Can anyone give me advice on my Western Saddle?

[carrie_toby]

I have a Western Saddle and am unsure of the fit, but there are no Western saddlers in the whole of Scotland. It appears to be both too narrow but too wide at the same time (follow link for pictures - new at this so no clue how to upload!!). It looks as if it is pinching the shoulder, but is lifting up at the back. Toby does not show any signs of discomfort with the saddle (i.e. not stepping away from it or hollowing his back when ridden). However, he has had a sore bum/back recently - very tight muscles. He is also ridden in an English saddle that was checked 4 months ago.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203896312996159&set=pcb.10203896321396369&type=1&theater

*Click next at the top left to flick through pictures - feel free!!*

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Gloi]

The link doesn't seem to be working

 

[carrie_toby]

is this any better?

 

[carrie_toby]

Nevermind, I can not work pictures!!

 

[PollyP99]

Load them to your profile on here

 

[carrie_toby]

Ok, done!

 

[happyclappy]

no expert but it looks to me as if it may be slightly tight. i may well be completely wrong

 

[skyrock]

Hi I have a similar problem with a Lane Fox cutback saddle lifting at the back. It is doing this because it is too narrow across the front if that makes sense, couldnt see your pics but would guess you have the same problem.

 

[sbloom]

Not seen the photos but Western saddles have bars instead of tree angles, but they still sit at an angle. If that angle is too wide then they WILL pinch, but at the top of them rather than at the bottom - on an English saddle this would mean the top edge of the panel will be very tight, but at the tree points it will be loose, where the points angle away from the horse. This lack of contact throughout the bars allows the back of the saddle to lift. It might be too curvy front to back as well. Could you ask for a western specialist to help you for a fixed fee via photos? There is a good lady I think in West Sussex.

Saddles do not lift at the back because they are too narrow, the Lane Fox will be too wide at the points, pinching at the top of the panels as I said. Too narrow a tree means there is a slight gapping at the top of the panel under the pommel but the points are firmer on the horse.

 

[TPO]

Do you have pads? Western saddles aren't fitted the same as English and you ALWAYS use thick pads under them.

I think the saddle is sitting too low and pinching because there's not a pad. The right pad will lift the saddle up.

This book will help point you in the right direction

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1570763895/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1401542460&sr=8-2

This DVD is also really good (but a but dry if I'm honest!) http://www.eclectic-horseman.com/mercantile/product_info.php?products_id=323 It's a good visual aid if that's how you learn

Here is an article on western saddle fitting by the UK based western saddle fitter (Maria iirc) http://western-saddler.co.uk/saddle-fit/ You'll find her contact details on the site for further info.

There's a blossoming western scene in Scotland with the likes if Bob Mayhew coming up regularly. What area are you in? Try looking on the Western Equestrian Society site to find some local western trainers who might be able to help.

http://wes-uk.com/your-local-wes-area/

Hope that helps

 

[lastchancer]

Is that the Billy Cook that was on Ebay a couple of weeks back? Nice saddle!

 

[TTK]

Do you normally use a pad under it, you need a thick pad.