Backed my youngster - Ghost treeless saddle review

Wagtail

Wagtail

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2 December 2010
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I promised a review of the Ghost treeless saddle. Well, after lots of delays, first due to my shoulder operation, and then due to a broken finger, I finally got on my little mare for the first time three weeks ago. I have also lost a stone in weight to get down to my target of 9st 10 in order to do it! She's still very diddy and compact; measuring only just 15hh and I am nearly 5' 10", and so finding the right saddle has been a problem. She ideally needs a 16.5 inch and I need an inch bigger due to my long legs. I had the saddler who was unable to help me and suggested a treeless. In the end, after lots of research I opted for the Ghost treeless saddle. It looked a bit perched on her to start with but beds down nicely and she didn't even react when lunged in it. Similarly, when it came to me sitting on her for the first time, she didn't bat an eyelid. It felt secure and has a handy 'handle' at the front, so ideal for backing. We're still just walking around at present, mainly because she doesn't tolerate a bridle, so I backed her in a rope halter. I think it may be a tooth problem, so I'm getting the dentist to her. Anyway, after all my worrying about being too big for her, I don't think I look TOO bad. A bit tall, but hopefully not too ridiculous. Here's a small picture of my very first sit on her. Not too clear as was taken from within the house.

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Well done. I too have a ghost saddle. I also have the pad that is designed for under the saddle and I really don't like it. I think Louise uses a polypad as well. I now use either a polypad or an equitex under the saddle and everything sits and rides perfectly.
 
Yay! You definitely don't look too big on her (although you're not properly upright, so we'll need more pics of that soon!) and she's probably still got a bit of growing/filling out to do so that will only improve.
 
Sheep said:
Brilliant, keep us posted on her! Glad to see you're making progress, hope the bridle issue is sorted soon.
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Thanks. She had a sharp spur when the vet came to give her jabs, but she wouldn't let the vet get the gag on her. I'm going to slightly sedate her for the dentist when he comes. She hates the bridle and shakes her head continuously, It's a micklem and I think where it fastens must be pressing on the sharp tooth. So hopefully the dentist will sort it.

silversprings said:
Well done. I too have a ghost saddle. I also have the pad that is designed for under the saddle and I really don't like it. I think Louise uses a polypad as well. I now use either a polypad or an equitex under the saddle and everything sits and rides perfectly.
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That's interesting. I bought the Ghost saddle pad and find it very bulky and stiff. I might look into getting a polypad for treeless saddles. Thanks.
 
annagain said:
Yay! You definitely don't look too big on her (although you're not properly upright, so we'll need more pics of that soon!) and she's probably still got a bit of growing/filling out to do so that will only improve.
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Thanks, I hope so. Yes I was keeping a low profile in the picture as it was my first sit on.
 
If she's very sore from the sharp tooth, it would be easier and safer all round to get her fully sedated and into a set of stocks to have her teeth rasped. (Not sure if you're planning to do this).

Once the sharp spur has been knocked off, and the mouth has healed, then she should be much easier to do in the future. If she has a bad time of it this time, you could be setting up trouble for the future.

Glad to see you on board, btw!
 
Tiddlypom said:
If she's very sore from the sharp tooth, it would be easier and safer all round to get her fully sedated and into a set of stocks to have her teeth rasped. (Not sure if you're planning to do this).

Once the sharp spur has been knocked off, and the mouth has healed, then she should be much easier to do in the future. If she has a bad time of it this time, you could be setting up trouble for the future.

Glad to see you on board, btw!
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Hmm, maybe a trip to the vets then. I was planning on some trailer training in any case.
 
I've been able to get away with sedalin and the EDT at home for my youngsters. IMHO it's quite amazing that an unbitted youngster would allow the gag and rasp in, but they seem to be remarkably tolerant, as long as they are not in pain. My EDT is an old fashioned nagsman and equine magician, so we are very lucky.

My 4yo was quidding 6 months after last being floated, so I had the EDT back out just before sending her away to be backed. It turned out she had got a sliver of broken off cap embedded in her gum, so no wonder she was sore. The EDT fished it out, tidied her teeth up, and she's been grand since.

Your mare will soon be fettled, and then you can crack on some more. Good luck :).
 
I have had the same problem as you regarding a short backed 15hh youngster. I am 5'9" and also decided on a treeless have gone for a Barefoot. Like your youngster my 3 year old has accepted the saddle and a rider with no problems.
 
great to see you on board...you look fine to me and she will bulk out a bit more as she matures....it doesn't seem 5 mins ago that you bought her and you were worried she wouldn't grow enough for you to ride, you didn't need to worry ...she will be fine..
 
Oh brill wagtail!!!! Have been watching out for an update. So pleased she made 15hh and u feel comfortable on her. Hope u get the bridle sorted and looking forward to watching her progress :)
 
Tiddlypom said:
I've been able to get away with sedalin and the EDT at home for my youngsters. IMHO it's quite amazing that an unbitted youngster would allow the gag and rasp in, but they seem to be remarkably tolerant, as long as they are not in pain. My EDT is an old fashioned nagsman and equine magician, so we are very lucky.

My 4yo was quidding 6 months after last being floated, so I had the EDT back out just before sending her away to be backed. It turned out she had got a sliver of broken off cap embedded in her gum, so no wonder she was sore. The EDT fished it out, tidied her teeth up, and she's been grand since.

Your mare will soon be fettled, and then you can crack on some more. Good luck :).
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Thanks. I hope so.

Passtheshampoo said:
I have had the same problem as you regarding a short backed 15hh youngster. I am 5'9" and also decided on a treeless have gone for a Barefoot. Like your youngster my 3 year old has accepted the saddle and a rider with no problems.
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I was a bit worried because I've never ridden in one before but it's a lot more secure than I thought it would be.

splashgirl45 said:
great to see you on board...you look fine to me and she will bulk out a bit more as she matures....it doesn't seem 5 mins ago that you bought her and you were worried she wouldn't grow enough for you to ride, you didn't need to worry ...she will be fine..
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It will be two years in December. Time really flies. She feels really strong and solid and doesn't seem to notice me on board.

texas said:
Brilliant :)
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googol said:
Oh brill wagtail!!!! Have been watching out for an update. So pleased she made 15hh and u feel comfortable on her. Hope u get the bridle sorted and looking forward to watching her progress :)
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Thank you. :)
 
Peregrine Falcon said:
Ohhhh, fabby, you're on!!! :):):)

I bet you've been itching to do so really. Well done on losing the weight too.
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Thank you. Yes it was hard giving her an extra year, but I think it was definitely for the best. She's now a sturdy four year old. I won't do much at all with her over the winter, then I'll step it up a bit next spring.
 
You don't look to big for her at all :)

I like the look of your saddle as well, I've got 3 Barefoots at the moment but was looking to upgrade one of them, might give the Ghost a go as they look quite similar to the Barefoot London.
 
madlady said:
You don't look to big for her at all :)

I like the look of your saddle as well, I've got 3 Barefoots at the moment but was looking to upgrade one of them, might give the Ghost a go as they look quite similar to the Barefoot London.
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Thanks. Good job I like big horses. The Ghost is really nice quality Italian leather. I am very pleased with it so far.
 
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