Huuuuuge favour to ask of anyone in Lanarkshire

[Caol Ila]

If you've been following some of my other threads, you'll know I've been having some saddle drama. I am extremely curious about these Barefoot saddles, which have received quite a lot of positive reviews, operate on the same fundamental principle as my Orthoflex (but obviously with a completely different mechanism), and are more affordable than many of the other "alternative saddle" options out there. It does not seem as though the company allows for a trial period outside of the Netherlands and Belgium, unfortunately. So I was wondering if anyone in Lanarkshire has one and would be so kind as to let me have a look at it, or (and this is very cheeky), put it on my horse.

Worst case, I suppose I could buy it blind and sell it off in ebay if it doesn't work. I guess I'd rather not have to do that and would like to buy something that I know works.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I only have common treed saddles but bumping for you

 

[Caol Ila]

Cheers, Beastie.

Always some source of stress! I pontificate to my students (who listen to me) and sometimes liveries (who I probably shouldn't pontificate to because I doubt they want to hear it) about always listening to the horse, giving the horse the benefit of the doubt, blah, blah, blah. My horse is telling me very quietly that my saddle isn't right and I need to put my money where my mouth is. Unfortunately, it's quite a lot of money!

 

[p87]

There are a few horse stuff for sale facebook groups in the area, though not necessarily Lanarkshire, but maybe worth a shot just to widen your search?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/420646301317175/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/100919666715418/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/307533165939807/

These are the ones I know of, but there could be one for your area!

 

[meesha]

I had one - bought it new - didnt get on with it then sold on ebay without losing much money if that helps ....

To clarify - it was fine on mare who only did walk/trot round block (until she slipped and fell and instead of falling off sideways I went head first over her shoulder and split riding hat in 2!!) Also tried it on my youngster and again came off - certainly wouldnt jump in it or do fast work - it really is comfy but not a treeless version of a normal saddle - very different - I had the barefoot cheyenne.

 

[Caol Ila]

Bit the bullet and bought a Barefoot Lexington on ebay. It should show up tomorrow.

Hoping it works for us. I'm optimistic -- firstly, I ride bareback a lot and for secondly, whatever appalling things this might do to my position, it cannot possibly be worse than my Orthoflex, which feels a bit like sitting on a plywood board and it puts you in the worst chair seat ever.