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Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 629
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, Nov 20, 2006 - 10:15 pm: |   |
Hello all. I have a young friend has been a western rider for the past few years and is crossing over to english riding for the first time. She just got her first AP saddle which she is eager to try out (while wearing a helmet of course). She called me and wanted to know if she could ride dressage and jumping in an AP saddle with the saddle leathers modified so they are positioned under the saddle flap for comfort like Linda Parelli teaches. The only good answer that I could come up with is that it might hinder the legs ability to position correctly in dressage movements and while jumping and that no tack modifications are allowed while showing either discipline.
Anyone care to comment on this practice? She has a gift membership to HA and can read all the answers.
Thanks,
Corinne |
Lori
Member
Username: Maggienm
Post Number: 270
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 - 9:13 am: | |
I am not sure what you mean by modify the saddle leathers.
I have used an A/P saddle for years. I have the removable inserts adjusted almost as high as they go, this places them in the correct spot for me when I am jumping.
When I am not jumping I lower the stirrups (leave the inserts alone, they don't interfere with my leg at all)and am in a pretty good dressage seat.
It could be different depending on the style and make of saddle.
I use a good quality Wintec.
I have been told I have very good position in both dressage and jumping. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 630
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 - 10:21 am: | |
Thanks Lori...I wasn't exactly sure what she meant until she directed me to a Parelli site and had me look at the my journey section and a video clip of called Stirrup Savvy with Linda that I saw a short video of Linda Parelli demonstrating the practice. What she does is remove the leathers so they (which are normally external lying on the flap) and places them on the stirrup bar underneath the flap somehow so they somehow hang and lie on the billets and protrude from under the flap. The buckle is then adjusted so it's on hanging below the flap so you can adjust them quickly. Imagine if you will pulling the buckle down to adjust your stirrups and leaving the buckle near your foot instead of pulling it up by the stirrup bar only the entire leather is hanging out from underneath the saddle flap to provide comfort and ease of adjustment.
From what I could see it really only gives you a few inches of leeway I would think, but the way Linda described you can use the modification of how you place the leathers under the saddle flap so they don't dub your leg negating the need for breeches and I guess to make them quicker to adjust so you don't have to lift your leg up and back you just have to lean over. Interesting, I think you would need long legs (mine don't go much below the flap as it is) and I would still be weary that you wouldn't be able to adjust your leg appropriately for dressage and jumping....
Now that I have provided a better description does anyone think this practice is safe? Good for a new rider in this type of saddle? Able to be used in casual dressage and jumping? (my opinion is no but I may be wrong). Thanks |
CherylA
Member
Username: Canderso
Post Number: 310
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 - 11:04 am: | |
Hi Corinne,
I have seen this type of arrangement on tree-less saddles. Question is, what happens to the extra stirrup leather? On the set ups I have seen there is a sleeve to protect the buckle and to hold the end of the leather.
I have no idea if this is ok in dressage. The answer would be to check in the rule book.
At the same time, your young rider might want to check to be sure she can compete in an AP saddle. (I know there was HUGE controversy in Canada when they tried to put in a rule saying riders had to ride in a dressage saddle.) |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 631
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 - 12:16 pm: | |
The leather just hangs there. And no keeper for the buckle. I believe it was an AP with a tree. My friend will be using the Wintec 2000.
She can compete at the schooling shows in an AP I believe but not the recognized and I doubt schooling shows would allow this type of arrangement for the leathers because they usually follow USDF and USEF rules. Competing is a long way off however since the 2yr old horse in not broke yet.
I don't believe she is allow to post much because she is in high school and computer time is recreation but she will get the posts in email to read all of your comments. Much appreciated. |
Lori
Member
Username: Maggienm
Post Number: 273
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 - 3:56 pm: | |
Hmmm without actually having tried the method just thinking about it. It may have an advantage for someone who rides different horses and may have to frequently adjust the stirrup length; for a novice rider I wonder if it is better to see the leathers attachment, once inn a while they do need to be pushed on so they don't come off while riding, if you can't see it easily it could be missed.
I agree without half chaps the leathers do rub a hole in my leg(experience) but I put halfchaps on over my jeans or riding pants, you really aren't elliminating a layer of leather just changing its placement. |
Gill Bridgeman
Member
Username: Gillb
Post Number: 100
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 - 4:18 pm: | |
The danger with riding like this is that if you got thrown and your foot got caught in the stirrup, the leathers would not come off the bar. Although it might be more comfortable personally I would not want to risk it ... |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 632
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 - 5:37 pm: | |
Thanks guys! I knew that there was a reason they were placed on the outside and it does make sense that you would have a harder time getting free if caught up. Keep the ideas coming, my young friend is getting these posts in her email. |
Dawn Anderson
Member
Username: Dr3ssag3
Post Number: 11
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, Nov 22, 2006 - 6:05 pm: | |
I concur 100% with Gill. English stirrups are designed to be over the flap so that they can come off in case of emergency (which is why so many discourage the use of the hinge on the stirrup bar so you can "lock" it into place). |
