>>>> So today I ride Joli' in the wintec and it didn't hurt alot after 2 hours >>>> but more than normal. She is a lot wider of a horse than Lukka. What >>>> does that mean in regard to the saddle and the twist? Or does it have >>>> nothing to do with the saddle but more the shape of the horse?
Just going on my experience, I think hip pain from riding basically comes from several factors - the saddle's twist and shape of the horse are certainly two of them. I think the hardness of he seat can come into play, and probably other factors too, but I think the main issue is simply how wide your hips/legs are spread compared to your own anatomy. The twist is one factor, probably a reasonably big factor. I certainly prefer a narrow twist, and that's one reason why I've liked the Sensations so much - they certainly have one of the narrower "twists" of any treeless. The size of the horse though is a big factor - how broad his/her back is, how wide-sprung the ribs. I don't care for the Barefoot/Torsion type saddles at all as they come out of the box on my wider horses. However, I HAVE been able to get the Torsion pretty comfortable, by adding a memory foam "twist" under the seat. My Torsion is also the "Extra Light" model, so there is less material under the horse's barrel unlike other Torsion models. I even sculpted out a "scallop" out of the Skito pad under my thigh to make less bulk. With these modifications, I actually find the Torsion pretty comfy now. (The only other place I know to take away bulk from my horse's barrel area would be in my own thighs, and I could certainly stand to loose a few pounds too.) One thing I've found is that it's certainly been easier for me to make my personalized modifications on treeless saddles than with treed saddles. I converted to treeless simply to find something that worked for my horses - it's been a blessing to me that I also am very comfortable in the saddles. Oh, one other tidbit - I always ride in the padded EZ-ride type endurance stirrups now. I can't help but notice how much better all the joints in my legs - probably even in my back - feel since I switched. I think about that old song, the one that goes something vaguely like, "the foot bone is connected to the ankle bone; the ankle bone is connected to the calf bone..." If for any reason you are tight in one joint, you can certainly feel it in other joints. I have had a nasty habit of jamming my ankles, and these stirrups really helped me break the cycle - but I still had to make a conscious effort to relax my ankles. I thought about that when you mentioned riding another horse giving you more pain...could it be that you are more relaxed and comfortable with Lukka than with Joli? I'm sure when I'm tense, I'm more likely to make any painful areas worse. It's just a thought. Karen Thomas, NC
