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Discussion on What type of saddle for trail riding
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 8:13 am:
I am looking for a saddle for everyday training and trail riding.
I have been advised to get an all purpose- because it is more versatile, a jumping-because there are always jumps on a trail and its easier to stay in on a jumpy green horse, a dressage-because after all thats where my focus is.
So, once again I turn to my HA'er friends, asking for your wisdom and collective experience.
Thank you.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 8:21 am:
I ride western, but have used english saddles for trail riding and I preferred the dressage saddle because of the deeper seat, especially if you have hills. An all purpose would be my choice if only riding flat ground. (whatever that is)
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Member:
cheryl
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 9:03 am:
I've trail ridden with a western saddle - TexTan - all purpose - Kieffer - bareback pad -suede it's like having velcro on your butt - and a dressage saddle - Klimke - I have no complaints about any of them except the weight of the western saddle. My Klimke is the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden in - doesn't put any strain on my knees - light weight and fits both my horses really well. As expensive as saddles are if money is a concern and your want to do dressage I would think getting a really good dressage saddle would serve your purpose for both.
Cheryl
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Member:
realtor
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 10:14 am:
I would go with the dressage saddle. Comfort works best on the trail. If you want strictly a trail saddle an Aussie would be great also. I find my Aussie a comfy dressage saddle with bucking rolls. Buying both a dressage and aussie saddle would cost a few bucks though as neither are cheap if you get a good one!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 11:02 am:
If you want a light weight saddle, try the Wintec. I have an all purpose that I've used for trail for about 15 yrs. and love it. For long rides I use my western saddle because I can tie stuff on it. You'd be able to tie stuff on to an Aussie saddle also. I also have a newer Wintec western saddle, but being a creature of habit, I haven't used it as much although it's been very comfortable when I have used it. If you love dressage and can have only one saddle, then I'd get a good dressage saddle. They are very comfortable and any good saddle can go from work to show with a good clean up.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 2:14 pm:
There are saddle pads with pockets and d rings for tying things on in the catalogs. Country Supply has stuff I rarely see in other online stores for trail riding and camping. I used to trail ride in a western saddle but It killed my knees and I would use my dressage saddle now.
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Member:
cheryl
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 2:42 pm:
I'm pretty sure there are breast collar rings on all dressage saddles - they work fine for tying stuff in front of the saddle - however a pad with pockets would sure come in handy -
Cheryl
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 2:53 pm:
I got a soft saddle saddle pad for my soft saddle (say that 3 times) and it would fit an english saddle great, it has 2 pockets and d-rings.
Soft Saddle Pad
https://www.valleyvet.com/swatches/36754_L_001_vvs.jpg
(Cashel Company) Developed at the request of many Soft Saddle owners, the Soft Saddle Pad will give your horse added comfort and protection for long rides. The pad gives you a convenient storage pocket on each side, plus D’s to easily attach your supplies.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 3:17 pm:
That's a nice looking pad and it would be handy for small items but the pad I am talking about has larger square pockets on it. The aussie saddle company's also sell them.
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 - 7:46 am:
Wow, what a consensus.
Diane, thank you for the link. The whole saddle looks pretty comfy. Have you used one for long? Does it stand up to rain and frequent use? How do you clean it?
I never thought of tying to the front of the saddle, great idea.
I don't like to use my current dressage saddle because it is fairly soft leather and seems to mark easily.
Ok, so a new (to me) dressage saddle it is.
Thank you everyone for replying.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 - 8:08 am:
Lori, I haven't used it much because of my knee. I plan on using it quite a bit next year.
It is VERY comfortable, hose it off to clean, the stirrups set more in an "english position" very light and easy to store. I had no problem sitting One of Hanks spin and twirls, buck thing, it actually is very secure, which surprised me.
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