Help fitting western saddle

[Trigger Happy]

Hi, I was looking for some advice. I've looked at loads of YouTube videos and read through forums but am still a bit stumped. I've bought a new western saddle. It seems too fit him when it's not fastened. I can run my hand all the way under the skirt and behind his shoulders fine. It's doesn't seem to be, to me, too wide. However as soon as I do the cinch it starts to tilt forward. And when the cinch is done up it looks like all the 'pressure Arrows' point to the the bottom front area below the tie strap holder. He's not in a fit condition and is pot bellied (not worms). I'm hoping when he gets fitter then it will fit him properly..... or is it a lost cause and I'm best looking for a different one? His belly makes his girth/cinch move further forward to where it should sit. Not sure if this make a difference. Sorry for the essay 😊

 

[Red-1]

There are a few places around who are used to Western saddles and fitting them, I would transport horse and saddle to one of those.

Too important to get it wrong!

I know of one in Yorks, Leicester/Notts (can't remember), Cambridge...

 

[Ruby's Mum]

Firstly, what saddle have you bought and where is it from? Is it a branded saddle you've bought on,one second hand or a "new" one from EBay (from India). It is a huge misconception that western saddles fit anything, so a huge well done coming on here and asking the question about the fit. It is extremely important that it fits.

Whereabouts are you? I can then put you in touch with a fitter, the fees are not much. I am a western rider and recently had the fitters out for my new mare as it is near impossible to just buy one and it fits. The fitters came out with 8 saddles and out of those only two were a good fit.

Please PM me if you want to give me more details as it is too important to get wrong (and costly for you and the horse too!).

 

[Ruby's Mum]

Also, just re-reading your post, you do realise that ALL western saddles need to have a pad underneath them, you cannot use them just on their own, most western pads are 1inch thick so this has to Be factored into the fit.

In addition, it could be that the rigging is wrong for him, this is where the cinch attaches, a lot of cheap western saddles are rigged too far forward and you can't change this, it's just the way they've been made.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Echo ruby, they need a pad under and the cinch is done A Particular way a bit like a tie
Wwhereabouts in the country are you as There is the western department store at Shabbington who will help you. Also you won’t need the back strap as that is only used when roping cattle or for show.

A true American saddle has a metal plate under the fender straps .

 

[TTK]

Also, having agreed with all previous comments, western saddles have a distinct front to back profile. If your horse tends to be flat backed, it sounds, from what you say, that you have a saddle with too much ‘rock’ in it ie, curved from front to back and therefore tends to lift. There are some good fitters out there, pm me if you like (ps I am not a fitter but have read around the subject).

 

[Trigger Happy]

Hi I'm north Manchester. I've had a look but can only seem to find English saddle fitters. Thanks

 

[Trigger Happy]

Hi, I bought it off a lady from facebook. She said it was one from robinsons and it had only been on her horse twice. I'm north Manchester. If you know any fitter near me that would be a great help. I also have a blanket under his saddle. A western one which gets folded in half.

 

[Ruby's Mum]

Oh heck, I'm really sorry to say Robinsons western saddles are made in India and they have a very forward rigging and they aren't good. No problem at all with a fitter, Jim and Lesley Wilkinson-Lyner (Google "Hooves Western") are in West Yorkshire and will come over to you no problem. I'm afraid you need to be realistic with your budget, it's going to be more than your Robinsons saddle but once you get a "proper" saddle you will be astounded. They have a lot of second hand saddles and their fitting process is the best in the UK (they bring fibreglass trees with them and fit them first checking pressure points etc and then match to a saddle). They will go through the who,e process with you, so that you understand the fit. They are also fabulous with new western riders, they will show you how to correctly fit everything, which is a real minefield at first. They actually have a couple of part leather, part synthetic saddles in at the moment which will be cheaper but they are a very good brand. They won't take your current saddle in as trade in I'm afraid as they wouldn't deal with Indian saddles.

We've got a WES (western equestrian society) clinic in Wakefield on 28th April if you have transport? I'm sure they would do a fitting there for you if you pre arrange.

Sorry to give you bad news about your saddle but if it was me I'd get it back up for sale and get yourself something that fits and is going to be fit for purpose.

If there is anything else I can help with western wise just shout.

 

[Trigger Happy]

Aww no, ha ha I'm gutted. I knew they were cheap saddle but thought I'd give it a go. No idea they are from India either as I try to stay clear from them. Thank you I'll get in touch with hooves western and see what sort of budget I need to start saving for. I can't make the 28th April bit will see keep my eyes open for any others thank you for your help

 

[Ruby's Mum]

I'm glad you're not offended, they're really not great. The issue I am certain you have is the rigging, the better western saddles have what they call a 7/8th rigging, so where the cinch sits is further back along the saddle and therefore stops it tipping forwards. Hooves are great and will help you as much as they can whatever budget you have and they mainly deal in second hand saddles and they won't sell you anything that doesn't fit, you will need to ride in it a walk and at least a few strides of trot so they can check the fit. I love Jim and Lesley and they have become very good friends over the years, I came into Western from English and didn't know anything and they are lovely people to deal with, non judgemental and will show you how to do everything (including best way to mount and dismount!)

Keep me posted and if there's anything else you need to know just shout. You will need a new pad I'm afraid, a doubled over blanket won't work. They have some second hand pads in as well sadly I think they've just rehomed one of my decent pads I gave them to pass on for free to someone just starting out, so you don't have to buy everything new to start out.

they're used to fitting western saddles to pretty much any breed as well, so whatever you have they'll find you something suitable!

Keep me posted on how you get on!

 

[Trigger Happy]

Looking at it it does sound like the rigging. If you don't mind, I'd love to keep you posted. Thanks again for your help

 

[Ruby's Mum]

I'd say it is the rigging. You'd be amazed as to how many trees and widths western saddles can come in also though. You'll see when you get your fitting done. Do keep me posted, I don't know what your aspirations are but even if just hacking out and wanting to feel more secure etc, if you need any guidance just shout, happy to help as much as I'm able.