Re: [RC] Dressage saddles for endurance - Renie Burnett
OK, OK! I think this is a great subject; However, I am
once again struck by the fact that so many
people ride their saddles instead of their
horses!!! "Chair seat" is possible in ANY
saddle, including a racing saddle; You can
ride forward in a western saddle; (sitting on that
equitation hump on some of them may be a bit
uncomfortable, of course). You should be able to post with NO stirrups,
bareback. Try that, and you will be surprised to see where your legs need
to be to stay ON, let alone balanced. Great practice, though. To ride
properly, forget the whole chair thing. You sit on your butt on a chair,
but you sit on your seat bones to ride a horse. Again, I have to
stress riding on one bareback, even just at a walk with someone leading it.
Your body will generally find that "balanced" spot. When I used to ride
bareback a lot, the seat of my pants didn't wear out, the crotch did!!! I
happen to LOVE dressage saddles, and there are "western" dressage saddles, and
"endurance" dressage saddles. They are the ones that put you in that spot
on the horse that is the most naturally balanced. It's
up to you to find the one that is the most comfortable for the horse AND
places you in the proper position. Renie
