Show Saddle / Dressage Saddle?

[katy1]

We have been struggling for ages to find a show saddle for my daughters 143 shp. We have tried 2 fyldes and a barnsby all which look to fit and 2 ofwhich fitted professionally. The pony will not go in any of them just goes short and choppy, refuses to go forward same if ridden or lunged, all saddles look to be a text book fit? As soon as we swap to her dressage saddle she goes perfectly, it has a deeper seat and is very padded underneath and i think she prefers this type of saddle.
Would it look ridiculous in the ring if we shortened the girth straps the flaps are slightly longer than a show saddle and it is blocked? Surely its better to have the pony comfortable over looks?

[dollygirl]

I have a cygnet dressage saddle that was made with shorter flaps and girth straps and for showing I take the knee blocks out ( on Velcro !!) this saddle was designed for dressage ponies ( British dressage team ponies !!) and is made by ideal . Not sure where you are based but look on Martin wilkinsons site .I love dressage saddles as they put you in the correct position etc and show saddles are like riding bareback !!! Lol xx

[GrumpyPony]

I took a pony into a ring with a black dressage saddle- and bridle too obviously- and we came reserve champion. Didnt seem to make a lot of difference.
I would go for whatever the pony is happiest in. If you shorten the girth straps, I can't see that it makes an awful lot of difference.