[RC] My first ride in a properly fitting saddle. - Charles
Just rode today for the first time since August
last year. It was a very short ride but a good ride.
This was the first saddle that I ever felt was
comfortable. No pressure on parts of my lower end. No hard feelings
under my butt. No feeling that if I wasn't careful I was going into the
dirt (which is why I wear a vest and helmet, 17h2" is a long way
down).
I wish I had bought the saddle sooner. It
felt great on my end. When I checked Jon, he had no complaints or
sore spots. The pad showed even sweat/dirt marks.
All I can say is that if anyone has
trouble with getting a saddle to fit, get a custom saddle. I
never realized how wonderful it is to have a saddle that fits ME as well as
my horse.
I just want to ad my 20 odd # and say I was
stunned by how light my Anne George saddle is. I just got it
Friday. I doubt it weighs much more than 22 lbs. Considering the
size (I'm 6'2" and 350 lbs, and I ride a Shire who is 17h2") of the saddle, it
is amazingly light. It isn't much heavier than my 19" English all
purpose saddle (Thornhill Berlin), yet it is significantly larger.
The saddle is getting rave reviews at the barn,
but that is just from looks alone. I am embarrassed to admit, I haven't
ridden in it yet. I did check fit on horse, and fit for me (not at the
same time) and for the first time I feel comfy and not squeezed. (Fit
horse fine too despite his blowing up like a tick on fresh wet grass and
yearly shots). Jon didn't jump around much either.
My biggest problem has been rain and thunder
while I'm at the barn. While I'm at dinner with my mother in law, it's
bright and sunny outside the window. Same thing today (though rain
wasn't as bad) and I didn't have time because of needing to video the 3 yo ISH
we are trying to sell.
I will give a fuller report
tomorrow.
Charles (LD in 03, completion in 04)
PS: If you get the saddle, be sure to get the
girth as well.
Actually my saddle
weighs about 20-22 lbs, I built Max'a with considerably heavier leather
because of the riding he does. Allot of packing and outfitting. Annie G.
Annie built me a custom saddle for my mule and I and we
both love it. It has a deep seat for riding in the mountains but
only weighs 28 lbs. You have good close contact with your
legs. The workmenship is great and the price is reasonable. I
highly recommend her saddles. Just finished the first endurance contest
yesterday!
