A
monoflap saddle
(Fig 1) has a single flap with the girth straps emerging on its underside and the
stirrup leathers
lying on the outside Advantages that have been ascribed to the monoflap saddle include a reduction in saddle weight and closer contact between the rider’s leg and the horse’s ribcage.
What does mono flap mean?
To prevent all the different parts and fastenings from rubbing or interfering with the horse. Instead, a monoflap saddle will have just a single flap (‘mono’ means “one” or singular, flap means… Well, flap!).
How long should dressage saddle flaps be?
Most standard length flaps are 16-18” (vertical distance from the bottom of the saddle bar to the bottom of the flap) depending upon the brand and model. However, depending upon the manufacturer, flap length may be available on special order from 13” to 19”.
What is a GFS saddle?
The GFS transition jump saddle is a forward cut saddle perfect for jumping This saddle is designed to suit standard wither horses and is build on a carbon fibre webbed tree. This tree is flexible which provides comfort to both horse and rider.
Why do eventers use Monoflap saddles?
Monoflap horse saddle, a custom jumping saddle This saddle provides even more contact and comfort to the rider’s legs The blocks are designed to allow more control especially during cross country. While the monoflap saddle is very popular among eventers, it is also a great horse saddle for showjumping.
Can you show hunters in a Monoflap?
I know a few people who have used a monoflap in the hunter ring with no issues I used to have a monoflap, but did switch to a regular flap saddle when I decided to ride more regularly in the hunter ring.
What is a Monoflap girth?
These girths are designed to work with a monoflap saddle and may have elastic ends or non elastic ends These girths are shorter and often come with a belly guard area. Sizes are usually 20-32 inches. Monoflap girths can be synthetic or leather.
What is a
half panel saddle
?
Half Panel (Owen Panel) The padded area only extends at the front to cover the points of the saddle This leaves more room for the shoulder blade to rotate and is an option we recommend for certain horse types.
Why do
dressage saddles
have long girth straps?
Girth in a dressage saddle is short. Although, the straps are long. It helps the rider experience close contact with their legs The longer straps also ensure that the girths are buckled underneath the saddles, and not below the rider’s legs.
What size saddle flap do I need?
As the length of the stirrup shortens, the length of the saddle flap also should shorten, or your saddle will interfere with your lower leg connection. The flap should extend only about 9 inches below the point where the inside of your knee connects with the flap.
How do I know if my dressage saddle fits me?
The saddle must give adequate clearance to the horse’s withers so that it doesn’t rub Place one of your hands perpendicular to the ground and slide it into place between the withers and the pommel. You should be able to fit two to three fingers into the space without difficulty.
Where are Albion Saddles made?
The Albion Adjusta-Tree™ Story Did you know that all Albion Trees are made in our British factory in Walsall, West Midlands ? Albion has responded to the needs of the sport horse, creating trees that allow freedom of shoulder movement and panel stability within each and every saddle.
Are Fairfax saddles any good?
An extremely popular British brand of saddle is Fairfax who offer a great selection of models including GP, Jump, and Dressage. Fairfax jump saddles are highly desirable for their adjustable gullet and high quality design.
Where are Voltaire saddles made?
Recognizable by our blue striped gullet, Voltaire Design saddles are made in France with the finest French leathers and are infinitely customizable. Created in 2010 in the idyllic French town of Espelette, the brand opted to launch first in the United States.
What is a
drop panel
on a saddle?
A drop panel (DP) is another way of adding more depth into a panel but instead of the front like a front gusset it sits underneath the saddle directly onto the horse Drop panels are great when your horse is naturally higher withered with atrophy or just quite angular built.
What is saddle twist?
There is a very simple definition of twist: it is actually that part of the saddle (tree) that you will feel between your upper inner thighs That’s it.
What size saddle do I need for a 16 hand horse?
Under 16.5 inches, You probably need a 15-inch seat size in an English saddle. Between 16.5 and 18.5 inches , Look for a 16-inch saddle. Between 20 and 21.5 inches, Try a 17-inch saddle. Over 21.5 inches, Try an 18- or 19-inch seat size.
How do you break in a new dressage saddle?
Treat your saddle with some products and oils to help it soften up Lederbalsams, leather creams, hydrophane, and neatsfoot oils are all readily available to help your saddle “break-in” by conditioning it.
Why would you want a forward flap saddle?
The flaps of an eventing saddle are usually generous so that the rider can keep his or her legs on them while jumping drops downhill. The flaps will also have a forward rotation to accommodate various stirrup lengths, particularly short lengths for galloping.
Can you jump in a dressage saddle?
You simply will not have the necessary support in a dressage saddle to work with the horse over a jump ; you simply will not be able to do proper dressage in a close contact jumping saddle which does not allow the rider to sit properly balanced with a shoulder-hip-heel straight line.
Can you jump in an all purpose saddle?
A: If you are comfortable in your saddle, your lower leg feels secure and in a good position, you are in balance with your horse, and your trainer hasn’t suggested otherwise, I’d say you’re fine jumping in a GP saddle at this height.
Can you use a black saddle in Hunters?
For non-side-saddle hunter classes, there is no mention of any kind of saddle requirements or restrictions in the rulebook. You are free to pick the saddle that suits you and your horse best, and in any color. Black tack is legal !.
Can you ride Bitless in Hunters?
Currently bitless bridles are not allowed in dressage competitions and are considered unconventional tack for hunters. You do see them in eventing (for the show jumping and cross country phases), in jumpers and in endurance competitions.
Are Kimberwick bits legal in Hunters?
Hunter- Legal Bits These include hunter gags and kimberwicks. Judges must eliminate horses or ponies that compete in illegal bits or nosebands. Illegal bits include, but are not limited to, three-ring gags, gags, etc., while illegal nosebands include, but are not limited to, drop, flash, and figure-eight nosebands.
Why are dressage girths shorter?
Short girths are designed for saddles with long billets. Most dressage riders prefer a short girth because it keeps the area underneath the thighs and/or knees bulk-free The downside is that the buckles are located farther down, directly on the horse’s body.
Can you use a stud girth in dressage?
Particularly during dressage and showing, a stud girth may be considered non-standard tack The Saddle Bank always encourage you to check with the show or competition organisers. Different organisers may have their own rules around the use of stud girths – it’s better to check beforehand than to be caught out.
Where should the girth sit on a Monoflap saddle?
What is the ideal girth length? For dressage/monoflap jump girths we recommend the girth be 4-6 inches from the bottom of the saddle flap This will keep the buckles above the elbow, allow for greater pressure distribution, and prevent the edge of the girth from resting on the horse’s pectoral muscles.
Can foam saddles be Reflocked?
Both foam panel and old hard wool panel saddles can be fully reflocked with fresh wool It is something you will need to ask for specifically because only some saddle fitters provide the service. A full reflock will give you some leeway in allowing for the panels to mold to your horse’s.
How do you tell if a saddle is wool or foam flocked?
Wool flocked saddles are often heavier than foam saddles due to the amount of material used. Some riders also feel that they are further from the horse in a wool-flocked saddle than in a foam paneled saddle.
What is the back of a saddle called?
Cantle : The back of the saddle that gently curves upwards for backward seat support. Twist: The “twist” is the part of the saddle tree that sits just below the pommel in front of the “seat” of the saddle (circled in the image). This is a part of the saddle that determines how the saddle sits between the rider’s legs.
What kind of saddle does Charlotte Dujardin ride in?
Well, Your Horse magazine has the answer: Charlotte rides in an Equipe Emporia Special The saddle is a firm favourite with the leading dressage rider and in 2016 it was this saddle that Charlotte rode in when she achieved individual gold at the Rio Olympics on Valegro.
How many hours a day should you train a horse?
The bare minimum of time you can expect to devote to a horse is about 8 to 10 hours a week If you’re doing more of the work, plan on blocking out 14 to 15 hours a week. It all depends on your level of involvement.
How tight should a dressage girth be?
The girth will be firm against your horse’s body at optimal tightness , and you should be able to place three fingers underneath it. The three-finger rule also applies to the distance between the end of the saddle pad and the end of the girth.
Why do some saddles have 4 girth straps?
The 1st & 4th girthing can sometimes help with lateral stability on rounder horses The 1st & & 3rd girthing options are sometimes good for ponies and horses with no withers and high Spring ribs, these can help prevent a saddle slipping forwards.
Which way round does a dressage girth go?
For a short (dressage or event girth) fit the longest length possible so the buckles fasten away from the pressure-sensitive area behind the elbow. When fully tightened, the top edge of the girth should be as close to the bottom edge of the saddlecloth as possible.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5991391/
https://www.smartpakequine.com/content/saddle-fitting-guide
https://www.thesaddlebank.com/what-is-a-gfs-saddle/
https://mmtackshop.com/products/fairfax-rebecca-monoflap-dressage-saddle