Dressage saddle recommendations

[asb_own_me]

I'd like a few suggestions of well-made dressage saddles that I will feel comfortable in. I'm open to looking for new or used, but will likely search for a used model to save a little money.

I do *not* like saddles that "hold" or "mold" me into a position. I grew up as a hunter rider and as an adult began riding saddle seat. I still compete as a hunter rider and am starting my 4 y/o's dressage career :) My hunt saddles (all Pessoa A/Os) are plain flap, and I prefer that to the padded flap. I also don't like a particularly deep seat. Another feature I'm looking for are set back stirrup bars. I have a used Wintec I found on Craigslist for a couple hundred bucks and I do love using it for lessons because I don't have to worry about hauling it around and damaging it....but I want something much nicer for competition/clinics.

Suggestions for a good to excellent quality dressage saddle with a shallow/medium seat, smaller/fewer blocks, and set back stirrup bars? Thanks!

[kpony]

My big ASB did great in a KN rebuilt to accommodate the shoulders/withers. Older Passiers are flat and open, and seem to work well for wide back & uphill build.

[anchorsaway]

I've a Collegiate Jessica that fits those specs quite nicely. There don't seem to be any on eBay right now but you may be able to find others on craigslist or something. I've never tried the Mentor but it looks nice!

If you're looking for a newer version of the Collegiate, check out the Ovation's; after all the buying out and shifting in companies, Ovation took over the Collegiate line(when it was originally sold through Miller's).

[cu.at.x]

I was going to suggest the Wintec Isabell as a good quality, lower-price range saddle, but it does have a rather deep seat, so it may not be for you. My suggestion: ride in a variety of different saddles to find out what you personally prefer. It's hard to make recommendations because saddle fitting is so individual. I would advise AGAINST buying a saddle without riding in it first, no matter how good of a deal it seems. Trust me, I learned the hard way years ago. Fortunately I was able to re-sell, but it took some time/hassle. :yes:

[eponacelt]

First of all...don't knock a deep seated dressage saddle until you've tried it. I grew up with the flat flat flat Crosby Prix de Nations as the gold standard, but found that the deep seated dressage saddle with large blocks was far more comfortable than the flatter saddles I tried. You sit differently in a dressage saddle, and that deeper seat can make you more effective. Maybe it won't, but like I said...don't knock it til you tried it.

All that said...Passiers tend to be well made saddles, with relatively flat seats and little in the way of blocks. They're definitely worth a try.

[Petstorejunkie]

Passier!!!
the older ones will have more model varieties with the flat everything effect, but the newer Passier Antares (my saddle... loff!) is exactly what you have described.

[butlerfamilyzoo]

Some of the older keiffers are on the minimalistic side as well.

The isabell is very constricting and quite a love it or hate it type of "positioning" as you cant get out of that position once in it!

I will agree though, give a deep seat a try if you havent. Some work, some dont, depends on the twist and the position it sits you in. In the end, i've found it doesnt matter how minimalistic or how "stuck" a saddle makes you but the twist that kills the deal. If you like a narrow twist, medium, or wide... I would start more there than look at knee blocks and deep seats vs zilch.

The older passiers and Stubbens seem to fit a wide range of horses vs the newer style trees of today's saddles. Stubbens are also on the minimalistic side if you like the older ones, usually some good deals on nice quality that lasts too!

[Bayou Roux]

Passier!!!
the older ones will have more model varieties with the flat everything effect, but the newer Passier Antares (my saddle... loff!) is exactly what you have described.

Second this...the "banana" shape meets the ASB wither very nicely, and it's not in the least deep for the rider....

[asb_own_me]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Re: a trying a deep seat - I have ridden in many different dressage saddles over the years, and several models with deep seats, and I do NOT like them.

[asb_own_me]

Is the Passier Grand Gilbert a nice model? What might a reasonable price range be for one in very good condition that is 4-6 years old?

[Couture TB]

What size seat are you looking for? I know of an older county dressage saddle that I think has a 175 seat that is a medium tree that the owner MIGHT consider selling since she does not ride in it. It has a plain flap and a non deep seat as dressage saddles go.

[asb_own_me]

Anyone on the Passier Grand Gilbert?

GQ, thanks but no thanks. I'll be looking for something that is already for sale ;)

[pintopiaffe]

Most GG's in the US are deeper seats. You'd really, REALLY want to try it. The Passier 'regular' seat is shallower and open, and is NOT normally the 'stock' order in the US.

But, if it is a 'regular' seat, vs. the deep, certainly worht a look and try.

Stirrup bars will not be set back unless it was a special order.

They generally go from $800-1600 or so on Ebay. It's rare for one to sell at the low end, but very occasionally you can snag one.

[ASB Stars]

I have yet to ride a Passier that I actually liked. I loathe Kieffers.

A County Warmblood might work. I love my KN- but it says to you "you VILLE seet joost like Deese" which is actually quite helpful. :lol:

Don't look for the minimalist saddle- look for the one that fits the baby, first. I like the Cair panels on baby backs. Think about a Wintec with Cair- although, I admit, the one that I have is like freekin' Velcro...it is an Isabelle. They do hold their value, and you can buy a real saddle, when you get a mind to.

[SkippinwithPippin]

Is the Passier Grand Gilbert a nice model? What might a reasonable price range be for one in very good condition that is 4-6 years old?

From my experience, the GG's are pretty deep seated with decent knee/thigh blocks, so if you don't want to be "put into a position", than I don't recommend that one. However, the Passier PSL(?) isn't as deep and not as large of blocks. A woman at the barn I board at might sell hers and I believe it's a 17 1/2" seat. PM me if you want more info.
Edit: Actually, I know she had it on eBay, but it didn't sell, so it must be for sale for sure...just thought I'd clarify!

[Leena]

Well this is my pleasure to share my comments on the Santa Cruz...Oh Boy what a saddle !
I just tried one today and bought it !

I don't recall the model but I am impress for the price, this is a really confy saddle and fit the horse perfectly.

[buck22]

old (80's-90's) county competitor or continental, or if you really want minimal stubben tristan.

[TBDressage916]

I love my crosby freestyle! It has very minimal thigh blocks and an open seat.

[cutemudhorse]

After years of thinking that Passiers were 'too hard' ---- I love 'em! I have two that I bought used, an Antares (lovely wide channel!) and a Relevant. I had purchased a used (of course!) Hennig a few years ago and thought I loved it even though it has the outside thigh blocks. . . I grew to dislike the outside thigh blocks. The Passiers have a great close contact feel to them!

[bort84]

Well, I just bought a Passier GG, and I grew up riding saddle seat. I certainly prefer a less deep saddle and don't really love thigh blocks. So I got the GG (hadn't ridden in one before, but I was doing online shopping and didn't have many close local options), and for the first week, the thigh blocks bugged me. However, I think a big part of this is that I still sometimes ride with a smidge too much knee/thigh - saddle seat tendencies, haha. The thigh blocks actually helped remind me to open up my thighs. After that first week it was like they pretty much weren't there.

I also bought a non-gusseted regular seat. They aren't all that hard to find used. The price range I found for 4-6 year old GGs in good condition was generally 1000 - 1800. You just have to shop around quite a bit to find the lower end.

So, though I originally knew I didn't want thigh blocks, I ended up with one with thigh blocks, haha. They now don't bother me a particle and can be quite nice at the sitting trot, though I rarely actually feel them. I guess I might prefer the saddle without the blocks, but they aren't that big, so depending upon your riding style, you might not notice them much at all.

I love the regular seat. The saddle is extremely balanced, and I don't have to fight it for good position, it's just there. It's not constricting at all, and it does feel like you're sitting in your horse's back instead of on top of it. Plus, my horse adores the saddle, and, though I have not put it on another horse just yet, from the looks of it, I'd imagine it would fit many.

I want to say the Passier Antares has smaller thigh blocks, so perhaps check that one out? Otherwise, the model is very similar.

Anyway, I can't say enough good things about Passiers. Most people I've talked to about them agree that they are high quality saddles - even people that don't prefer them to ride in consdier Passiers a very quality model. I'd try the Antares and the GG and see which one suits you more. I personally like both of those models, and I love the way they look - very elegant and minimalistic, which suits my flat-saddle tendencies, haha.