clumsy horse and saddle problems

["Jessica Spoone" <lady_selene@hotmail.com>]

I got my 4 yo qh/arab gelding back from the trainer a few weeks ago and am having 2 main problems with him.

1. He is an absolute clutz. We're just doing some ring riding right now (walking and trotting) and it seems every couple of times around the ring he will stumble a little. Normally its not too bad but 2 nights ago I was almost thrown off because of it. It doesn't seem to be intereference, I've watched his action with somebody else on him and he doesn't "rap" himself. Are there any excersises I can do to make him watch his feet a little better?

2. I am riding him in a western roundskirted saddle right now with a 7" gullet. I have also tried the Abetta arabian saddle on him too. The western is seems to press down too much on either side of his withers. The arabian saddle fit fairly nicely but wasn't wide enough. It looked like it sat up on his back too much. I don't have tons of money to buy 10 different saddles and everybody I know rides with a western like the one I have already. I plan on buying a Synergist asap (prolly after Christmas). Can anybody recomend another saddle to try that I won't have to spend a fortune on?

 

 

Jessica + Casino