> --- Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >>>>>>>I would say that initially the saddle looks like it might fit like a glove. But while I would have once thought that was a good thing having met Carol Brett about 8 years ago I started looking at saddle fit differently.<<<<<<<<
Interesting..thanks for the specifics.... > > Having a wide enough tree so that even when there is a rider on you can easily slide your hand down the front of the saddle between the tree point and the horse with room. The Balance idea is that the tree should be wide enough and then you use padding to fill in. Their padding system is really clever because you can layer the pads, with Velcro, and as the horse builds muscle (and they can only build muscle if there is enough room and are ridden correctly) you end up taking out padding.<<<<<<< Thank you as I have never heard it descibed that way..... > > I think people do the best they can and I think that saddle fit has always been one of the biggest issues for horses (along with feet, teeth).<<<< since we have gotton our Icelandics Saddles have been an issue for going on almost6 years now.... >>How the rider sits in the saddle and rides will also make tremendous difference to how they feel about the saddle - a great saddle with a rider who is unbalanced and hangs on the reins can be worse than a less than ideal saddle with a balanced rider - at least IME.<<<<<< I will agree with that. And my balance is something that I am acutely aware of. I really try my best to ride balanced...it has been important to me because of my size....and hanging on the reins, well it has never been much of an issue for me....I learn to ride western and hanging on the reins was not part of that....the horn, yes, the reins no...... :) Well I will say that I use a corrector pad under every saddle that I ride in....it has been the best pad we have found for my needs....it does have a velcro system of pads, and I have taken out a set before after months of riding...now I know why...so thanks for that specific information Robyn.... I wonder if that saddle fitter wants some time in Hawaii? mmmm Skye Fire Island Eco-Treks-808-443-6085 Fire Island Professional Farrier Service-640-6080
