[GingerSnap]

I have a wintec dressage saddle and I love it. It has the Cair panels and the easy change gullet system. It's wonderful and so comfy!

New stuff for Annie Dressage saddle and extra stuff

[Silverwings]

How do you find out your seat size?

[GingerSnap]

Originally Posted by Silverwings

How do you find out your seat size?

They say to take the size of english saddle that you usually ride in and add a 1/2 size to it. Worked like a charm for me. It has something to do with the deeper seat of the dressage saddle.

[Silverwings]

Originally Posted by GingerSnap

They say to take the size of english saddle that you usually ride in and add a 1/2 size to it. Worked like a charm for me. It has something to do with the deeper seat of the dressage saddle.

I'll have to get myself fitted then, cause my current saddle is too big for me.

[GingerSnap]

Originally Posted by Silverwings

I'll have to get myself fitted then, cause my current saddle is too big for me.

If you have a local saddle shop that carries english saddles go try a bunch that way you can try several different brands to see how they fit.

[Silverwings]

Originally Posted by GingerSnap

If you have a local saddle shop that carries english saddles go try a bunch that way you can try several different brands to see how they fit.

^___^ I think I'll do just that! I looked quickly today at their brands and I can't wait to try a few.

[GingerSnap]

Originally Posted by Silverwings

^___^ I think I'll do just that! I looked quickly today at their brands and I can't wait to try a few.

Good for you, it's fun to saddle shop. Especially when you get to buy!

[zorse]

Um, ok. "Good" is an ambiguous term.
Wintecs are OK dressage saddles - better than the alternative cheap ones, but there is a reason why no one above 1st level rides in them.
Collegiates are not "good" dressage saddles, neither are Courbette.

I would suggest looking for a quality "GOOD" dressage saddle that you will actually be able to ride in. The only reason people think things like Collegiate and Wintec are good is because they haven't sat in an actual good dressage saddle and so they haven't a clue what "good" should feel like (this isn't a condemnation of those of you who have suggested these saddles, merely fact. Ride in something good like a DK and you will understand what I mean).
I would suggest looking for an older used Passier. Some Barnsby dressage are good. Stubben are good sometimes if you like them (which I do not).
I have a Schleese CHB that I am selling for $1700 CAN if you want to spend a little more. It's a great saddle.

It's really important to buy a good dressage saddle, IMO. Crummy saddles just don't cut it and you'll never learn how to ride properly (learning dressage, I've found, means you have to un-learn every thing you've already learned and learn how to ride all over again).

[GingerSnap]

Originally Posted by zorse

Um, ok. "Good" is an ambiguous term.
Wintecs are OK dressage saddles - better than the alternative cheap ones, but there is a reason why no one above 1st level rides in them.
Collegiates are not "good" dressage saddles, neither are Courbette.

I would suggest looking for a quality "GOOD" dressage saddle that you will actually be able to ride in. The only reason people think things like Collegiate and Wintec are good is because they haven't sat in an actual good dressage saddle and so they haven't a clue what "good" should feel like (this isn't a condemnation of those of you who have suggested these saddles, merely fact. Ride in something good like a DK and you will understand what I mean).
I would suggest looking for an older used Passier. Some Barnsby dressage are good. Stubben are good sometimes if you like them (which I do not).
I have a Schleese CHB that I am selling for $1700 CAN if you want to spend a little more. It's a great saddle.

It's really important to buy a good dressage saddle, IMO. Crummy saddles just don't cut it and you'll never learn how to ride properly (learning dressage, I've found, means you have to un-learn every thing you've already learned and learn how to ride all over again).

hmmmm...sounds a bit rude don't yah think! I actually have ridden in a very "GOOD" dressage saddle I have ridden in Passier and while it was comfortable and went well with the Grand Prix level Trakehner I was riding at the time, it's not something I would have personally spent my money on. But it's all a matter of priorites. I don't compete so the Wintec serves my purpose just fine!

The OP gave a price range not very fair to dangle what you deem to be "better" when it's more expensive than they can spend!

[Silverwings]

Originally Posted by GingerSnap

hmmmm...sounds a bit rude don't yah think! I actually have ridden in a very "GOOD" dressage saddle I have ridden in Passier and while it was comfortable and went well with the Grand Prix level Trakehner I was riding at the time, it's not something I would have personally spent my money on. But it's all a matter of priorites. I don't compete so the Wintec serves my purpose just fine!

The OP gave a price range not very fair to dangle what you deem to be "better" when it's more expensive than they can spend!

I have to agree. I do appreciate your opinion and input Zorse, I really do. But right now I can only comfortably spend $1,000 on a saddle. The only reason at this point in time I'd go over that, is if I didn't find something that fit Belle and myself.

I'm buying this saddle before heading off to College in September, and Las Vegas in July, so I can't really spend much. I'm only buying a new one because mine doesn't fit her.