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All purpose or CC?

2K views 12 replies 5 participants last post by  newhorsemom 
#1 ·
I have always ridden bareback or western but the other day I rode my daughters horse in a borrowed english saddle and had lots of fun so I think I might look for a used one. I am completely new to english riding and plan on taking some lessons however I really won't be doing too much riding, maybe once or twice a week. The riding I will be doing will be in the arena (no jumping) and eventually some trail riding.

What are the differences between an all purpose and close contact saddle? What might be best for me?
 
#2 ·
CCs are nice, but if you're not going to be doing any jumping or intense riding, an AP will work too.

With an AP you can do a little of everything, which is why they're made.

It really depends on what you find most comfortable. I'd say sit in several different makes, models and types, and whichever one you prefer and fits the horse, is the one you'll be most happy with.
 
#8 ·
My theory is that an AP saddle is not good for anything. It is an attempt to make a saddle that works for everything and because of that it does not work well for anything.
Agreed. I hate all purpose saddles. BUT, I also hate the new Isabelle dressage saddles, and tons of people just love them, haha. I have a close contact, and I find I can do flatwork as well as jumping in it easily. I would try to sit in as many as possible. Go to the local tack or tack consignment shop and sit in a few. When you find one you like, you can then begin looking for one similar in your price range. It will also help you figure out what size seat you need if you aren't already sure. =]
 
#5 ·
OP, I think this is a perfect example of you need to find what works for you. What others like is not always what you will like.

I too had a Wintec AP. I bought it so friends who did not have a saddle could ride my second horse.

I hated it. And so did everyone who came to ride. I finally sold it. No reason to keep a useless saddle around.

I do own another Wintec (endurance) and love that one.
 
#6 ·
I've ridden lots in dressage, all purpose and (to a lesser extant) close contact saddles, and have coached several beginners. I agree that there is a "right saddle for the right job", and I wouldn't dream of jumping a 4 ft course in a dressage saddle, and I wouldn't look forward to trying to ride advanced dressage in a close contact saddle (you could, but it woudn't be very comfortable). That being said, I think that there actually is a place for an all purpose saddle. I have found them to be very useful for introducing some horses to both dressage and small jumps, and for taking out on trail rides. I have also found them useful for beginners, both for basic dressage and going over small jumps.

I have ridden in many higher-end saddles (I have two Passiers, and I love them!), but dollar for dollar, I really like the Wintec saddles. Of course the most important thing is that the saddle needs to fit both you (note that English and Wetsern seat sizing is different) and your horse. That being said, for starting English riding, and going out on trails, I would highly recommend the Wintec 500 or the Wintec 2000, both all purpose saddles. You can also customize the saddle a bit by changing the knee blocks (they come with a set)/ thigh blocks (you have to order those), and by changing the gullet size to suit the horse. They don't necessarily work for everyone, but I have had really great experiences with them. They are also relatively inexpensive, and often much nicer saddles for the price than you'd be able to get in a leather saddle. If you later specialize, then you can get a saddle specific to one discipline. You could also try the Wintec Pro Dressage or the Wintec 500 Dressage. I know that it is a Dressage saddle, but the seat is very similar to the all purpose, and it allows you to rise with a slightly longer leg than the all purpose, but also accommodates a shorter leg. Don't be afraid of the fact that it is a dressage saddle. A friend of mine that I coach has a Wintec Pro dressage, and basically just trail rides with it (sometimes up a mountain), does some flat work, and occasionally goes over the odd small jump/cavalletti (less than 2ft, any bigger and she'd need a different saddle), and absolutely loves the saddle. That being said, I'd try an all purpose first.

I completely agree with Speed Racer, that the best thing you can do is ride in several different saddles and see what works best for you and your horse. Alwaydbehind has a great point that what works for one person may not work for another. I would add, that when you have found one that you like, if possible before you buy it, you might want to have a lesson in it to get a second opinion. You want to make sure that the saddle will help you ride better and isn't encouraging you do to anything that isn't helping you do that.
 
#7 ·
I would add, that when you have found one that you like, if possible before you buy it, you might want to have a lesson in it to get a second opinion. You want to make sure that the saddle will help you ride better and isn't encouraging you do to anything that isn't helping you do that.
Very good point!

Some saddles just put you in the totally wrong position. They may feel comfortable at first but in the long run they lead to you fighting to get yourself situated correctly.
 
#9 ·
Please bear with me as I've never purchased a saddle before...

How do I ride in different saddles - I'm assuming that I can't borrow or return used ones. Will I get a good representation if I just sit in the saddle in someone's garage? Other than comfort what should I look for?

Here's a little more background information on me and my riding level:
I would classify myself as a someone who rode a lot in her younger years and is now getting back into it but at a very limited level with my 9-year old daughters horse. In other words she'll be doing most of the riding (in her own saddle) and I'm looking at probably once a week or so.
 
#11 ·
I'm sure everyone will be more than happy to bear with you. =]

Consignment shops will usually let you return a saddle or have a trial run. A lot of them will actually have room to bring your horse in to try the saddle. You'll have to make sure the saddle you choose will also fit your daughter's horse. If you need to, have someone experienced in saddle fitting come with you, or give you some information on what type of saddle the horse needs, i.e. width of tree, width of gullet, panel thickness, etc. Or bring your daughter's saddle along to compare the structure. If you are at a barn, try to see if anyone will let you try their saddle on the horse before you make a purchase. If you go the route of craigslist-type buying, perhaps you can convince someone to meet you at the barn? You may find someone willing to let you try it on before you purchase. Best of luck on your search!
 
#12 ·
I find that just sitting in a saddle that's not on a horse isn't all that helpful. If you've ridden in lots and lots of saddles, you start to get a bit of idea what might work and what won't on a static saddle. For example, as pointed out by riccil0ve, you will get an idea of roughly what seat size you need. However, I just use sitting in the saddle off the horse as a way to sort the saddles into "worth a try on the horse" and "don't even bother" categories. Basically if you can't stand sitting in it, then it's not for you, but if you like it, you still have no idea how it will work until you will ride in it. You may also even find that the saddle that felt fine on the saddle stand feels a bit too big or small once you have it on the horse (although I find that it won't change all that much, maybe .5 inch difference in seat size).

Apart from comfort, you need to know how the saddle allows you to sit, balance and apply your aids on a moving horse (and how your horse reacts to it). Unfortunately, you just can't do that unless the saddle is on the horse. Also, you mention that you want to go out on trails. How long would you be riding for? If you think that you will be going out for a few hours, then you really want to try the saddle for a while ( at least 30-45 minutes).

Alwaysbehind had a great suggestion regarding lessons. Saddles are a big investment (even at the lowest end of the price scale), and so taking a few lessons on either different horses, or at least horses similar to yours, in some different saddles will give you a slightly better feel for what works and what doesn't work for you.

Also, most good tack shops should allow you to take new and used saddles out on trial. (Of course, you will probably need to put a deposit down, and have to be very careful with the saddle). Also, if you can find someone in your area selling a used saddle, they may allow you to have a test ride. If you can't try it, I would really hesitate about buying it. There are lots of saddles out there, and many people are willing to let you try them.
 
#13 ·
We keep our horse at a private residence about a mile from our house. Our horse is the only one on the property so I can't try any other saddles. The place has an outdoor arena and there is a local trainer that comes and gives my daughter lessons and I am planning on taking lessons myself soon. :)

My daughter is getting a lesson later this week so I'll ask the trainer her opinion. I am also heading to a local tack shop/consignment store this afternoon to begin my "research".

Thanks for all of the great input - I think I still have a lot to learn!!
 
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