Saddle update (Thorowgood) long!

[Heidi Sowards <ribbitttreefrog@yahoo.com>]

Well, tried the new saddle last night. Just did about a 4
mile ride. (It was almost dark when I started, my girth was
too short, so I had to McGiver it.) It is VERY comfortable,
a little heavier than the Wintec. This model has a Med.
tree which seems to fit Donte a little better. We used a
folded navajo blanket with a 1/4" tacky tack blanket on
top. (Just for a little more support and to keep everything
from slipping.) He walked out just great. Ears forward,
even doing that walk that almost feels gaited. Wish he
would do it more often, it really eats the miles and is
soooo comfortable. Usually only does it when we go
bareback. The saddle is only 20" long, so I think that
helped him and his short back. The part I didn't like is
that the dees they use on it are CHEAP! They are not one
solid piece. They have been bent to shape, and unbend
really easily. 

Ok, back to the ride. His trot was good, he actually wanted
to trot more than usual. His canter was OK, did the out of
control thing a little, not bad, and I checked when we got
back and there didn't seem to be any interference. (Which
is what usually happens when he does the out of control
canter.) He has about a week old wound above his heel,
inside right front that was starting to heal pretty good,
and he knocked the scab off, so maybe that was bugging him.
(Hoping so anyway.) He was a little pokey going downhill,
stalled a little, so we may need to add a crupper later.
Untacked, and one solid sweat mark. This morning when I
fed, I poked and prodded, no flinching. I am really hoping
this saddle works. I am giving it more time though, the
panels are supposed to conform to your horse's back, I
doubt one ride accomplished that. Really need to replace
those dees though. So far, I liked everything else about it
though. I will keep you all posted. 


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