I have to agree about the SS allowing the rider to sit just behind the withers of the horse in the "sweet spot". By the way, this is the best place for the horse to carry a riders weight. But I also understand the stree it can put on the lower back and hips when your horse is wide and or flat backed. You can improve this a lot by customizing a high density foam pad to go under the saddle. Start with a thick pad and shape it either with a serrated knife or an electric knife. Cut the sides down to tapered edges so that when it sits on the horses back it alters the shape of the horse, as if the horse had a more peaked back. This gives the saddle a narrower twist. You can cut the pad down the center to creat a channel for the spine. Then you can attach wide velcro to the rubber pad with spray adhesive. Place the velcro on the top side of the pad so the velcro will stick to the fleece underside of the SS. I read in another post that Skito was making a pad like this for another treeless saddle. Pocket pads like the Skito are ideal for custom shaped foam inserts. I may have to order one for my own SS! Just as soon as I recover from the cost of a new truck, new trailer, horse surgery bills, tax and tags on new trailer, hay for the coming year, etc, etc. Call the poor house and reserve me a bunk!
Bonnie Snodgrass -----Original Message----- From: Sullivan [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2002 10:42 AM To: Kristi Schaaf; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [RC] 'Sweet spot' saddle - summary of replies I wanted to add one more opinion, the best saddle I have ever found to put the rider in the right position is the Sport saddle. I realize you said it caused problems with your back, but I also wanted to add that it really makes a difference where the stirrups are hung from. I have mine back at least 2", so they are right under me. Most people don';t like t his as y ou also feel like you can pitch forward if the horse stops suddenly; benefit is that you can stand in sitrrups and be totally balanced. When I ride SS with stirrups forward, I hate them, and my knees hurt. Karen =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
