RE: Re: another saddle fit question

["Flemmer, Linda" <flemmerl@rcbhsc.wvu.edu>]

Title: RE: Re: another saddle fit question

We faced a similar problem of panel length with my new gelding.  To help us judge the difference between him & our older horses, we measured him from behind his shoulder blade to the whorl of hair on his flank, then subtracted 2".  We then measured the saddles we looked at - the ones that fit him best in length were very close to that measurement.

Laney mentioned that saddle don't come in different bar lengths.  I don't completely agree.  Barrel saddles are MUCH shorter overall than a roping saddle.  I now have 2 orthoflexes in my barn...  one is 26"+, the other is MUCH shorter - about 231/2".  Many english saddles have shorter panels when compared to a western-style saddle.  Shop around!  You'll find something.

To help with measurements, there are discussions in the archives about molds, tracings, and back measurements.  Sport Tack (I think) has a gauge to measure the horse's back, including curvature.  You may want to check them.  Get good measurements and then talk to the manufacturers and see if they can meet your needs.

Linda Flemmer

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryanne Stroud Gabbani [mailto:gabbani@starnet.com.eg]
Subject: RC: Re: another saddle fit question

I'd be really interested in information like this as I'd like to get a new
saddle for my mare, but I'm going to have to rely on measurements to do so
as Cairo is a little too far for most saddle fitters...unless anyone knows
someone coming here on holiday? <G>
Maryanne Stroud Gabbani
Cairo, Egypt
gabbani@starnet.com.eg
----- Original Message -----
From: Glenda R. Snodgrass <grs@TheNetEffect.com>
Subject: RC: another saddle fit question

> > Michelle Rowe wrote:Hi  -Does anyone know a guideline for determining
the correct
> > panel length on a saddle for a horse?  I am looking for a accurate way
to
> > determine the correct and max. panel length.
>
> It seems to me that this measurement was one addressed in that series of
> articles on saddle fit in TB magazine the last few issues. I remember lots
> of tape on various horse's backs and I'm pretty sure panel length was
> discussed.
>
> Glenda & Lakota
> Mobile, AL