**** ... am I going to need a new saddle?

dibbin

dibbin

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We had the saddle fitter out this morning, as I think Dylan's saddle looks like it's tipping backwards. He looked at it, and said there isn't enough room in the panels to flock it enough to level it, and he can't take any flocking out at the front, so I should get a riser pad.

However, I was under the impression that a riser pad should really only be used as a temporary measure (please correct me if I'm wrong here)? If I use a polypad it makes the saddle more level, but I don't like using one because they slip and rub.

It's a Wintec saddle, so I'm hoping I might just need a different size of gullet, as there's plenty of clearance at the front, so if it's lowered the saddle will be level. I really REALLY can't afford a new saddle!

Anyone got any advice? Cookies will be distributed :)
 
Didn't your saddler bring out different size gullets to try? If you told him beforehand that you had a Wintec, and he didn't bring out some other gullets, then I would be extremely grumpy with him!
 
He didn't, but that's my fault for not mentioning that it's a Wintec before he came out :o one of my friends has a Wintec she doesn't use, and I'm pretty sure she's got the full set of gullets, so I'll try and get one of hers.
 
DO NOT use a riser pad. They are the invention of the devil! All it will do is move pressure from one place to another. It wont solve the problem that is the saddle doesnt fit, it will just lift the back up and move the pressure to a different area.

Borrow as many gullets as you can and place them in turn over the horses spine, the base of the gullet should be about 2 inches behind the back of the saddle. The right gullet will sit flush to the body, not digging in or flaring away at the base. Then put that gullet in the saddle, put the saddle on with the points behind the shoulder blade and girth up. Stand the horse square on a level surface and stand bcak and look. The seat should look level. If it doesnt then the saddle is not right for the horse.

It may be that the current gullet is too narrow, which tips the saddle up at the front. But if you have the same problem with the correct width gullet in then you will need a different saddle
 
teddyt - that's what I reckoned :)

I kind of tentatively told my dad what the saddle fitter had said, and I think he might be amenable to buying Dylan a new saddle if he needs it ... until then, we shall try out gullets.
 
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