A Look At Equestrian Riding Competition Styles And Proper English Saddles For Each

3. Characteristics Of The English Style  Lightweight  Close contact  Clear communication between horse and rider  Freedom of movement 3 Sunday, June 27, 2010

4. Seat And Flap Position  A deep seat is used in dressage to hold the rider in position, because a flat seat is used for jumping to provide freedom of movement.  A long, straight flap indicates a straight up-‐and-‐down leg position, as in dressage, because eventing and jumping require a shorter flap that tilts forward to allow for the two-‐point jumping position. 4 Sunday, June 27, 2010

5. All Purpose English Saddles  These saddles are also known as general purpose English saddles.  They have a deep seat.  The medium to long ﬂaps are slightly forward.  An all purpose English saddle is used in entry and intermediate level equitation and jumping classes, trail riding and schooling. 5 Sunday, June 27, 2010

6. Close Contact English Saddles  A close contact English saddle has a relatively ﬂat seat, occasionally with knee rolls.  The ﬂaps are well-‐ forward.  These are used in hunt seat equitation, hunter-‐ jumper classes, fox hunting and the jumping phase of eventing. 6 Sunday, June 27, 2010

7. Hunter Jumper English Saddles  Hunter jumper English saddles have a moderately deep seat.  .  They also have medium ﬂaps that are somewhat forward.  These saddles are used in hunter-‐jumper classes, fox hunting and eventing. 7 Sunday, June 27, 2010

8. Dressage Saddles  Girth placement is more forward than on other English saddles.  The deep seat on a dressage saddle positions the body more forward.  The ﬂaps are long and straight up and down.  These are used only in dressage competitions and training. 8 Sunday, June 27, 2010

9. Eventing English Saddles  In an eventing English saddle, the rider’s weight is displaced over a wider area of the horse’s back to prevent fatigue.  The saddle has a long, relatively ﬂat seat with extra padding.  The ﬂaps are wider and thicker than other English saddles.  They are used in the equitation, jumping and cross country aspects of eventing. 9 Sunday, June 27, 2010

10. Other Types Of English Saddles  Lightweight racing saddles  Polo saddles, side saddles  English saddles for children 10 Sunday, June 27, 2010

11. Matching Show Clothes  Generally, English competition show clothes are made up of tall black boots, light colored breeches, a light colored riding shirt or ratcatcher with a choker or stock tie, a dark helmet and a show coat of either dark hues, beige or grey.  Dressage show clothes include tall dark boots, a black dressage show or shadbelly jacket, white breeches, a white show shirt, a dressage top hat and dark gloves.  Most competitors wear gloves and carry a crop. 11 Sunday, June 27, 2010

12. About The Equestrian Corner  The Equestrian Corner is dedicated to the horse riding community in oﬀering equestrian riding apparel, horse riding equipment and information.  The Equestrian Corner not only wants riders to succeed, but wants to ensure they have a safe and comfortable ride.  Visit The Equestrian Corner for all your equestrian needs today at http://www.theequestriancorner.com 12 Sunday, June 27, 2010