Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Saddle fitting woes

I'm having a hard time fitting a saddle correctly to Harley. I have tried four saddles and none seem to fit this little horse of mine. I decided I am going to a saddle maker and have him fitted. The saddle I am currently riding is a Crates reiner and I have had it 12 years. Harley's back is not that rounded and he seems to have a good wither but for some reason saddles just roll on him and he has dry spots when I am finished riding.
The dry spots trouble me because I can see evidence of white hairs forming where they are. I am wanting to go to a cutting saddle this year anyway for the cattle classes but sure don't want to buy a saddle that doesn't fit. I have tried various different pads from felt, wool and even a closed cell foam pad. Hopefully the fitting will go well and I can find a saddle to fit him right.

2 comments:

Victoria Cummings said...

I am having the same trouble with finding a saddle for Siete. I used to sell saddles at a tack store, and I sympathize with what you're going through. Harley will thank you for your efforts and he will be much happier to do what you ask him to do. Do you know about David Genedak and Black Rhino? I think his website is allaboutthehorse.com. He's great. Mark Rashid uses him to teach saddle fitting at his clinics sometimes. Also, I tried a Bob Marshall treeless saddle on Siete and she loved it. Until she finishes growing, I think I'm going to get one and ride her in it.

Victoria Cummings said...

His website is aboutthehorse.com - Sorry!