What kinds of issues have you had with your saddle?

Barbara F · Grand Prix

What kinds of issues have you had with your saddle?

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

I think Jochen's advice and knowledge is really great, riding mostly western I've seen the one-size-fits-all saddle theory.. just double up on the saddle pads! So I really enjoy watching Jochen's videos, and I thought his lastest one was great for saddle width -- eye opener!

Queenrider · Advanced

Some alternate information on saddle fit:

www.balanceinternational.com

I bought a Balance saddle several years ago and I will never go back.

Mary Wanless has an excellent book:"For the Good of the Horse" with an excellent chapter on saddle fit.

Horse-hearted · Advanced

Ever tried to fit a saddle to a Morgan? They have espically flat backs, and because they are easy keepers, change shape drastically every season.
I am so frustrated with saddle fitting that I could scream. I want the best fit possible for my equines, but in a cost-effective way. Why hasn't someone designed a do-it-yourself saddle fitting system? (not the wintec gullet system, that is only one aspect of fit)
Talking to my equine massage therapist, I know the importance of proper tack, but damn, I wish it was easier to obtain!
Western saddles are a particular pain. Too many are built the exact same way.
I may just go bareback forever.

Jochen Schleese · Yearling

Dear Horse-hearted: at the very least make sure you have a saddle which can be completely adjusted - not just reflocked.

justice · Grand Prix

I can only re-iterate how important saddle fit to horse AND rider is. I just had a saddle fitted to myself and my boy (process took forever but so worth it) and what a ride!! Like there is no saddle there : ) No more seperateness or hard work.. we, Pone and me, we ARE the motion! Clarifies and allows the Forward nicely, too : ) We just flow so much more easily now.

Thank you, Mr. Schleese, for your comprehension and promotion : )

-- Edited by justice on Saturday 11th of December 2010 12:15:52 PM

Queenrider · Advanced

I have ridden my friend's morgan gelding many times in my Balance saddle. He goes very well in it. This saddle has a different tree and comes with shim pads. By changing the pads I can go from the morgan to my narrow TB. Now I have a very wide Canadian and the saddle fits him as well.

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

I've been blessed with a pretty great, sturdy roping saddle that seems to fit just about any horse I've stuck it on. There have been some almost comical misfits (when sitting on one of my Arabs, it would sit with the cantle raised 3 or 4 inches up off her back..), but for the most part it's fit just about every horse I've ridden, without the use of extra pads.

The only issue I've really had with my saddle is the way it positions my body. It throws my weight back farther than I would like, but I got my saddle for free from a friend when I was 8 or 9, and I don't have the funds to buy a more forward-seat saddle, so I've always made it work. Luckily I'm blessed with a pretty great saddle ;)

ETA: Horse-hearted: I feel your pain. Arabs can be hard to fit when you are monetarily limited! Bareback forever does sound kind of tempting.

-- Edited by Barnmouser Ash on Friday 17th of December 2010 03:33:19 PM