by the end of = the ride my knees were talking to me! I think I
definately want to stay = with an english style saddle -
When I did my first 50 miler, I had knee pain but
as I developed better legs, my knee pain left. I have been using english
all purpose or dressage saddles. But also did one fifty with an Aussie saddle(
cause it slowed down my mare who wanted to go faster than I wanted to go) and
that worked ok. I do not wear gaters or boots on my legs so I will be
reminded to keep my leg where it belongs--the stirrup leathers will pinch my
calves when I don't. A leg as long as possible also takes some stress off
your knees. A dressage length leg seems to work pretty well.
When I rode with a shorter leg it bothered my knees more. ALSO,
there is a new stirrup that a friend of mine is using that has helped his
knees. Can't remember the name but can find out. He rides western
and hassels me about my english saddle. Definitely difficult to get
a saddle that makes rider and horse both happy.
