good dressage riding position. The flexible points on the tree to allow your horse to have free shoulder movements that are required from dressage.
This is a good budget saddle that’s suitable for beginner riders.
This is a high quality synthetic saddle available from Wintec that’s great to get you going in dressage. The synthetic material is durable and easy to care for and it’s also made with a deep, comfortable, “grippy” seat.
The changeable gullet system makes this saddle highly adjustable from narrow to extra wide fit. To allow the horse free shoulder movements that are required for dressage, it also has soft flocked panels. These mold comfortably to the horse but allow for maximum movement.
Top Choice
When it comes to choosing the best dressage saddle then you can't go wrong with the Wintec 500 Flocked Dressage Saddle. It offers the maximum in comfort, durability and in maintaining a good riding position. Wintec is a brand you can trust and this is a saddle that’s definitely worth investing in.
Choosing the best dressage saddles might seem a bit complicated at first but if you consider all of the points in this guide then you can make an informed choice. Be sure to choose a saddle that fits both horse and rider, and make sure that its suitable for dressage. A saddle that fits well is an essential piece of tack that lets you and your horse safely practice dressage riding.
