Are you heavier on one side than the other?

[m3gan]

Hi there,
I am having a few issues with my saddle ATM and would be very grateful for any advice that you may have.
Firstly the saddle has become slightly larger on one side of the bottom of the saddle (on the right side) have had this happen before, probably 18mnths or two years ago, My saddler who sold me the saddle came out and put some more flocking in one side. Secondly the saddle slips slightly to this side as well! I spoke to the saddler today and he asked if it was me who was lopsided! I said no I didn't think I rode unevenly, but then he said if I got to the saddlery they can weigh me on two scales to see (don't much like the sound of that!)That got me thinking that actually I am a bit uneven sized as one foot is slightly bigger than the other and so is another 'top' part of my anatomy!Which part I wasn't going to tell him on the phone!
So do any others have this problem, and what is the remedy, do I need to look at another saddle for my boy or what is the best thing to do?
My ned is a 14.2 Arab and the present saddle is an Ideal 18" (I think)!

Thank you for reading!

 

[planete]

Very common problem. No horse or rider is completely symmetrical. A good instructor can help by making you aware of your posture and helping you correct it. A physio/chiropractor can also check you for straightness and treat you as well as giving you exercises. Your horse may be more muscled on one side than the other. The instructor could also help with that. If the saddle fits there is no need to change it. Rather than flock the saddle to compensate it is sometimes better to use shimming to make the saddle sit level and to alter the shimming as the horse and rider become better balanced. There are some numnhas on the market with pockets you can put shims in. A good saddler should be able to advise.

 

[zoon]

I have scoliosis (a bend in my spine), which means I am permanently leaning to the right. It is not a massive curvature, but enough that it effects my horses. I have WOW saddles as the flair can be altered so that the horses are not as affected by it

 

[Shooting Star]

yep, my left side is stronger (and weirdly leaner) than my right after 10 years of doing an asymetrical sport (oops!) and i now have to be very careful to keep reminding myself to keep my weight central when riding. I really notice that I put far more weight through one stirrup than the other.

I'm working on it but it's going to take a long time and I'm not sure I'll ever get fully straight.