dressage saddle slipping forward

spookypony

spookypony

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I'm trying out a dressage saddle for a week (an old Thorowgood).

The saddle fitter has had a look at it, and thinks it fits pretty well.
It's comfy for me, and the pony doesn't seem to mind it either, except that in canter, it has a tendency to slip forward. The fitter suggested trying an anti-slip pad. What kind do you use, and how well does it work for you?
 
I would personally say if it slips forward it doesnt fit properly. Not being rude to your saddler fitter - is this a person you have used before or someone that was recommended. A saddle should not really slip forward if it fits properly
 
An anti slip pad will not stop it from moving forward. I agree with gummybear, if it slips it probably doesnt fit. Unfortunately its quite hard to sort out, some horses are wider behind the girth and have a relatively narrow chest i.e. forces the saddle forward. same problm if horse is croup high. A point strap can help but they are rare on older dressage saddles.
 
Adrian's saddle was doing that. The fitter came out & said that it was now too wide in front as he'd lost his puppy fat (he was 4 when I got him). As it's a WOW, she changed the front arch for the next size down & that stopped the problem.
 
Well, to be fair to her, she had only a very quick informal look! Her first thought was that, given how it seemed to be fitting, my girth had likely just loosened. She did say that dressage saddles are more prone to slipping than other types, even if the fit is ok.

The pony concerned has a fairly high wither, but also has a fairly round belly ATM, so perhaps that's pushing it forward?

I'll try it with a small riser pad tomorrow...if it's really too wide in front, the pad ought to improve it??
 
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Yes, if its too wide the pad would improve it but if it is too wide dont buy it - it doesnt fit!

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Agreed! I was hoping to use it for a test on Saturday; we'll see. I can have it for free, so it would be nice if it fit!
tongue.gif
 
If its free i hope it fits too but if it doesnt you may end up spending the cost of a new one on sorting your horses back out, so dont be tempted!
 
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If its free i hope it fits too but if it doesnt you may end up spending the cost of a new one on sorting your horses back out, so dont be tempted!

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Good advice!
I'm making an appointment with the fitter next week to get the saddle question sorted; will try several different ones.
 
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