Oh Brother, Look at this horse's back!

Barbara F · Grand Prix

Oh Brother, Look at this horse's back!

Queenrider · Advanced

Top flight saddle fitters sometimes have no idea what they are doing! I have had a couple of bad experiences with the Schleese and I will never go that way again. Instead I did a lot of research on my own and ended up with a Balance saddle.

www.balanceinternational.com

spirithorse · Advanced

The problem with saddle fitters and saddle makers is that they know everything! Unfortunately they let their egos block their search for knowledge.

I have a custom saddle that did not turn out like I wanted...though better than most dressage saddles. So I had it revamped and now I have a single dressage saddle that fits every horse it has been on, without soring any backs. I had it changed so that it floats upon the back and does not impede the shoulders or withers. And guess what, the only saddle maker willing to make this design is the man I purchased my saddle from. All the BIG saddle makers are to important to admit they may not know everything.

-- Edited by spirithorse on Monday 19th of September 2011 01:19:52 PM

Barbara F · Grand Prix

Hey guys, I have had trouble in the past with people who claimed to be top-flight saddle fitters, but who have no real feel for how the saddle should fit or how the horse should move.

Now I use someone who is very low key and down to earth, with a great understanding and lots of experience, and he does a great job. I am riding in a Schleese Wave and for the first time in years, I NEVER think about the saddle. It just works! Finally!!

p.s. That's the type of person I would consider top-flight.

Nina A · Yearling

Maybe I'm blind, but looks like a normal back to me?

I've gone to a few different saddle shops with "professional" saddle fitters and was told by 3 places, and 3 other people that my saddle fit my horse perfectly.

Moved barns, had my friend look at my saddle on my horse and was told absolutely do NOT put it on my horses back ever again. It was way too narrow for him. Took it to a saddle shop I highly respect(which i should have done anyway) and was told that it wasn't even a horse saddle, it was made for a very high withered mule!! Sadly, I used this saddle for over a year with him. Made me feel like a horrid horse owner.

Needless to say, I now have a new saddle that does truely fit him. I learned my lesson.

Queenrider · Advanced

That back is abnormal but very common. The muscles have atrophied into the shape of the saddle! This is what happens with many saddles, even ones that have been"professionally" fitted. I have been there and done that one!