GP vs Dressage saddles

I've been riding my boy for the last year in a wintec gp saddle and recently decided to have a go at dressage this winter so purchased a wintec dressage saddle (checked to ensure the tree is straight and panels even). I rode him in it once and he was ok and ever since he has refused to canter happily.

So the question I pose is this.... has anyone else noticed a change in attitude from there horse from change in shape of saddle (they were the same make/ fit)

I can only think it maybe the lower fitting girth or slight change in position it creates.

Any ideas??????

Im not 100% sure but it may be the way your position has changed in the new saddle. I say this because when I first bought my boy, I wanted to buy a dressage saddle because that is what we are primarily doing. But my trainer said wait a little while because since dressage saddles force you to sit in a very different seat then jumping saddles, the horse needs to build muscle to be able to comfortably carry you.

I've found the most common saddle-related reason for problems cantering is the saddle tipping onto the shoulders. I'd make sure the saddle is sitting in the correct postion first of all - points three finger-widths (about 2") behind the back of the shoulder. Put it on without pad and girth then press vertically downwards on the pommel. If it drops (ie the cantle lifts) it needs extra flocking (or padding) in front. I'm assuming the correct width gullet has been fitted.

Actually, the most common issue is refusing to canter on one particular lead. This is usually one-sideness in the horse, and the saddle tilting to one side or pressing down more on one side because of this. So the horse doesn't want to stretch that foreleg out because he knows his shoulder's going to get pinched. Again, corrective flocking can often cure it.

Hope you manage to sort it out :)

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I've gone back to riding him in his g.p and he seems to be fine. Might take your advice cheshirecat and try and build his back muscles ... also making sure he is even on both flexions.

Thanks for the advice :)