Using a dressage saddle blanket for a general purpose saddle?

Question

So when I bought my horse he came with a saddle that was specially fitted to him and is quite large (wide gullet, 18 inch). I've been looking at getting him a new saddle blanket for a while now and whilst he currently has a general purpose saddle blanket I've been looking at a nice dressage saddle blanket which seems like it would fit better fully under the saddle, but was wondering what horsey-people thought of this idea? I've measured it and it seems like it would be a good fit and had it just been a case of me picking up the saddle blanket, trying it with the saddle and seeing it worked I'd be none the wiser and get it, but as I'm aware there's a difference what do people think? Thanks in advance.

Jenna · Accepted Answer

As long as you aren't showing it doesn't matter. There are just all purpose english saddle pads that are about the same shape as a dressage pad.  But if this one is cheap and fits, then there is no harm in using it. But if you did so in a show then you wouldn't be correctly tacked.

zakiit · Answer

Well, a dressage saddle is a totally different shape to a general purpose saddle and bearing in mind the saddle blanket or pad or whatever you are using needs to be just what it says on the tin - a blanket or pad, it needs to cover the whole under surface of the saddle with about 2 inches around the outside.

Driver · Answer

It might work.  The only problem I see is that most dressage pads are cut straight down in the front, unlike all purpose pads which are curved outward to accommodate the flap of an all purpose or jumping saddle.  If you use a dressage pad with your saddle, the flap might hang over the pad in the front.

Using a dressage saddle blanket for a general purpose saddle?

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