Albion slk fitting help!

[jackpolling]

Iv been lucky enough to land on a lovely SLK 2nd hand. I an going to get the saddler to check but there's a 3week wait so in the meantime after some advice off anyone that has one.

The pommel sits quite high but I am used to a close contact bates jump saddle so I was wondering how high they should sit?

Also it sits lovely and even and I can run my hand down the front over either flap nicely but it's not overly slack if that makes sense?!

Please help if anyone can! Thanks!

 

[Tiffany]

I've got an SLK & love it. Do you have a photo with it on your horse? I'm not a saddler although can compare to how mine fits my girl.

 

[weeanne]

If its sitting too high above the withers the chances are its probably 2 narrow. 3 or 4 fingers while mounted is normal.

 

[jackpolling]

Thanks ladies il get a pic, not sat in it yet only sat it on the horse as I haven't been to get a dressage girth yet x

 

[sbloom]

Check the tree width - either by sight, looking at the point pocket and nhow it lines up with the ribcage angle, or by checking the pressure is even down the front of the panel when you press on the pommel. This is more important than clearance - a high head Albion will give you more clearance than a low head with the same width tree - it is not necessarily too narrow.

Next assess the balance and see if the flattest part of the seat is level with the ground - if it is low at the back then if the tree is the right width it means the rear panel is probably too small is not lifting the cantle enough.

If all this is right the saddle may be good - but if too perched, or curvy from front to back, then it will probably move around - sit to one side, wriggle around, or lift at the back.

Hope that helps.