I know it's past Wednesday but my news at last

[dalesnfellfan]

Sorry for delay, life is hectic at the moment with funeral arrangements etc.


Last Tues Emerald and I had an exciting appointment with a Western saddle fitter, I had wanted to try it for ages and as we needed a new saddle I thought we'd go for it.

We tried a lovely 2nd hand saddle which fitted her well and I immediately felt much more secure in it after Sam riding her in it first (I am a coward) and then me riding in the paddock we saddled up Connie for Sam to ride and went for a hack, I felt so safe on her, the saddle just hugs you, I even had a canter across the meadow.  I bought the saddle and have ridden her twice since and felt really happy.

So happy in fact that I was intending to ride Em on a pleasure ride with Sam on Connie today, but sadly I had to cancel as my husband was ill and in a lot of pain this morning and I didn't want to leave him.

I have been trying to put some photos on but I can't seem to upload them from Flickr, I'll post a few on the Dales site on FB for those that do FB and maybe try to put them on here later.

[Fi]

Saw the pics on FB! Great news that you've got a saddle you both like. Shame you had to cancel your ride, but there'll be loads more. Onwards and upwards!

[harveydales]

That's great news. I'm really pleased you have found a saddle you feel secure in and Em likes. Some time ago I was considering a Western saddle thinking it might put less pressure on my joints but I never followed it up. Harvey is very short backed so I thought that would be a problem plus I've been told they are very heavy saddles. I'm guessing things have come on a long way and your saddle won't be that heavy?

[dalesnfellfan]

No my saddle isn't heavy Pam, it's very little heavier than my Albion, I was worried about that as my shoulder still gives me problems, but I can carry it and lift it onto her back no problem. There are still a lot of heavy saddles made but a lot of makers are doing lightweight versions now, apparently the trail saddles are much lighter than the roping saddles.

There are different seat styles and I tried one that I really liked, but was too narrow on Em, on Connie, it had a bigger seat (although still 15") and a straight cantle, I didn't feel very secure in it and Connie didn't like it either, first she humped her back and then hollowed it in trot and felt as if she was tying to run out from underneath me.

Ems saddle is a different shape, shorter and the cantle is shaped so it wraps itself around my bum, I immediately felt secure in it and Em also liked it straight away.

I worried about the length as both ponies are short backed and Em is very flat backed with no wither, and wide, but it seems there are saddles to fit all shapes and sizes and although the skirt extends beyond her last rib, as long as the seat doesn't then that's OK, I thought she might object to that but she seems very happy in it, and, a real bonus, it doesn't rock or move at all on her very round rolly polly body, all the English saddles I've had on her, although good fits, have had the tendency to slip to the side.

So far we are both very happy.

[dalesnfellfan]

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[harveydales]

Links don't work for me?

[cadeby]

Ahhhh, all is revealed. A saddle fitting appointment, not baby-making, lol

Links don't work for me either

[tinkerdorisalison]

how interesting - can't wait to see pics

[Debbie]

how lovely!!! There's nothing better than a comfortable saddle for the both of you. And yes, there are lots of variety for the Western saddles nowadays, with many being much lighter and smaller skirting. The barrel racing saddles espcially are lightweight.

I look forward to seeing the pics