I do have the same problem on steep uphill climbs without a breastcollar- I don't tighten my girth very tight, though. On Shenn, the girth serves more as a comfort for me to know it is there.
He has average withers, I would say, but is not an arab (although there is Arab in there somewhere). No problems with forward slippage. What kind of pad do you use? I am riding in a pad with a wool underside (they say those have a little more "grip" than others.) Is your horse really flat across the top of the back? Really round barreled? Is there much definition between your horse's shoulders and the barrel. It is not just the withers you rely on to hold the saddle in place, but also good wide shoulders. I ride with a crupper, just as of late, but it is more of something to make me feel like a real endurance rider than to serve any purpose so far. I guess I like knowing that Shenn is comfy with it, just in case it is ever needed.
-Linda and Shennandoah
SE region
In a message dated 4/3/2004 11:24:06 PM Central Daylight Time, rinard@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:
I'm fairly new to the Sport Saddle, having ridden in this one about 10 times or so. Today, on a very steep downhill, the saddle slipped down on my horse's neck. I don't ride with a crupper, or a breast collar, and would like not to have to, if possible. It also slips back on an uphill climb.
I'm not a lightweight rider-5' 10.5" and 179, so could this be part of the problem? It also tends to slip when I'm mounting unless I have it girthed up pretty tight. My Arab's withers are about average I would say.
Any suggestions from all of you experienced SS riders?
