Gah. WWYD? Another saddle fitting problem

HeresHoping

HeresHoping

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It seems to be all about saddles today.

I have a ride on a baby (4 y o) that I am hugely grateful for as I no longer have a gee gee of my own. However, I haven't ridden him very much recently because I think his saddle is causing serious issues. My instructor has said it is causing him to throw his head around and really, it's far too big for the horse. I find it coming up to meet me when rising, and it is pressing on his shoulders. I noticed when his owner was riding it was also sliding all over the place. I have mentioned, as nicely as I could, that the saddle appears to be causing some problem and they acknowledged this. Ho hum.

I have organised for a Master Saddler of some repute to come to the yard today as a number of people where seeking fitting checks, and I also want to sell my own saddle to one of the girls on the yard. [Stay with me]. After a visit from the back lady last week, the baby's owners begged to be included in today's checks. They also have a pony and want her saddle checked, too.

Just had a text to say 'don't want to have the baby's checked, just the pony's, nothing wrong with baby's saddle, it was new last Oct so is fine'.

Aaarrggghh... what do I do? It's really none of my business (and I'm not the YO, I just happened to organise the saddler's visit). Just refuse to ride him? I'll cause all sorts of upset.
 
I think refusing to ride him is all you can do, unless you pretend you did't receive the text!!!!!

I have a 4 1/2 year old cob, he is on weight watchers ATM and his (made to measure) saddle has dropped again at the front. My daughter thinks I am being over sensitive but I will not ride him until his saddle has been checked. He is too young a precious for me to cause him pain and problems with an ill fitting saddle.
 
Thanks. Can't pretend I didn't get the text - I responded with an 'it's entirely up to you'.

I'll just make my excuses and not ride him. I won't say anything, as I don't want a reputation for sticking my nose in where it's not wanted.
 
It wouldn't be unreasonable for you to describe the problems you have seen/felt with this saddle and say to owner the saddler wants to have a look at it..

Basically, she can't argue with fact, if a saddle is moving around visibly whilst being ridden in, and she will see this if you demonstrate whilst you are riding,that is a really bad fit, there are many more subtle things to fitting saddles, but that is an obvious one!

From someone who has been in a similar 'owner says it fits' situation and been injured, you need to put your foot down and not ride this horse unless you are happy with the saddle fit. An uncomfortable horse will let you know eventually.
 
Why not ask would they mind if you got your saddle checked on him as you want to be sure before you sell it that it's of no use to you to keep for riding other horses in! Then tune in saddle fitter when nobody else is in earshot and get them to ask to see horses own saddle for a comparison! Given that horse is young and growing saddler may be able to help saddle for with a shimmed pad
 
amage said:
Why not ask would they mind if you got your saddle checked on him as you want to be sure before you sell it that it's of no use to you to keep for riding other horses in! Then tune in saddle fitter when nobody else is in earshot and get them to ask to see horses own saddle for a comparison! Given that horse is young and growing saddler may be able to help saddle for with a shimmed pad
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Unfortunately, my saddle is a High Wither T8. There's no way on earth it will fit the baby. And subject to fit, it has been sold to someone on the yard with another high withered TB.

I have already suggested their saddle doesn't fit and pointed out the issues - two or three times, actually. So has the back lady - in some detail, I believe. The more I think about this, the more I think I've probably said too much already and I don't want them to feel I'm always nagging and interfering. I'm just sad they have decided this.
 
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