IDEAL SUZANNAH DRESSAGE SADDLE | Sunday Spotlight | Would one suit you and your horse?

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

I have already had a load of emails about where to get these saddles from - YOUR SADDLE FITTER! They're awesome saddles, but they'll need fitting to your horse. Oh and a few messages about the jumper - haha, every time I wear this top, I get asked about it - it's from Equiboodle and is part of the Emily Cole collection. Thank you for your messages/emails. But remember, comment on the video with any questions. :)

[@sundragonarabians8427]

Hi Poppy. Can you please do a video on the Ideal Jessica dressage? Or the difference between the Suzannah and the Jessica? I'm trying to fit very broad backed, broad shouldered, mutton withered, chunky Arabians. Im looking for a used Ideal dressage, but Im not sure which model to look for, and we don't have any saddle fitters anywhere near me, in Michigan

[@janetemmerson529]

Very informative. Thank you. Can't wait for the Ideal Jessica video

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

Aww thank you - i'm hoping to get it filmed over the next week or so :)

[@janeimpey9862]

Thanks for this, very timely as currently considering my saddle options!

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

Happy to help! Hope you get to try one!

[@samanthapawley3163]

Little Dave and I are loving our dressage saddle currently on loan...this style looks mega comfy 🥰

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

We could probably make one of these to fit Dave... ;) Just saying... :D Glad you're loving the current one!

[@samanthapawley3163]

Ooh very interesting 🤔

[@renatenelson495]

Thankyou for informative video. Does this saddle fit a shortbacked Morgan Horse. Also what is the advantage of monoflap compared to a dual flap please

[@mandyguthrie1965]

Struggling to fit my friesian mare. Also struggling to get saddle fitter. I have tried Kent and masters but saddle lifts at the back. Tried Bates wide saddle with measured gullet guide which is better but as horse walks it lifts up at the back! I am now 6 months without a good fitting saddle. Do you think this saddle would be worth trying?

[@visenna9]

Great videos with a lot of information, thank You very much! I have a question - is it possible to widen the channel between panels at the back of the saddle - I have one that has very wide chanel in front(about 5 fingers wide), but narrowing to the end of the saddle(to about 3 fingers)? Also, if You would have time and will, please consider making a video about treeless saddles (would be interesting to see what's inside such thing, how it's built and most important - what You think about those)

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

Hey, thank you for your comment - well, yes, it *can* be possible to alter the width of the gullet channel - a saddler can help - where we take the panels off, and can restitch them on after tightening them up a bit inside. The only thing is, this tends to make the panels narrower. Does your saddle fitter say your saddle is too narrow there? It might be perfectly ok? I don't deal with treeless saddles, so haven't got one to hand... but I'll put a post up seeing if anyone wants to donate one in the name of saddle-dissection :)

[@visenna9]

@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter Thank You for the answer! I was just wondering if it's possible - it's an older saddle of my mare, who is already retired:) it could be interesting to see a dissection of a treeless saddle, although it probably has only some kind of foam inside

[@tamarawurst4890]

That is a beautiful and well designed saddle! Thanks for sharing your expertise. I love the shape in the front . You said it is best on a well muscled shoulder. What about a thoroughbred with a well sprung rib cage ? Would this saddle slide forward on such a horse?

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

Hi, thank you for your comment. Yes, it is a lovely saddle! I've put these on thoroughbreds before, with great success, it depends a lot on their back and wither shape. the girthing options on these saddles can really help too. Defo worth asking your fitter to bring one to try if you're interested in them :)

[@nabgilby]

Thanks for the videos, keep them coming. We have several Ideal Saddles at our barn of various styles (many Spanish horses), Sussanah, Olivia, Styletta. Do you know what type of tree they use? Is it birch or carbon fiber? Do you have a picture? I was hopeful that the tree in the background of this video was the Sussanah tree but you didn't mention it. Thanks in advance. We all LOVE the Ideal saddles, it's amazing to see a horse struggling with saddles go in our Susannah.

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

Hey 👋🏼 the tree in the background is an ideal tree! But it’s a Jessica one. All of their traditional saddles are on traditional wooden trees. And you’re right. They make fabulous saddles! #WeLoveIdealSaddles

[@kerryanneburton9144]

Hi Poppy, thanks for the informative video (as always!) I am wanting a dressage saddle and as a larger rider, saddler suggested Ideal Jessica, he bought over a second hand one, I rode in it on trial and had some videos taken. Whilst i felt comfortable and secure (i have very long thighs) the tree looks a tad banana shaped and bobbing up and down whilst i rewatched the videos. I have seen a Suzannah on ebay, thats in the seat size and width i require- do they tend to have a flatter tree? my horse is a 4 year old LW cob (irish draught cross) thank you in advance :) Xx

[@angelfoodcake1979]

I'm sold on it now. Only question is where would I find a saddle fitter selling those in Ireland.....?

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

It's probably worth giving Ideal a call on 01922 620233 and saying you've seen this video and can they recommend a fitter in your area. Hopefully there will be someone local who can bring you some to try before you decide.

[@dublife3698]

The balance strap that can be changed to warmblood girthing, is the gap built into the block on all of the Suzannah's. If I got a second hand one would it be able to be changed? Or does it have to be ordered with the option?

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

It's a point strap and yes, it comes as standard on the Suzannah saddles, so you wouldn't have to order one specifically - although we do sometimes order the saddles with that girthing when we get them from new, cos it's a bit tricky to get the strap through sometimes! Whichever way you order it, there is a slot in the block for the alternative version :) Hope that helps x

[@Sam-om2vc]

Really informative... Which ideal would you recommend for a cob (not heavy) with a wither, short coupled and a little croup high... Really struggling to fit dressage saddle

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

oooh it depends how much of a wither, you might even be able to get a Suzannah on them! Or, a low headed version, with short panels. Which ones have you tried?

[@srdjordan]

Hiya, can you do a video on how to change the birthing on a kent and masters cob gp saddle? ;)

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

hey :) I've done one about the different straps? is that what you mean? Or do you want to know actually HOW to change them? I can do one of them too? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnPSp6xrfNyqfq8

[@srdjordan]

How to change them please. I.e. move a strap from the balance ring over to the spare ring :)

[@lisarobertson5165]

How's pumpkin doing?

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

She's amazing! She's healing well, and already walking so much better than before

[@lisarobertson5165]

Should get her a super puppy cape, she will be up and a new little terror in no time.