Sport Saddle Trial
Bonnie Snodgrass (snodgrab@ncr.disa.mil)
Mon, 21 Oct 96 11:52:04 EST
Well, I had a chance on Saturday to try out my new saddle. Yes the
front of this saddle is narrower than the older non-fleece bottomed
saddles. I compared it to three at the ride that friends were riding.
The under pads are pulled further up into the gullet of the front
forks so it would clear a high withered horse better. Perhaps having
the under pads pulled up into the gullet caused the stiffer feel at
the front. It doesn't feel as flexible as the older saddles around the
front of the saddle. However, my horse didn't seem to notice any
difference. I had just used one of the older models for 3 months
before switching to this new one. He went just fine and since he is
very fussy if a saddle does bother him I would have to say that this
one seems just fine. Very comfortable to me, stirrups in a good
position, I'm glad I didn't have them moved back.
I did have one saddle mishap. After going just a short ways I realized
that my saddle pad was shifting under the saddle so I got off to reset
everything, fastened up the cinch and remounted. None of this was
exactly easy since this was the first real ride away from home for my
4 yr old. Further along the trail, very wet and muddy by the way, I
suddenly had a big branch snag in my helmet harness. With too long
reins I couldn't quickly stop my horse and had to lean to the side as
the branch tried to drag me from the saddle. Well, there went the
saddle! I landed in the mud while Finn tried to plunge away from the
monster turning under his belly. He slipped and sat down in the mud
and I hung onto the reins. I wasn't about to find out if I was going
for a walk. Well we both got up and I found that I hadn't buckled the
cinch well when I remounted earlier. Live and learn. Other than that
we had a good ride. Finn really is sensible and bold and it was a good
outing for the kid.
Bonnie Snodgrass