|
|
Discussion on Signs of an ill-fitting saddle
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Cowgrl
|
Posted on Thursday, Apr 1, 2004 - 2:20 pm:
I bought a very nice western saddle a few years ago for my QH. The store clerk assured me it would fit as it had an "association tree." Well it didn't fit and the horse and I went through a multitude of pads to try and get the best fit possible that would be the most comfortable. I found the Pro Choice Air Ride worked the best and he finally seemed happy but I couldn't ride him in anything but the air pad. The saddle still stuck up in the back but the bars ended well before that and they were resting on his back fine. He had a nice even wet mark and a dry channel down the center as he should so all was well. I got lucky with that and sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and get a new saddle. In fact, I did just that a couple of months ago. The Colorado I had was just getting too heavy for me to lift to his back anymore. I think it weighed 45 lbs. I felt like I was doing the clean and jerk at a weight lifting competition everytime I picked it up to put it on him (he's a big horse).
I just got a nice Crates with the "flex tree" that WooDrOw just loves. He's not at all cranky when I saddle him and it's nice a light so he's gotta love that.
Anyway, the point was, I good indicator of saddle fit it a good even sweat mark. Also, there's a easy way to find out if your saddle is bridging - wrap the panels in saran wrap and dampen with water. Sprinkle the horse's back with flour or pancake mix, or any flour based dry powder. Put the saddle on and press down slightly. Pick the saddle straight up and if the saran shows where flour did not stick, that's where you're having a problem. It's an old cowboy trick I learned a few years ago.
Holly
|
Member:
Kthorse
|
Posted on Thursday, Apr 1, 2004 - 6:58 pm:
Holly, I love your old cowboy trick. Never heard that one. I will definatly try it.
Katrina
|
|
|
