Dressage Saddle

Function and Purpose

A good dressage saddle must offer the rider a secure and stable seat and facilitate the subtle communication between horse and rider. By positioning the rider comfortably the saddle will allow for precise and effective use of the three classical communication channels that flow between horse and rider –a comfortable , non restricting seat to enhance seat aids, minimal bulk through the panel and flap to encourage precise leg aids and a balanced position to allow independent soft rein contact.

Dressage saddles are cut to offer the rider a long and secure lower leg position with a well positioned seat. They do this by being cut very long in the saddle flap with a straight knee roll and often the addition of a thigh roll will help to encourage the riders leg to stay in position in close contact with the horse side. Due to the riders leg being long and needing to stay close to the horses side the girth straps have been designed to extend down further from the underside of the saddle allowing a shorter girth to be used and so keep the buckles of the girth from interfering with the riders lower leg.