What seems to be in style right now are the
deeper seats, big knee rolls and a tall cantle. The older dressage
saddles, like from the 70's or '80's had the shallower seat. The older
Wintec Pro Dressage saddle (no CAIR and no adjustable gullet) was a flatter open
seat. They help to put you in a balanced position for dressage. Lots
of my friends trail ride in dressage saddles. I don't know how that would
work for long distance riding though. You would have to try it. I
think so many people ride the big 17h. warmbloods they need all the help they
can get with all the big movement those horses have; hence, the new style of
saddle.
