Re: RC: SR saddles

[Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net>]

Cindy..

I bought an SR Enduro last year.  Sunny has every saddle problem known
to man.  He has a huge rib cage, his withers are rounded and his front
legs set back, and he is slightly "downhill".  I started in a Sport
Saddle, but he also has a short back, and it was too long...rubbed his
loins.  Tried several others, but they were all too narrow or "rocked"
back to front, or created pressure points. His back was sore on his
first two rides (both 50's) in the fall of 1999.  In desperation, I
spoke with Steve Gonzalez about his SR Enduro and finally sent him a
mold of Sunny's back and ordered one.  Takes about 3 months to get it.  

The saddle took some getting used to......Sunny's conformation as
described above resulted in a saddle that was padded more heavily in
front to get it level and wide to accomodate his large barrel.  It
tended to roll when you mounted.  However, to my surprise, once you got
up there, it was very stable. I think I could ride without a cinch if I
could get a crane to lower me into the saddle! <grin>

In the next 10 rides, his back was fine and I was using only a single
pad.  His last ride was a 75, and his back was sore again.  Spoke with
Steve at the Convention and he suggested that I send the saddle back to
rework the padding.  Apparently this is something that should be done
periodically, since the back conformation will change over time as he
"muscles up". (Sunny's only 8)  Couldn't do that this spring, since ride
season was starting.  I added an additional pad and he was fine in his
first ride.  Will probably send it back this summer when I get a break. 
(Steve promised two week turnaround) I plan to look at a Skito pad as
well.

I am pleased with the quality of the saddle, and so far, with the
performance.  Considering the extreme difficulty of fitting Sunny, it
has worked well.  My only complaint is the leathers. Just above the
stirrup, they widen, with a "flare" toward the rear. (Just behind the
calf)  This is a pretty saddle, and the flares look nice, but this area
is constantly against Sunny's side, which keeps it sweaty.  It curls
either up or down, no matter what I do and rubs my ankle unless I keep
it soaked in some kind of leather treatment.  I would like to see Steve
offer nylon leathers as an option. This may not be a problem on a horse
with a more normal sized barrel instead of Sunny's "propane tank".
However, I plan to have them cut off when I return the saddle....can't
see that anyway under my Jan's Saddle Cover. Like most Endurance Riders,
"purty" is OK, but I'm big on "what works", not what looks good. 
Besides, Sunny is "purty" enough just on his own! :)

Please feel free to email me privately if you have questions.

Jim and Sun of Dimanche

"guest@endurance.net" wrote:
> 
> Cindy casey@yosemite.net
> Hi,I'm looking for input on SR enduro saddles.  Any input anyone wants to give is appreciated.  Also, I may be wanting a used 14" if anyone knows of one for sale.  Thanks!
> 
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