[idlewild]

So, my current all-purpose saddle I use for jumping does NOT fit Buddy at all... I am not happy with it.

The problem with it is that it's a bit to wide. If I put a thick enough pad to get it up off his withers it rocks forward and puts pressure in an area about 6 inches long just behind the shoulder. It does not evenly distribute the weight of the saddle along the entire panel, it's all up front.
Then if I put a thinner pad on, it sits down on his withers but doesn't pinch/put pressure behind his shoulder.
Chose the lesser of two evils? Yeah, not really. Right now I'm choosing to give the wither clearance. But, in the end, I really need a better saddle for him.

So right now I have some choices, I can wait and ask around to see if I can borrow a saddle and continue using the one I have now until then. My friend has a saddle I can use, but she's a good 5 hour drive away and although she has said I can use it, I won't be able to get it until mid may at the earliest.

Or.... I have found a killer of a deal on a close contact courbette derby on ebay. It's a medium-narrow tree, exactly what I need! Only thing, it doesn't have any knee rolls, and if I'm going to be doing XC and all that jazz I might want something that would make me feel a little more secure, but then, I'm only doing BN/N.

I don't know what to do. I ultimatly want to save for a Bates CC, but I need a saddle that fits Buddy NOW. Should I wait another month and use my friends saddle when I can get it? Or try and get the saddle on ebay. So far Buddy's back is pain free, I've been checking it carefully after each ride. But I don't know how long that will last. If I get the saddle on ebay I can always re-sell it should it not fit, and it's in such good condition that it will easily sell I think.

Arg, I hate making decisions.

[MidnightStarr]

Its very important that it fits right without a pad under it, you want it level, with no bridging as well as not to wide or to narrow. We go to a saddle fitting clinic put on by this web site every year , its amazing what I have learned . Equestrian Imports Saddles and Dressage Saddle Accessories
Ann Forest and her staff can get you in the right direction. Have you ever had your saddle reflocked? If the saddle can be reflocked , and your panels are flat now that might help, or if you send them a wither tracing you might have to find a different saddle. Anyway check them out and see if there is someone near you that has a clinic with them coming up. You'll just Love Ann shes is super!!!

[Moostang]

Another thing you can try is attaching your girth to the billets differently. I found with my jumping saddle I need to use the back two rather than the first and last.

[AMD]

back two rather than the first and last.

Just an FYI on english saddles... the Back two billets are stitched in together so that if the stitching fails you the girth is going to be gone too. You should always use either the first two or the first and last because the first billet is stitched independantly from the last two. I like using the last two as well, but I feel a first and third place the saddle more evenly throughout (with your weight in the middle) than the back two, although freeing up the shoulders more, chances are you are putting more pressure on the loin.

All saddles are different, but I won't ever use the back two again together, especially on longer rides, just too much of a risk IMO.

[Moostang]

Good to know!! Now that my saddle is futhur on the breakin I may try switching again to see the fit

[AMD]

Oh, about the original problem. I have a hard time riding in a saddle that doesn't fit my horse, you are only creating problems even if you don't physically see them. He could be compensating and could be problems showing up in the future.

I certainely wouldn't be jumping in it. I would find a way to get the saddle earlier or trade for one that fits better.

[idlewild]

I am not going to consider relocking this saddle I have now. It is an All Purpose saddle and I have grown out of it. I am starting to jump 3' + and the position of the flaps/stirrup bar and the more "dressagy" position this AP saddle puts one in just does not work for the higher jumps.

However, if I buy a good close contact saddle, then yes, I would definetly consider having it reflocked if needed.

I know the saddle is hindering him some, he really shows a reluctance in the AP saddle to lift his back and work over his topline (something he is much more willing to do in my dressage saddle, which fits him).

I think I will try for the saddle on ebay, it really looks like it would fit, and if it doesn't, I'll just re-sell it. Doesn't hurt to try.