Ancient Roots of Dressage and Its Saddle
Dressage, a time-honored equestrian sport, takes pride in its deep roots and rich history. Despite its popularity over the centuries, the dressage saddle’s origins remain veiled in mystery. The idea of specialized saddles for training horses can be traced back as far as the seventeenth century. Renowned English horseman, William Cavendish, sheds some light on this in his acclaimed work, ‘A General System of Horsemanship.’ Cavendish showed a preference for an intricate rendition of the customary deep-seated saddles of the medieval period.
The Revolution in Saddle Design
As we moved from the seventeenth to the eighteenth century, there was a marked change in saddle design. This change, while maintaining the essence of the saddle, aimed to enhance its functions. The modifications made during this period set the stage for the arrival of the widely acclaimed Somerset saddle in the nineteenth century.
The Somerset Dressage Saddle
The Somerset saddle, embodying elegance and finesse in its design, marked a key milestone in the evolution of equestrian equipment. The saddle featured intricate knee rolls and refined quilting, presenting a shape not dissimilar to its modern counterpart. In fact, one could claim that the Somerset saddle could easily be mistaken for a contemporary dressage saddle.
The Dressage Saddle in Modern Times
Advancing into the current era, the dressage saddle experienced only subtle improvements and modifications. These refinements were propelled by the insights and needs articulated by prominent horsemen over time. The fundamental structure, however, has seen little to no drastic change. Maintaining its quintessential shape and design, the dressage saddle stands today as a testament to the timelessness of equestrian tradition.
Tree
An integral part of modern dressage saddles, the deep spring tree plays a crucial role in the riding experience. Not only does it secure the rider’s position at the heart of the saddle, but it also complements the rider’s form.
Deep Spring Tree: A Wonder of Resilience
This resilient component of the saddle allows for a flexible seat that adapts to the rider’s form. Consequently, it empowers the rider to apply seat pressure effectively—this turns into a critical driving aid for the horse. It’s integral in inciting impulsion and the necessity of collection during a dressage performance.
Aim of the Saddle
All saddle designs aim to achieve a delicate balance between delivering control, comfort, and security to the rider, while ensuring that the rider’s weight aligns as close as possible with the horse’s centre of balance. Yet, in the case of dressage, this equilibrium point experiences a slight shift backwards.
Shifting of the Balance Point
As a dressage performance progresses and the collection phases become more intense, the horse’s hindquarters bear an increasingly larger share of the weight. This subtle shift in weight distribution is an integral part of the dressage process.
The Tree’s Conformation to the Horse’s Back
Given the unique needs of dressage, the saddle’s tree is sculpted to closely mimic and accommodate the natural alignment of the horse’s back. This strategic design ensures a smooth, harmonious interaction between the rider’s weight and the horse’s movement, contributing to optimised performance in the dressage arena.
Panels, Seat and Flaps
Equipped with distinctive features, dressage saddles are designed specifically for the unique needs of the dressage discipline. These components include panels, the seat, and flaps—all crucial elements for ensuring rider comfort and optimal performance.
Even Weight Distribution Through Saddle Panels
Saddle panels are vital in distributing the rider’s weight over a large area of the horse’s back. Dressage riders maintain a very upright posture throughout various movements, transferring a greater amount of pressure onto a smaller area, unlike other equestrian styles. Ensuring even weight distribution, particularly in dressage, where the rider’s position is consistently vertical, is crucial for the horse’s comfort and overall performance.
Short and Efficient Seat Design
Dressage saddles feature a shorter seat than those of other disciplines, usually not exceeding 400 mm (16 in.), even for male riders. This compact design caters to the specific riding posture required in dressage and provides an effective space for the rider to seamlessly execute movements.
Straight-cut Panels and Flaps for Longer Leg Position
In dressage, the saddle panels and flaps are designed with an almost straight cut, as they are intended to accommodate the considerably longer leg position used. This design aspect ensures that the rider’s leg remains comfortably extended and secured during various phases of movement.
Supportive Features for the Rider’s Leg Position
To enhance the rider’s leg position, dressage saddle panels often come with an added roll for upper leg support. Alongside this, lightly recessed padding may be incorporated into the front of the flap—usually a Continental design—to help the rider maintain an effective leg position throughout the performance.
Stirrup Bars and Minimizing Bulk for Optimal Performance
Dressage saddles have unique design features conducive to the discipline’s intricate requirements. Notable among these features are stirrup bars and strategic bulk reduction to provide the rider maximum closeness to the horse. Moreover, using specific types of girths and stirrup leathers also enhances riders’ performance.
Unique Position and Function of Stirrup Bars
Contrasting most other saddles with a forward sloping saddle tree, the dressage saddle incorporates a straight saddle tree. This structural difference pushes the stirrup bars farther back, which lets the leathers extend down the center of the saddle flap. This positioning helps the rider keep a straighter leg, facilitating unhindered leg control—crucial for effective communication with the horse.
Strategy for Bulk Reduction
In dressage, achieving a close, intimate contact between horse and rider is paramount. Therefore, all potential bulk under the rider’s leg is minimized. Recessed stirrup bars, fitted under the saddle tree rather than on top of it, commonly aid in achieving this reduction.
Girth Types and Their Importance
Many dressage saddles come with elongated girth straps designed to utilize a Lonsdale girth. This short belly girth ensures no buckles stay under the saddle flap. However, this type of girth needs to be precisely the correct length for the horse’s size to avoid hindering lower leg aids or causing discomfort to the horse’s elbows.
While Lonsdale girths are common, other dressage riders prefer different materials like leather, lampwick, and tubular web girths due to their easy adjustability—the Lonsdale often necessitates help or dismounting to alter.
Stirrup Leathers and Irons
Narrow or fine stirrup leathers are popular among dressage riders to minimize the bulk between the horse and themselves. Certain designs even allow for stirrup fastening, which further reduces bulk. Weighted stirrup irons often are the choice for riders since they hang straighter and bounce less—this stems from their ability to evenly distribute the rider’s weight. Furthermore, rubber treads are universally favoured for their added safety feature, helping prevent the foot from slipping. This key element ensures that only the ball of the foot rests in the stirrup, which is a requisite in all dressage movements.
The Role of Numnahs in Dressage Saddle Use
Numnahs, or saddle pads, can sometimes be seen in use with dressage saddles. While growing in popularity, their use comes with some degree of controversy due to the potential distance they create between the horse and the rider.
Numnahs: Increasing Popularity Yet Fundamental Contradiction
Numnahs are becoming more prevalent in dressage, despite contradicting the fundamental need for a rider to maintain the closest possible contact with the horse. If a rider does feel a necessity for a numnah, thinner linen types are likely the best choice because they minimize this disadvantage. More substantial options, such as felt or sheepskin numnahs, tend to be too bulky and could cause an unwanted separation.
The Inception of Numnah Use: A Possible Reason
The growing trend of using numnahs in dressage might be indicative of certain issues in contemporary saddle design. It seems that some dressage saddle designers may have over-emphasized rider position at the expense of even weight distribution across the horse’s back. Understanding this dilemma, some riders may resort to numnahs to mitigate any discomfort or performance issues, leading to the increasing popularity of numnah usage despite its inherent contradiction to the principles of dressage riding.
Choosing a Dressage Saddle
Selecting a dressage saddle is a delicate process requiring considerable attention to both the horse and the rider’s needs. Ensuring a proper fit for the horse and comfort for the rider is vital, as is maintenance, to guarantee the saddle continues to lend the right support and doesn’t hamper performance.
Prioritizing Horse Comfort and Saddle Fit
The initial step in choosing a dressage saddle is to ensure it fits the horse correctly. Consideration for their comfort should take precedence, as an ill-fitting saddle can adversely impact performance. Once it seems to be a good fit for the horse, take the process one step further by riding with the saddle to assure that it remains comfortable for the horse when in use.
Rider Comfort and Posture Considerations
Simultaneously, the saddle must be evaluated for its comfort and fit for the rider. It’s crucial that it aids in maintaining a central seat and fosters an effective long-leg position without forcing an unnatural posture. If a saddle doesn’t meet this criterion, it may negatively influence not only the rider’s comfort but also overall performance during dressage routines.
Annual Maintenance for Dressage Saddles
Proper attention to maintenance is a crucial aspect of owning a dressage saddle. Regular, usually annual, overhauls by a professional saddler are strongly recommended for these types of saddles. This routine check primarily serves to identify if the saddle’s stuffing requires adjustment. Incorrect or uneven pressure distribution on the horse’s back due to worn or misshapen stuffing could greatly affect the horse’s comfort and thus, the performance outcomes.
Specialist Dressage Saddles: The Mark of Classic Equitation
Certain corners of Europe hold fast to the classic art of equitation. Here, riders refine their skills while embracing the aesthetic of a bygone era with their preference for high saddles harking back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This tradition is predominant in two renowned classical schools – the Cadre Noir and the Spanish Riding School.
Cadre Noir: A Nod to French Equestrian Tradition
The military Cadre Noir, located in Saumur, France, is a famous institution staying true to classic equitation. Here, riders train in the sophisticated methods of traditional horsemanship, adhering ardently to the principles of their predecessors. Their saddle of choice often replicates the high styles that were popular during the 17th to 19th centuries. These high saddles, synonymous with elegance and heritage, aid in perfecting the riders’ skills while preserving the aesthetic appeal of an era long past.
Spanish Riding School: Austrian Excellence in Classical Equitation
The Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, is another prestigious institution championing traditional equitation. It draws from hundreds of years of equestrian knowledge, striving to maintain the integrity of classic dressage. Not unlike their French counterparts, the riders here also prefer the high saddles of earlier centuries. This choice mirrors not only their dedication to traditional methods but also their commitment to uphold the grandeur and aesthetic associated with historical equitation.
Selle à Piquer: The Distinctive Saddle of Cadre Noir
Situated in Saumur, France, Cadre Noir represents one of the oldest traditions of equestrian excellence. Formed in the mid-nineteenth century, it transitioned from being a royal guard to becoming the Ecole Nationale d’Equitation in 1972. One of its distinguishing features is the use of the eighteenth-century tournament saddle known as the selle à piquer.
Cadre Noir: A Legacy of High Standards
The Cadre Noir—named so due to the riders’ black uniforms—has a mission to teach and perform haute ecole riding in the old French tradition. This requires not just exceptional skills but also specially designed equipment, including their unique saddle, the selle à piquer.
Selle à Piquer: A Functionally Historic Saddle
The selle à piquer, a saddle made especially for the Cadre Noir, is a product of a private saddler in Saumur. Its design showcases padded battes, evolved from high pommels and cantles of medieval saddles, to hold the riders’ legs firmly in place. Apart from functionality, these saddles enhance the aesthetics with a beige-coloured reversed hide covering. The suede material grips the rider securely when the horse executes complex and demanding haute ecole movements, improving stability despite these saddles not being fitted with stirrups.
Specific Usage of the Selle à Piquer
The use of the selle à piquer is, however, restricted to specialized training, displays, or quadrille riding. For initial training phases and regular exercise, horses at the Cadre Noir are typically fitted with modern ‘English’ saddles. This combines the sophistication of tradition with the convenience of modern designs, facilitating efficient training without compromising on the historical essence.
Danloux Saddle: Incorporating Modern Design in Classical Riding
The Danloux saddle, recognized as a preferred pattern of modern French saddle used by the Cadre Noir and many other horsemen, integrates historical elegance and modern functionality. The origins of this saddle coincide with the creation of the spring tree.
Origins and Evolution of the Danloux Saddle
Named after the renowned French riding master Robert Danloux, the Danloux saddle quickly conquered the equestrian world with its innovative design. While it was initially considered inferior to its Italian counterparts—particularly the Toptani—due to lesser quality leather and a weak tree underpinning its broad seat, the saddle has undergone significant improvements over time. Today’s Danloux saddles stand as an emblem of superior construction, merging traditional charm with modern ergonomics.
Characteristics of the Modern Danloux Saddle
The modern Danloux saddle holds true to the fundamental concepts of a forward seat. It features a Saumur panel equipped with short knee rolls on top. Strategically placed above the knees, these rolls provide leg control without pushing the rider’s legs away from the horse. The saddle’s design also includes short thigh pads, set high on the panel, ensuring similar control behind the rider’s legs.
The saddle’s tree is uniquely shaped, with its lowest point in the front half of the saddle. This positioning ensures that the rider’s centre of gravity aligns with that of the horse, enabling smoother movements. Despite not being cut back, the saddle’s pommel is spacious enough to accommodate the withers of most horses without causing discomfort.
Uniqueness in the Danloux Saddle
The bars of a Danloux saddle are positioned directly above the girth, to put the rider’s legs in the correct place. The bars’ mobility offers an added safety element, making the Danloux saddle safer than typical saddle designs that include a thumb-piece, further cementing its position as a preferred choice among modern French saddles.
Selle Royale: A Symbol of Tradition at the Spanish Riding School
The Spanish Riding School in Austria, renowned for its classical riding methods, takes inspiration from Italian and French riding masters of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The eponymous Lippizaner stallions at this institute don a unique, custom-made saddle known as the selle royale or the school saddle.
Evolution of the Selle Royale
Built from the framework of the seventeenth-century ‘great saddle’—which weighed a hefty 27 kg (60 lbs) and was heavily padded—the selle royale of today has lightened and improved considerably while maintaining its striking appearances. Despite being longer and heavier than a traditional ‘English’ saddle, it has incorporated practical features making it more user-friendly.
Appearance and Structure of the Selle Royale
The selle royale, covered entirely in white deer skin, is a beautiful sight to behold. The wide flaps, although not excessively long, are crafted from the same leather piece as the seat. A seam runs vertically from the bottom of the near-side flap over the seat to the offside flap bottom. The flaps are stitched around the edges, about 40 mm (1.5 in.) from the edges, and the saddle has no skirts.
The saddle’s front comprises a padded roll forming the pommel, while the cantle is formed by a second padded roll, arching around the rider’s seat and extending down to the top of the rider’s thigh. These aspects provide security to the rider when executing high-ground maneuvers such as the levade, courbette, and capriole. Its seat is slightly dipped and includes a knee roll atop the panel.
Unlike the selle à piquer, the selle royale incorporates stirrups and leathers. They are removed for in-hand work or clipped behind the cantle when needed—though for ridden work, stirrups are typically used. These leathers are affixed beneath the flaps to minimize bulk between the rider and horse.
Ornamental Aspects of the Selle Royale
This saddle flaunts an ornamental golden-inlaid crupper—originally utilized to stabilize the saddle during battle, it now primarily serves decorative functions. A golden-inlaid breastplate adorns the saddle for practical schooling and display purposes.
When worn, the selle royale always accompanies a saddle blanket for show. Each blanket’s design symbolizes the wearer’s rank: a rider showing one embroidered band is a novice, two bands signify a senior rider, and three bands represent an advanced corps rider. Eventually, the school commander has the privilege of wearing an additional golden fringe, historically allowed only to the Master of the Emperor’s horse. Their vibrant colors of red with a golden hem or green with black add resplendence to the setup.
Just like Cadre Noir, the horses at the Spanish Riding School wear ‘English’ saddles for their everyday training, featuring straight-cut designs, narrower flaps, and lower cantles than the selles royales. Additionally, the stirrup bars are positioned typically for these saddles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dressage Saddles
Q: What is the purpose of a dressage saddle?
A: The dressage saddle is meticulously designed to give the rider closer contact with the horse and to facilitate a deeper, more secure seat. As dressage involves precise movements, the saddle helps the rider easily communicate cues to the horse and maintain balance during complex maneuvers.
Q: How does a dressage saddle differ from a jumping saddle?
A: While both are types of English saddles, their design caters to different riding disciplines. A dressage saddle has a deeper seat, straighter (and often longer) flaps, and the stirrup bars positioned directly under the rider to facilitate a vertical leg position. In contrast, a jumping saddle features a shallower seat, forward-cut flaps, and the stirrup bars positioned slightly forward to allow a more forward and crouched riding position over jumps.
Q: How can I determine the correct dressage saddle size?
A: The size of a dressage saddle refers to the size of the seat and is measured in inches. It usually ranges from 16 to 19 inches. For a correct fit, you should have approximately four inches of space between the front of your body and the pommel when seated, and your seat should not be pressed against the cantle. Saddle fit can depend on the seat design, so it’s always good to try before you buy!
Q: How important is saddle fitting for the horse’s comfort?
A: Very important! An ill-fitting saddle can cause discomfort or pain for the horse, affecting its performance and health over time. The saddle should distribute weight evenly across the horse’s back without pressing on the spine or withers and should not shift when in motion.
Q: Can a dressage saddle be used for trail riding?
A: While dressage saddles are indeed designed for the dressage arena, they can also be suitable for trail riding, provided they are correctly fitted and the rider is comfortable. The deep seat and close contact design can provide superior balance and comfort on long rides. However, they may not offer features specific to trail saddles such as rings for attaching gear.
Q: How do I care for and clean a dressage saddle?
A: Regular care extends the life of your dressage saddle. Wipe it down with a damp cloth after every use to remove dirt and sweat. Use appropriate leather cleaners and conditioners to clean and maintain the leather’s suppleness. Store your saddle in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight.
Q: What material is best for a dressage saddle?
A: Traditionally, dressage saddles are made of high-quality leather, prized for its durability, comfort, and grip. Modern options also include synthetic materials which are lightweight, easy to maintain, and often less expensive, though they may not offer the same aesthetics or durability as leather.
Q: Should I buy a used dressage saddle?
A: A used dressage saddle can be a good option if it is well-cared for and fits you and your horse. It can also be more affordable than a new one. However, thorough inspection for signs of wear and tear or structural damage is crucial before purchase.
Q: Can I compete in a dressage event with a non-dressage saddle?
A: While it’s not technically illegal, using a non-dressage saddle for dressage competition is not typically recommended. A dressage saddle is designed to help you achieve the correct posture and offer closer contact with the horse—two major aspects judges look for in dressage events.
Q: How often should I replace my dressage saddle?
A: The need to replace a dressage saddle depends on several factors: the quality of the saddle, the frequency of use, how well it’s maintained, and whether it still fits you and your horse. Generally, a high-quality, well-cared-for dressage saddle can last many years. However, if you notice discomfort for you or your horse, or signs of damage that can’t be repaired, it could be time to replace it.
