ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] saddle comments

[endurance] saddle comments

SELINA COBB (tcobb@sfsu.edu)
Tue, 9 Apr 1996 10:44:40 -0700 (PDT)

I've really enjoyed all the info on saddles and am cheered to know I'm
not the only one with an impossible to fit horse. Thought I'd share my
my experiences:
I have an old Passier H.S.Baum that was used when I got, then I
rode in it for 10+ years but its 31.5 tree and doesn't come close to
fitting either horse I now have. It's very forward seat so when I
switched to the Ulster endurance saddle (a synthetic now made by Clover
in England) I no longer had lower back aches or knee aches after long
rides. Unfortunately the Ulster which is labeled "wide" is not wide
enough for my current horses either - both saddles or tight thru the
shoulders and consequently bridge the back. I was very pleased with both
both the useability and the wearability of the Ulster synthetic. This
saddle has wool stuffed panels,rather than foam,that are very wide. I
also bought one of the first Wintec dressage saddles - which worked great
when I had a narrower horse.
Currently, I'm using a poor quality saddle with no identifying
marks that my friend found at a garage sale. The saddle maker, who fixes
something on it every month or so, says its the widest saddle she's
ever seen. It's ugly, has no d-rings, is hard and uncomfortable but it
fits,with an equalizer pad underneath,Trav (my enduro horse). I just
bought a Big Horn synthetic endurance saddle for KC (appy/arab arena and
guest horse). This one is comfy and very guests who never or seldom ride
ride feel secure in it.
Obviously, I'm still in the saddle market - only money stands
between me and the perfect custom-made saddle. Meanwhile, I'd love to
hear from anyone with a wide saddle that wants to trade for one of my m
medium/narrow ones.

thought for the day: The essence of riding is keeping the horse between
you and the ground!
TINA, Sebastopol, CA (with horses Trav & KC,and Arnie the Gold Ret)