Saddle fitting help required

[heathera]

As others have said there's no one saddle that works for everyone or even for one pony all the time. it's all about being aware of how to check the fit yourself and how to spot signs that all might not be well before the pony has to 'shout' loudly at you. I am sure Caroline will spot any problems early on as she is a good and caring owner.

I do think it's important to be aware of the potential issues that might arise with our saddles though. As an example I use WOW saddles and I know the damage they can cause if inflated incorrectly or have the wrong tree arch put in.

A good saddler should be happy to explain to you the things to look out for on any saddle you buy from them.

[Debbie]

Thank you so very much for that link Ali I've saved it under my favorites.

I love how they explain it might be the saddle, or it might be the rider, and either can be resolved

[katiekynoch]

Mar 25, 2011 11:43:04 GMT -1 heathera said:

Feb 27, 2011 11:32:52 GMT -1 carolinec said:

Slight change of plan
In the mean time, I found a 2nd hand one on Ebay with Cair

I only know of two people who have got on well with them and one of them is Katiekynoch!

Just a thought to add to my earlier post, I bought the saddle from a reknowned local saddlers and it was professionally fitted prior to purchase. I too would be very wary about buying a second-hand saddle unseen as you have no way of knowing for certain what sort of use it has had. The saddler chose a 16" to fit Robin so maybe 17.5" could be a bit too long for a short-coupled breed like the Dales?

Prior to the Wintec I was using a saddle bought third hand from a friend of a friend and was able to try it on loan first. I was advised by a BHSI instructor that the fit was ok only to discover later from the saddler that it was too narrow!

As others have said, finding the right saddle can be a real challenge as there are just so many different makes, types, styles to choose from.

Some very interesting observations in this thread about Cair too . . . I will be doubly cautious checking Robin's back after riding in future....

[kizzi]

For those of you interested in the Port Lewis Impression Pad you might find this interesting. I think you could use babelfish or somesuch to translate but basically its how you can make your own pad.

www.kaltblutpower.de/selbstgemachtes.htm

Shelley

Edited to say that as I have just tried the link to make sure it works. On my google toolbar there is a translate button which comes up in the top right hand corner , so if your is the same just click on translate and Bobs your uncle.

[carolinec]

I am not completely happy with the Wintec Wide so I have invested in a Saddle Company Cob GP saddle. It is the Verona model which is leather on top but with everything else in synthetic which makes it much lighter than a normal GP saddle.
It will arrive tomorrow after being made to Pip's wither template (taken by me) so I am hoping it's a decent fit at last. The saddle panels are all serge lined and the saddle has a tree which can be re-templated as many times as necessary to fit Pip's changing shape. It is also a 17" which is smaller than the Wintec Wide.
Fingers crossed, Pip will like the new saddle & I can finally stop worrying

[cutemangurdi1]

I've ridden in one of those saddles Caroline and found it very comfortable.

[dalesponyrider]

Fingers crossed that this answers your problems.

[carolinec]

I had one of these for Floyd but it was a plain GP, not the Cob version & was too high Withered for Pip & was sold. I really liked it though so I'm hoping that Pip goes ok in it.
The Wintec hasn't slipped as much since I changed down to the Medium gullet but Pip seems to have "hollowed out" under it so I'm not happy to stay with it.

[harveydales]

Fingers crossed it works out for you and Pip. I hear a lo9t of good things about Saddle Co saddles. Dave, the guy who owns the company used to be our local saddler so I knew him well. (this was many years ago!)

[heathera]

I don't have one but I've also heard lots of good things about them and the fact it can be adjusted and has the serge panels all sounds really good.

I think Floyd is a very lucky pony.

[carolinec]

I think you mean "Pip" Heather (but I appreciate the comment)

I have seen quite a few good reviews about The Saddle Company saddles and having an adjustable tree did play a big part in my decision as it's an expensive purchase for me and I'm certain that Pip will slim down even more in the future. It also has a memory foam seat so it will hopefully be comfortable for both of us.

I will try and take a few photos of the saddle for you all once it arrives.

[Debbie]

;D you read my mind Caroline, as I was about to ask if you could take pics of it when it comes. I know it sounds daft, but could you photo one of the underside when it arrives? I'm insanely curious about how that will look.

I think I've heard of these saddles in passing, and they've always had raves reviews. The people who have them will not part with them, and their ponies seem to be very happy as well.

I hope this will be the perfect saddle for you and Pip

[SuzieP]

It sounds to be a lovely saddle. Hope it fits well.

Is it easily adjustable Caroline - in that would you be able to do it yourself, or would it have to go back to the saddle company to be altered?

[carolinec]

The saddle has to be sent back to the manufacturer for adjustment, it doesn't have different gullet plates. There is a charge of £35 & £15 carriage (plus vat) for each adjustment but that's much cheaper than buying a new saddle.

I have heard good things about the saddles so I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed that Pip likes it. It arrived here at work today and it looks lovely.

[southerner]

Love the recipe for the pad - we made one using play dough!!