I cant ride in my new saddle!

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Louby

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I bought a new made to measure dressage saddle and I cant ride in it :eek:
I did try them before I bought and liked it but Im really struggling. Yes its ultra comfy but I feel so insecure and like Ive loads of room. Its an Albion SLK Ultima with massive knee rolls so Ive no excuse :o:o
My last saddle was too small for me and had started to rub my bits :o:eek:, I was suffering with my lower back too so couldnt wait for this to arrive but Im getting a bit worried now as its like Ive never rode a horse before.
Is it something you gradually get used to?
Years ago we had old saddles with no support at all and I always coped fine.
 
I got a made to measure one a few years ago for my old boy. I'm like you, in that the older saddles were always fine for me, but this new one had a wide gullet and panels which spread the weight over the horses back. My god, I thought that my hips were splitting. I couldn't ride on a hack in walk for more than half an hour! Now, I find it hard to ride in anything else. It actually put me in a better position, but it didn't feel like it after years of riding in my own "style"! Horse improved dramatically, as did I. You will get used to it - honestly, but you might have to give it a couple of months to really feel at home in it. Good luck x
 
Louby said:
I bought a new made to measure dressage saddle and I cant ride in it :eek:
I did try them before I bought and liked it but Im really struggling. Yes its ultra comfy but I feel so insecure and like Ive loads of room. Its an Albion SLK Ultima with massive knee rolls so Ive no excuse :o:o
My last saddle was too small for me and had started to rub my bits :o:eek:, I was suffering with my lower back too so couldnt wait for this to arrive but Im getting a bit worried now as its like Ive never rode a horse before.
Is it something you gradually get used to?
Years ago we had old saddles with no support at all and I always coped fine.
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Oh bless you it must be very disappointing after going to all that trouble to get made to measure. Take it slow and you will get used to it. Have you used a dressage saddle before?
 
Thanks for replying.
Yes my last saddle was a Jaguar Dressage saddle and fit the horse (hes very short coupled) but not me, so suppose I was hemmed in :) I remember years ago riding in a DH Kentucky and felt so secure and was hoping this one would feel similar.

My boys supercharged at the moment and Im wondering if the new saddle is something to do with it???He feels like hes moving better, is definately more forward going which isnt helping my bouncing all over, poor boy!! Theres no way I could do sitting trot, even downwards transistions are laughable :eek::eek:

Theres hope then :D:D
 
Yes, Louby, that's exactly what I felt with mine. The old allegedly arthritic boy suddenly started taking longer strides and going forwards more easily - didn't feel like he had the handbrake on all the time. I was used to having to push him forwards and all of a sudden he was going forwards and I was actually able to do less work....it sounds like it's actually doing what it should.....can I ask who made it for you?
 
Funny I've been riding in my dressage saddle for a while and have just changed back to my jumping saddle and it feels VERY odd!!! I'm sure you'll get used to it. Try breeches with suede type seats. They help you stick!!
 
Good idea, I'll wear them tomorrow, thanks

Its an Albion SLK Ultima, made to template by Albion as I need a 17.5 seat but the max my boy can take is a 17 as his last rib falls short. I think the only difference in it and a standard off the shelf is a shortened panel? think its called that and its slightly different shaped.
Its amazing the difference between my old 17inch Jaguar and this 17.5.
I lengthenned my stirrups today which helped with the bouncing to the sky! in rising trot and I felt more secure in canter but then my lower leg was flapping about :eek:
 
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