[taliacristianna]

Originally Posted by Beau

Thanks talia, I really don't think he'll be that hard to fit for a saddle, he's got a pretty average build, not like some of the builds you see on arabs. So I'm not too worried. Plus it will be about a year before I can buy him one, so I've got lots of time to look, lol.

You might be surprised! I thought my 15.1H paint mare was "average" too.



She outgrew her XW Thornhill last year. Thornhill doesn't make a wider model... Now I'm on the prowl for a nice treeless saddle.

Always go wider as opposed to narrower. You can compensate a little bit w/pads and such when a saddle is too wide. Too narrow and I guarantee your horse will develop "attitude" problems. (Bucking, rearing, head tossing, refusals, too slow, too fast... More often then people realize, poor saddle fit is the cause of such issues.)

[exxy]

He's a very handsome horse

He goes behind the vertical and his poll gets low every now and then.
He has a nice active hindleg and tracks up nicely. He doesn't look as tense as some arabs I've seen do. Looks like you need to try and keep his neck a little straighter though Looks like he is leaning on the inside leg in the canter picture.

A new saddle that fits the both of you will help you get a better position. With a better position you will be able to influence him better and be more effective. Believe me it will make a huge difference

[Beau]

Thanks exxy, he does get behind the vertical sometimes. But part of the problem is he clacks his teeth, and he was on a loose rein that day, so he kind of bops his head back and forth. I wasn't really pushing him up into my hands, just letting him go at his own pace. Once I get a saddle that fits though, things should be easier. I'll search around the barn for one that fits, but I might just have to stick with the western saddle until next year.