Re: Sportsaddle

["John Hafkemeyer" <hafke7@netins.net>]

Hi Patty,
I've purchased 2 SS in the last 2-3 years.  Got mine from Genie
Stewart-Spears (horseworks.com).  She is very knowledgeable and helpful. 
Knows what endurance needs are.

One saddle is the basic endurance model in a 14.5 inch seat for my 14 yr.
old son.  Fits him and his horse very well. The other is the endurance with
added options; higher cantle w/cheyenne roll, reiner pommel and in a 15.5"
seat.  Both saddles were ordered with stirrups set back 1 1/2" and extra D
rings.

Second saddle is mine.  I have back problems, new horse who shies, and was
worried about security.  Didn't want to get "popped" out of the saddle. 
With the reiner pommel, you tend to need a larger seat size.  I would not
now order the same features.  I love the saddle, very comfy and secure, but
the reiner pommel is a bit high and wide and sometimes gets in my way when
posting.  In the larger size, it does cover more back,  so a short-backed
horse gets covered up quickly. (suppose that's true of most saddles) 

I've done a 25 and four 50 endurance (plus lots of conditioning/trail
miles) with no problems.  I couldn't believe I wasn't sore anywhere.  I
have aprx 3000 accumulated miles in competition, most done in the 80's when
I was younger and fitter.  But I had more discomfort, rubs, and soreness in
those days than I've experienced with this saddle.  

Highly recommend the Skito pad.  My son has the 1" foam inserts.  I
initially ordered the 1/2" full insert with 1/2" rear shim, since my
horse's back sloped downhill.  Worked well.  I trade inserts with my son
depending on which horse I'm riding.  Need to get around to ordering
another one for spare.

I also own a Haflinger/Qtr horse mare.  Very wide and low withered.  This
is the only saddle that will fit her.  I love it's versatility with regard
to fit.  Good clearance at gullet on all horses. 

No real complaints.  Only problems I have could be solved by selling this
one and ordering one w/o the reiner pommel.  I know there are some real
high mileage folks who use this saddle and really love it.  You've probably
heard from some of them by now.  I used the archives to do a "saddle"
search before purchasing mine.  Lots of info there.

Are you sorry you asked yet :^)
Good luck
Sally Hafkemeyer
AERC # 536
Midwest Region
----------
> From: guest@endurance.net
> To: ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: RC:  Sportsaddle
> Date: October 23, 2000 9:33 PM
> 
> Patty Banneck PBanneck@jps.net
> I am looking into buying a Sportsaddle and would like some information
from those of you who might have one or have tried one, both positive and
negative... Thank you! Patty Banneck, PBanneck@jps.net
> 
> 
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