Re: saddle fit question

["Judy A. Worley" <aussie@aa.net>]

Kimberly,
English saddles clear the backbone, and the wither, creating an air-channel,
of course, you know that.  The distance from the backbone is usally about an
inch on both sides. Too wide, and the saddle would be too close to the back,
possibly too wide for the horse, and the top of the back not sharing in
supporting the saddle.
The trees are made with a flare on the front to give room for turning.  Some
are too straight, and can dig, or pinch on the turn. Your horse will be the
first to let you know.  Ortho-Flex has designed a panel that bends, or
shortens with the horse on the inside, and lengthens on the outside. They
have the only system I know of that moves with the horse.  All the others
just accomodate him.  Judy


-----Original Message-----
From: Kimberly Price <PLOUGH1@ix.netcom.com>
To: ridecamp@endurance.net <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 1998 2:12 PM
Subject: saddle fit question


>No..I havn't settled on a saddle yet....saddle fitting is right down
>there with job applying, but which is worse?!?
>
>My real question is, on an english saddle, how far on either side of the
>spinebone can the saddle touch?
>
>2nd question; when the horse bends, is it permisable or logical that a
>part of the saddle will touch the spine as it can't bend too?
>
>thanks!
>Kimberly  (&Mystery the Morab...."boy I feel good now...lets gallop!!")
>Black Mountain Ranch, Pt.Reyes, CA
>
>  Where the golden eagles fly overhead.....
>