Many years ago I was scribing at a recognized event and Karen O’Connor entered the arena in a Western saddle for a classical dressage test. She came up to us before the bell rang and explained that she was riding a young fractious horse and that she felt more secure in the Western saddle in case a problem developed. The S judge was fine with the choice.
Thank you so much for this video and explanation! I have always questioned myself in riding but after you explained that you also feel like you bounce more and slide back and forth more in western saddle, I will find that I will not be so hard on myself for not having a better seat. Thank you again! Looking forward to watching more videos!
I find sitting the trot in my western saddle is extremely easy and comfy, though my horse is a PRE, and his trot is lovely, anyway. I basically ride dressage exclusively, in my western saddle, and really love it.
I’ve been riding western my whole life and the saddle was the first thing I noticed, which looks like a wade saddle so the big horn can get in the way of your hands. As for sliding around and sitting the trot/canter I feel like it all depends on what you’re used to. I barrel raced for so long it was hard to transition to a trail saddle which had a lower cantle. The barrel saddle is designed to keep you in the seat, especially during the canter, but I got used to it. Thanks so much for the video 😊 I love seeing western riding showcased on this channel!
You made good points. I feel it's important to add that the term western saddle encompasses a variety of types. Just like if you said an English saddle that groups all English saddles together. So in this context your comparing a specific type (dressage) to an overly vague description of a western saddle. You've got barrel, trail, reining, pleasure, etc and each of those gave a variety of nuances that change the fit. So some of the things you noticed such as a scooting seat may not be a fair comparison because you're basing that on the one saddle in particular you are riding in. Yours looks to be a very traditional wade/Spanish style with an exceptionally oversized saddle horn, which some may comment would get in the way of their hands. I myself wouldn't like that level of bulk (I ride in a reining saddle with a low-profile horn). I do appreciate your perspective and that you are open to discussing how fundamentally the riding and position shouldn't change much and I personally agree! Just think it should be noted that there are vast differences between western saddles that greatly affect ridabiliy and comfort.
Thankyou for your comment about good riding is good riding & thankyou for not being negative about the western saddle & tack. I ride in both, but my main riding is in a western saddle. I do want to do more in my dressage saddle though & love them both.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I have always been a western rider and started taking dressage lessons in January. I’m in the process of getting a new horse and it will be awhile before I can save and afford a nice dressage saddle. This helps because as much as some things are the same, but it’s also very different!
This series is so interesting! There's definitely a difference in your riding, but I don't know how much of that is due to you presumably riding primarily in dressage these days for your channel. In the dressage saddle your movements look so much more connected and deliberate. I've only ridden in a dressage saddle once, but from the structure of it, that makes a lot of sense to me; they mold around your leg so comfortably that I think it makes keeping your form a little easier. The western saddle has so much space, which I assume is beneficial for the kinds of hands-on work they're meant for but makes for a looser, less connected ride if you're not used to riding in one. I'd be really curious to see next what you think about jumping in a western saddle or a more up close look at the differences in western, dressage, and eventing tack.
I don't think you can reply to RUclips comments with photos, unfortunately. But we'd love to see you and your horse in Amelia's Dressage Club (my private educational Facebook community). You can join us here: facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub
Western saddle one and only "Bob's custom saddle" about english style saddle "Hermes" showjumping saddle. Great position and feeling to horse movement! Western ride is "relise" more than "presure" to build to horses trust and willingles!
I feel Iike Jacques looks annoyed in the western saddle video. He’s ears are back a lot, especially at canter and his tail is swishy. He looks a lot more relaxed in the dressage saddle. Now that might be because you’re talking in the western video but that’s the main thing that jumped out at me.
Just something about the aesthetics of dressage. Western?? Ehh just not loving the look and the bulk of it all. Don’t get me wrong a good rider is a good rider like you said but my vote goes to the Brit’s!
Need help with your Rider Position? Check out this free PDF mini-course to help: amelianewcombdressage.com/free-rider-position-mini-course/
Many years ago I was scribing at a recognized event and Karen O’Connor entered the arena in a Western saddle for a classical dressage test. She came up to us before the bell rang and explained that she was riding a young fractious horse and that she felt more secure in the Western saddle in case a problem developed. The S judge was fine with the choice.
Thank you so much for this video and explanation! I have always questioned myself in riding but after you explained that you also feel like you bounce more and slide back and forth more in western saddle, I will find that I will not be so hard on myself for not having a better seat. Thank you again! Looking forward to watching more videos!
I find sitting the trot in my western saddle is extremely easy and comfy, though my horse is a PRE, and his trot is lovely, anyway. I basically ride dressage exclusively, in my western saddle, and really love it.
I’ve been riding western my whole life and the saddle was the first thing I noticed, which looks like a wade saddle so the big horn can get in the way of your hands. As for sliding around and sitting the trot/canter I feel like it all depends on what you’re used to. I barrel raced for so long it was hard to transition to a trail saddle which had a lower cantle. The barrel saddle is designed to keep you in the seat, especially during the canter, but I got used to it. Thanks so much for the video 😊 I love seeing western riding showcased on this channel!
Great video. I love how open minded you are about different tack and it being more about what is best for the horse and rider.
Glad you enjoyed it!
You made good points. I feel it's important to add that the term western saddle encompasses a variety of types. Just like if you said an English saddle that groups all English saddles together. So in this context your comparing a specific type (dressage) to an overly vague description of a western saddle. You've got barrel, trail, reining, pleasure, etc and each of those gave a variety of nuances that change the fit. So some of the things you noticed such as a scooting seat may not be a fair comparison because you're basing that on the one saddle in particular you are riding in. Yours looks to be a very traditional wade/Spanish style with an exceptionally oversized saddle horn, which some may comment would get in the way of their hands. I myself wouldn't like that level of bulk (I ride in a reining saddle with a low-profile horn). I do appreciate your perspective and that you are open to discussing how fundamentally the riding and position shouldn't change much and I personally agree! Just think it should be noted that there are vast differences between western saddles that greatly affect ridabiliy and comfort.
Thank you for pointing this out! Yes, the different styles of western saddles can definitely affect your position and how it feels when you ride.
Thankyou for your comment about good riding is good riding & thankyou for not being negative about the western saddle & tack. I ride in both, but my main riding is in a western saddle. I do want to do more in my dressage saddle though & love them both.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I have always been a western rider and started taking dressage lessons in January. I’m in the process of getting a new horse and it will be awhile before I can save and afford a nice dressage saddle. This helps because as much as some things are the same, but it’s also very different!
Glad it was helpful! You got this!
This series is so interesting! There's definitely a difference in your riding, but I don't know how much of that is due to you presumably riding primarily in dressage these days for your channel. In the dressage saddle your movements look so much more connected and deliberate. I've only ridden in a dressage saddle once, but from the structure of it, that makes a lot of sense to me; they mold around your leg so comfortably that I think it makes keeping your form a little easier. The western saddle has so much space, which I assume is beneficial for the kinds of hands-on work they're meant for but makes for a looser, less connected ride if you're not used to riding in one. I'd be really curious to see next what you think about jumping in a western saddle or a more up close look at the differences in western, dressage, and eventing tack.
I liked this video being a western rider myself 👍
I was hoping to get more commentary on differences in the style of riding. For example, riding with a loose rein vs riding with contact.
do you have advise for someone deciding whether or not to retire a horse from dressage to just easy hack or trail riding???
Hi there! I would ensure that you check with a vet if you are concerned about any medical needs!
I am having trouble with my horse being connected because he’s use to a loose rein vs a tighter rein.
Check out this video for more help: amelianewcombdressage.com/dressage-training/struggling-with-rein-length-and-contact/
How do we post a photo of ourselves, in the saddle? I don’t see anywhere for that. Thanks.
I don't think you can reply to RUclips comments with photos, unfortunately. But we'd love to see you and your horse in Amelia's Dressage Club (my private educational Facebook community). You can join us here: facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub
I noticed you are wearing western attire and boots with the western saddle. Is that just a matter of style or does it have a practical purpose?
A little of both, leather chaps give you a better grip, similar to full seat breeches, any boot with a heel will work.
Great question. The leather chaps help to protect your legs and provide a little more grip in the saddle.
@@AmeliaNewcombDressage That makes sense. Thank you Amelia.
Western saddle one and only "Bob's custom saddle" about english style saddle "Hermes" showjumping saddle. Great position and feeling to horse movement! Western ride is "relise" more than "presure" to build to horses trust and willingles!
I'm riding with a Portuguese saddle
I feel Iike Jacques looks annoyed in the western saddle video. He’s ears are back a lot, especially at canter and his tail is swishy. He looks a lot more relaxed in the dressage saddle. Now that might be because you’re talking in the western video but that’s the main thing that jumped out at me.
Jacques was such a good boy. He's definitely used to the Dressage saddle more than the Western tack!
Behind the vertical. Bummer.
thanks for your comment! This is always something I am working on it is always important to ride our horses in correct frames
Just something about the aesthetics of dressage. Western?? Ehh just not loving the look and the bulk of it all. Don’t get me wrong a good rider is a good rider like you said but my vote goes to the Brit’s!
Both can be great!