ridecamp@endurance.net: Sport Saddles, Troxel helmets, opinions on. Custom-fitting.

Sport Saddles, Troxel helmets, opinions on. Custom-fitting.

(no name) ((no email))
24 Feb 97 16:28:43 EDT

Sports Saddles: depends on HOW high-withered, how much padding you add on each
side (like an Equalizer), and how much you personally impact your horse's
back. I agree with Tommy, though; I can see where a tall, heavy person might
sore their horse's back more easily than one who weighs the same but might have
less pounds per square inch, with a tree-less saddle or going bareback. A
short larger-rear rider who balances as well would theoretically do less
damage, but I still think a well-fitting treed saddle is a good thing to
alternate with. Switching saddles to a well-fitting one with a (more
weight-distributing) tree might be a welcome change at a mid-point vet check,
however. Or switching to a SS at that vet check. A Sports Saddle might just
be the tack-menu key to a BC if you need that edge because I've heard that a
saddle switch could be refreshing mid-ride. The second tree might be a
slightly different shape, and so press on different areas than the first.

Troxel helmets: I've observed that (at least on me) the Troxel lightweights
don't cover as much surface area of my head as the somewhat less-expensive and
harder-shelled "Aussie Rider" schooling helmet. I've learned that the vents in
the Troxel catch tree branches too much better than the smaller vent holes in
the AR. Yes, the AR weighs slightly more, however, the difference to me on the
end of my long neck isn't that much: the weight of the Troxel sits more on the
top of my head and therefore could strain my neck more. The AR covers down
around my head more. The Troxel's more oval shape fits me better, even though
the AR has the various pads. I've decided that I wear my AR while conditioning
and until it takes a hit. I'll use the Troxel then, or just for pictures. So
which one are you going to buy? Both!

Custom fitting: If you have a permanent bump on your forehead (or even on your
occipital bone) and your AR fits just snugly and comfortably without the
optional pads otherwise, as a last resort you can make room for your bump.
Just press your thumb gently into the styrofoam in the exact area of your bump
to make a very slight indentation so your helmet fits better. Warning: this
will probably void any warranties, though, because technically it is
intentionally deforming it, so use the adjustable pads as best you can first.
I finally did this nickel-sized alteration on my trusty old AR. Now I don't
have as irritated a spot on my right-side forehead after a long ride. Bridget
Brickson in SE PA jbri@voicenet.com

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