Re: Sports Saddles
Alice Steinke (alicest@hcc-uky.campus.mci.net)
Sat, 12 Oct 1996 23:16:09 -0500
This does sound like a great theory. I may be able to help confirm it. My
TW didn't move as well in the sports saddle as do my two dressage horses. I
think it was b/c he wasn't round and high headed. Plus, he seemed to like a
heavier saddle. Did his best work in a big western saddle. He still did
okay in SS and it was never uncomfortable for him that I could tell. I used
it on him for four years. he was just better in western saddle.
Alice
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>I've got a Sports Saddle for my mare, and it works beautifully,
>especially freeing up her shoulders. I've used the saddle on several
>horses over the past few months without any problems. However, If a
>rider isn't balanced, it will create problems. Also, if the horse's
>back is uneven, the pad has to be shimmed to keep the rider balanced.
>
>I think I just discovered another case where it's not the best choice
>- with a young, high-headed/hollow backed, horse (my 4 year old). His
>back hasn't been sore, but I tried a more conventional saddle
>(Orthoflex) last night, and he seems to move better (if wanting to
>tear around the arena at warp speed counts as better). My guess is
>that with the Sports Saddle, it's almost impossible for me not to sit
>in the hollow of his back, and concentrate the weight in just the
>wrong place. Since my mare has a well-muscled back, and uses her body
>differently, the weight is distributed more evenly across her back.
>With my 4 year old and the conventional saddle, my weight is better
>distributed (tree, panels, etc.) and it's easier for him to carry me
>and maybe start to round his back. I'm not sure if this theory is
>accurate, but I should have a better idea in a couple of weeks.
>
>Helen
>
>
>
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Alice and Shawn Steinke and Willie in Kentucky
(Also Lacie, the honorary dachs and Willie's sister
and best friend, and Turbo{get the Kittie} Kittie,
Willie's personal secretary)
Stand aside you other candidates.
GET A NEW LEASH ON LIFE--WIN WITH ROMMEL AND WILLIE
Musn't forget Chester and Hannah, the wonder horses.
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