The first Western Dressage Saddle has been created by Circle Y Saddles, and it's such a beautiful and well done saddle. Circle Y is also our Tour of America sponsor.
How cool that Circle Y is trying something different! I would love to sit in this saddle and feel how it places you. Since a dressage lady helped design it, I bet it does have a narrow twist, deep seat and is close contact. If you have never ridden a really big moving horse you would never understand the thigh blocks! I have never ridden a saddle with them before but imagine they could be a great help on that type of horse.
Ya the block shouldn't be needed, but some people may be beginners and will need it at first to learn.. Though I'm glad they have rubber grips on the stirrups. I have learned from experience that western boots now a days are more for looks than riding resulting in me losing my stirrups in competitions and falling off.
Monte Foreman's Balanced Ride saddle came about back in the early 70's. How do I know? Because I rode in his clinics, and I also got to model the balanced ride saddle and was on the cover of Western Horseman. (My Mom was a dressage trainer, who influenced my Uncle to make changes on leg position of the western saddles.) If you need more proof, upon leaving Tex Tan, Uncle Ron started Tory Leather Company - I'm sure you saw in State Line Catalog for years with his training aids and strap goods.
Ever read "Ride By Reasoning", written by Monte Roberts (trainer from the KING Ranch)? Riding by Reasoning is a 40 page booklet that includes the most scientific studies ever done on western saddles and riding positions. Back in the 70's Monte was way ahead of his time. I don't want a western saddle that throws my butt back into the cantle. I want a flat deep seat, and no bulk in the cinch area.
They are missing the point I would say. The narrow twist and deep seat are far more important than the big ugly knee block. That could have been left out or at least been much less prominent! It has to be much shorter front to back than a typical western saddle on the horses side of things to allow for the swing in the lengthened trot gaits. A shorter skirt, deeper seat, and less thigh block would look much better. English stirrups do not always have rubber grips in the stirrups! Goodness!
And Monte Foreman's "Balanced Ride Saddle".. did not NEED a big heavy knee block, as his stirrup bars were hung properly.. so your leg stayed under your hips.. and DID NOT want to fly up on the dashboard. (sighs)
Ok.. this feels a bit like rushing the gun to cater to a new discipline. Didn't anyone do some research, and find the originator of "The Balanced Ride Saddle" was Monte Foreman. His saddle was revolutionary. Monte designed his with input from my Uncle who at the time worked for Tex Tan Western Leather out of Yokum, Tx. Monte was ahead of his time when he made a western saddle with a CLOSE CONTACT SEAT, and a BULKLESS cinching system. So no, this Circle Y is NOT the FIRST western dressage saddle.
There is no reason this Western Dressage Saddle needs knee/Thigh Rolls... Please Someone inform CircleY that they ARE NOT NEEDED! I am happy they are doing something Different, but all they needed to do was make a slightly deeper seat and that is it.
How cool that Circle Y is trying something different! I would love to sit in this saddle and feel how it places you. Since a dressage lady helped design it, I bet it does have a narrow twist, deep seat and is close contact. If you have never ridden a really big moving horse you would never understand the thigh blocks! I have never ridden a saddle with them before but imagine they could be a great help on that type of horse.
Ya the block shouldn't be needed, but some people may be beginners and will need it at first to learn.. Though I'm glad they have rubber grips on the stirrups. I have learned from experience that western boots now a days are more for looks than riding resulting in me losing my stirrups in competitions and falling off.
I completely agree!
Monte Foreman's Balanced Ride saddle came about back in the early 70's. How do I know? Because I rode in his clinics, and I also got to model the balanced ride saddle and was on the cover of Western Horseman. (My Mom was a dressage trainer, who influenced my Uncle to make changes on leg position of the western saddles.) If you need more proof, upon leaving Tex Tan, Uncle Ron started Tory Leather Company - I'm sure you saw in State Line Catalog for years with his training aids and strap goods.
Ever read "Ride By Reasoning", written by Monte Roberts (trainer from the KING Ranch)? Riding by Reasoning is a 40 page booklet that includes the most scientific studies ever done on western saddles and riding positions. Back in the 70's Monte was way ahead of his time. I don't want a western saddle that throws my butt back into the cantle. I want a flat deep seat, and no bulk in the cinch area.
They are missing the point I would say. The narrow twist and deep seat are far more important than the big ugly knee block. That could have been left out or at least been much less prominent! It has to be much shorter front to back than a typical western saddle on the horses side of things to allow for the swing in the lengthened trot gaits. A shorter skirt, deeper seat, and less thigh block would look much better. English stirrups do not always have rubber grips in the stirrups! Goodness!
Ugh Those knee blocks! >.
Sorry thought you said Roberts
And Monte Foreman's "Balanced Ride Saddle".. did not NEED a big heavy knee block, as his stirrup bars were hung properly.. so your leg stayed under your hips.. and DID NOT want to fly up on the dashboard. (sighs)
Ok.. this feels a bit like rushing the gun to cater to a new discipline. Didn't anyone do some research, and find the originator of "The Balanced Ride Saddle" was Monte Foreman. His saddle was revolutionary. Monte designed his with input from my Uncle who at the time worked for Tex Tan Western Leather out of Yokum, Tx. Monte was ahead of his time when he made a western saddle with a CLOSE CONTACT SEAT, and a BULKLESS cinching system. So no, this Circle Y is NOT the FIRST western dressage saddle.
There is no reason this Western Dressage Saddle needs knee/Thigh Rolls... Please Someone inform CircleY that they ARE NOT NEEDED! I am happy they are doing something Different, but all they needed to do was make a slightly deeper seat and that is it.
Good grief guys it may not be for you but for beginners it ok it helps you learn and For Monty Roberts ! I don't care for him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i don't like these hybrids. Ok cars but not saddles!