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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

New Saddle

10/20/2017

 
Not long ago, I wrote about my prematurely aging Custom Revolution. Frankly, I am a bit disappointed that such an expensive saddle could wear out so quickly. I bought the saddle used about 6 years ago, but it was in like new condition. I've kept it covered, cleaned, and well conditioned. Even so, it has started to fall apart. The seat has a split, the pommel's leather is cracking, and the stitching on both knee rolls is nearly gone.
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So sad ...
The local Trilogy rep suggested I get a seat saver, which I did. She also said that the saddle had plenty of miles left in it and that I should keep using it. I agreed, but I also started looking around to get a feel for what I might like as a replacement.

As luck would have it, I was able to hop up on the ranch owner's horse who was sporting a newer Custom Revolution. Even though the seat size was a bit small at 17 inches, I was instantly impressed with the deep seat. It was certainly deeper than mine anyway.

That planted a seed that started growing, and before I knew it, I started getting messages from people selling saddles. The most intriguing email came on behalf of Leslie Webb, ​a well known trainer, competitor, and author.
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Leslie lives in Bakersfield. Last spring, she decided to retire from showing and riding although she is still available for coaching, clinics, and lessons. This fall, she decided to clear out her barn and tack room which included nine County saddles.

I didn't know much about County saddles, but some quick research revealed that they're a workhorse of a saddle known for their ability to fit a wide variety of horses. I gave Leslie a call and within a week I had one of her saddles to try out over the weekend.
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It fit like a glove.
Given that my Custom still has plenty of wear left in it, I decided I would give the County a try but only for comparison's sake. It wasn't in my budget to buy a new saddle, but then I tossed it up on Izzy. The dang thing fit like it was made for him. It definitely fit better than my Custom which has always been a wee bit too wide for him.
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It still fits.
Just in case it didn't fit as well as I thought, I decided to lunge Izzy before getting on. It was probably just coincidence, but his stride was suddenly longer than it usually is when I lunge. I climbed on and immediately grinned. I had no idea that I actually preferred a deeper seat. 

I worked Izzy at all three gaits. Sitting the trot became nearly effortless, and the canter felt amazing. Interestingly, I was unable to do a rising trot. I simply couldn't get my legs underneath me. I was disappointed but secretly relieved that the saddle wasn't going to work. 
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The County Connection
I called Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, who suggested two things. The first was that I needed to stretch my hip flexors. The County was putting my pelvis in a better position, but I was probably drawing my leg up. Additionally, she suggested I get video of me riding and send it to her so she could see what was happening.

When I next rode in the saddle, I had best friend video, but before I got in the saddle, I did some whole body stretching. Amazingly, my leg draped better and I was able to post the trot. All of a sudden, I really wanted the saddle, but I forced myself to ride in it a third time before making a decision.
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Gratuitous handsome photo.
Of course I bought the saddle, a County Connection with a 17.5 inch seat and a medium tree. I've been riding Izzy in it all week, and I can't believe how much better I am riding. I am struggling less with my position because I feel more balanced in the saddled.

Last night, I was able to school Izzy through some naughty moments much more effectively. In fact, we tried changes of lead through the trot for the first time and nailed them.
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It could just be coincidence of course, but I am going to believe that the saddle is magic.
Tracy link
10/20/2017 07:02:36 am

Oh man, it was meant to be!

Bakersfield Dressage link
10/21/2017 06:37:25 am

That's pretty much what I thought! :0)

Alanna
10/20/2017 10:18:47 am

Fun! Congratulations.

Bakersfield Dressage link
10/21/2017 06:37:50 am

Thanks, Alanna!

BONITA link
10/20/2017 08:59:34 pm

I've had that happen before! It's amazing what the different saddle shapes can do for you as a rider. I was so surprised that going from an all-purpose saddle to a dressage saddle helped so much, but it really did. So sometimes they are magic! :D

Bakersfield Dressage link
10/21/2017 06:39:36 am

I've also had that experience when I bought a nice endurance saddle after riding in a mediocre one, and when I moved from my Wintec to the Custom. I just didn't expect to have that feeling after riding in my Custom!

lytha
10/21/2017 08:31:35 am

You reminded me of my first time setting my butt down in a dressage saddle, after only riding close-contact and all-purpose.

I felt like I could finally really ride effectively. And sit the trot.

Similar to my switch from Wintec Endurance to Specialized, I just felt deeper. The opposite of deep, being Orthoflex, remember them? The horses liked them, but the riders were way up in the atmosphere.

I'm curious about the inability to post - was it because your legs were too far back?

Bakersfield Dressage link
11/10/2017 06:47:32 am

When I asked my trainer about the posting problem, which I am still fighting a little, she explained that the muscles over my hip flexors are just so tight that they are pulling my knees forward. When I ride in the morning, I am much tighter and struggle. By the afternoon, my muscles are much looser and posting is easier.

AareneX link
10/21/2017 01:14:43 pm

I had the SAME experience with wrong saddle v. right saddle. The wrong one was So. Much. Work. I tried the right one out in a lesson, and my instructor said, "so much better, you've been practicing."

But no: I just can do things because I'm not fighting the damn saddle! :-)

Bakersfield Dressage link
11/10/2017 06:49:38 am

The sitting trot is where I've felt it the most. I just struggled in the Custom and still do to some degree with the County but that's because sitting is just hard. But like you say, it's easier in a better-for-me saddle.


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home