Comments on: Can I use a all purpose wintec in 1st level dressage?

By: Greg B

Greg B — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:56:59 +0000

Yes. You can use an all purpose saddle all the way up though 4th level I believe if you want to.
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By: Gatsbi007

Gatsbi007 — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:08:59 +0000

I don’t think you want to. I suggested the idea of an "all-purpose" to my trainer (so I didn’t have to buy 2 or 3 saddles for eventing) and that idea was IMMEDIATELY shot down.

I guess it depends on if you are competing for fun (go ahead and use what you want) or to win (find a used dressage saddle or borrow one).
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By: Danielle B

Danielle B — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:39:59 +0000

No- you have to show in a dressage saddle. Plus, the all-purpose doesn’t seat you correctly for dressage- it puts your balance way too far forward. You can get a wintec dressage saddle for pretty cheap, and check out horse fairs- I have seen wintecs for as cheap as $75.

Also, First level is not the "easy" dressage- The levels start out with Intro (walk/trot) and training level (walk, trot, canter). First level requires more forwardness, impulsion, and extension than is needed for the basic levels.

Edit: all-purposes saddles are not allowed in dressage around my area, maybe it depends on the location and the show
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By: Ponygirl

Ponygirl — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:33:59 +0000

It is legal to use, but it really puts you in a compromised position. You won’t win above training level with the position that the all purpose saddle puts you in. At training and first level dressage, about half the test scored on rider position and effectiveness.

You can do training level well enough, but I doubt that even first level will allow you to have an effective seat and leg, and much though I love my Wintec Isabelle, it doesn’t help me since I have moved up past first level. I still use it on the young horses, but my third level guy needs a saddle that allows my thighs to hang down much more straight.

The stirrup bar (where the stirrup leather hangs) on the jumping or all purpose (no purpose really) saddle is placed further forward than the dressage saddle. The forward bar allows for the forward seat and two point seat needed to jump. The dressage saddle has the bars farther back, allowing the leg and thigh to hang down straighter, and the seat is slightly rocked forward compared to sitting in the all purpose.

Dressage judges don’t count off for equipment as long as it is clean and doesn’t interfere with the horse or rider. Wintecs (all styles) are a well balanced, and you won’t be scored down for not having a leather saddle. You probably would in a breed show situation.

If you go to the USDF website (usdf.org) or the USEA website (USEA.org) and read the rules, it is not specific as to the type of saddle, just that it be an english saddle. It must have stirrups. This is the national standards, for the US. It is not true of the FEI, but that doesn’t count at the level we’re talking about. Technically, you could ride in a saddle seat rig, but again, you wouldn’t be positioned to do well.
References :
trained horses to third level, cliniced and audited with big name instructors, worked in an english tack store that specialized in dressage, room mate is a dressage technical delegate and learner judge.