----- Original Message ----- From: "blessiowner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Over the past few weeks, I have been working with Karen Borne and Simone Mauhl of Borne Saddlery to talk about a custom saddle for Blessi. . . . . In large part, the framework on the trees is too wide and lays on the ribcage of the horse instead of the longissimus muscle that attaches the ribcage to the spine. . . . So far, the findings are indicating that a narrower saddle tree is what is needed and Andy is currently discussing this with the tree mfg. in Wales.< KLUNK! This is like hearing the earth is flat again. : ) I mean, I have NEVER EVER heard that a new tree has to be developed for Icelandics because there's not any NARROW enough for them presently being made. Am I misunderstanding? Is that what they told you? If so, that is completely opposite what has been proven over and over again in this breed: Many saddles are too narrow to begin with, especially through the withers and gullet, and MORE width is needed, not less. (Did you mean maybe a SHORTER tree maybe? Or maybe they meant one with a different shape in general???) I'm sure there are individual Icelandics out there who DO, infact, require and fit into a narrow or narrower treed saddle. But I'm not convinced at this point, (from what I've observed myself and from other's shared experiences) this would be the majority of the breed. >Several owners of hard-to-fit mountain horses have gotten these saddles and loved them.< Hmmm. . . .Many Mountain horses tend to be built like tanks. . . Is this saddle maker known for especially-wide saddle trees? If so, where have they been all my life?!? I found this link, if anyone is interested: http://www.bornesaddlery.com/ I wish they would show the underside of their saddles and go into more detail about their construction. Man, this is just wierd! But thanks for posting it Pamela. It's interesting to say the least! And good for them to not sell you a saddle when they didn't think they could make it fit. Having gone the custom route (Synergist) and not had a saddle that fit well in the end, I can definitely appreciate that. -- Renee M. in Michigan
