[Dawn]

First, it needs to move back. Can't say how much without knowing what the horse looks like without a saddle. But I'd guess a good 2-4" based on that first photo.

As is, it's too wide bar angle appears to be a bit too flat. But that all will change anyway when the saddle's moved back.

[jumpfordreams]

It won't move back. That's actually pretty decent I think on my mare because she has serious slippage issues with every saddle. Her girth grove is pretty far forward and she's oddly shaped.

So you all think it's a pretty good fit? I don't have to go out there and buy yet another saddle?

[Dawn]

What do you mean it won't move back? It won't stay back if it is moved? Something else moves oddly if moved back? It interferes somewhere if moved back? Or.....?

[luvs2ride79]

The girth groove doesn't have anything to do with saddle placement. The front concho should be 1-2" BEHIND the back edge of the horse's shoulder blade. That is proper placement for just about any western saddle. If the girth is angled forward, then get a mohair roper girth and cinch it up tight directly below the rigging plate. If the girth won't stay there (it slips forward), then you need a saddle with more forward rigging, 7/8ths position or full rugging (all the way forward).

With the saddle in the proper position, check the skirt length. The back edge of the skirts should be no farther back than mid-line of the flank. If they go back farther, you need a saddle with shorter skirts or rounded skirts.

For pads, I would recommend a Skito saddle pad with a full lift-front shim. You can order one with quilted felt bottom, to keep a natural material against your horse.

[jumpfordreams]

I've had different rigging in all the 10+ western saddles I've had and every one of them slid forward and mohair cinches didn't help in fact they really irritated her because she is very sensitive.

If the rigging was all the way forward wouldn't the saddle pop up in the back? It's so much eaiser to fit a saddle to a horse that doesn't have crazy gaits because if I lunge her in practically any saddle they all bounce on her like crazy in the back. I've tried back cinches but those just got tight around her belly when she was trotting.

I guess fitting a saddle to my horse is a hopeless case. I wish I could just ride bareback! I'm getting another english saddle here pretty soon and if that doesn't fit I seriously think I'm going to scream.

Thanks for all the help, you guys.

[Dawn]

Please humor me just a bit

Take the saddle, move it back at least 3" and take more photos. I think that'll show exactly why it moves forward. Girth grooves can cause issues in themselves, but I'd say in this case it's more (or also) related to saddle fit.

[jumpfordreams]

Okay if I go to the barn this week I will take the saddle and take a couple more photos. I'll also have photos of the saddle I just got too.

[luvs2ride79]

The lift-front pad from Skito should help keep the saddle from slipping forward. You can send them pictures and they will custom make your shims.