Ouch05
Well-Known Member
Sorry long but I am super excited.
I don't post often but need to share
I have two saddles for my boy a GP and a dressage, last November the saddler came out as normal and checked them over, both fitted but she noticed that I rode better in the GP and he moved better so suggested I rode in that for a few weeks to see if it helps my position, which I have struggled with for years. Edward had his SI injected 4 weeks ago and he was moving better but I was still what I can only say 'fighting' my position in both saddles. The GP I felt I was twisting in and constantly adjusting when on board. The dressage he felt like a slug and I was riding with the hand break on.
I called her again last week as now in the dressage he was riding slow and quarters in on one rein. She came out yesterday and yes the dressage needed dropping a size and was causing the issue but noticed that he was just not traveling forward again like the hand brake was on. She said the saddle fitted the horse and fitted me but we both agreed there was something not right.
Moved on to the other saddle, no issues with the fit him or me. She suggested popping a different saddle on him just to see if I felt the same then we could rule out the saddle and I know it is a me issue. Rode in the different saddle it felt completely different but after a couple of minutes I was grinning from ear to ear it felt amazing the lower leg that I fight with didn't move. She then told me it was a jump saddle (it didn't look it). After chatting we realised that the issue was the placement of the strip bars. On the jump they are more forward. I am a size 8 and tight through my pelvis and hips (arthritic) the dressage saddle with the bars further back had me fighting the position I physically can get my legs to stay, therefore clamping with the thighs as I try to hold my lower legs in the correct place and restricting his movement (poor boy).
So I purchased the jump saddle and ordered a made to measure dressage thingy. The tree will be the black county Jump that I now own but the panels will be dressage. I am very excited.
Today he had the bit fitter and I rode in the new saddle total game changer for the first time in years I could concentrate on him I actually felt like I could ride for once. So two saddles and a new bit, plus my older boy had hocks injected on Wednesday and they both have the dentist next Thursday. Now where did I leave that kidney
I don't post often but need to share
I have two saddles for my boy a GP and a dressage, last November the saddler came out as normal and checked them over, both fitted but she noticed that I rode better in the GP and he moved better so suggested I rode in that for a few weeks to see if it helps my position, which I have struggled with for years. Edward had his SI injected 4 weeks ago and he was moving better but I was still what I can only say 'fighting' my position in both saddles. The GP I felt I was twisting in and constantly adjusting when on board. The dressage he felt like a slug and I was riding with the hand break on.
I called her again last week as now in the dressage he was riding slow and quarters in on one rein. She came out yesterday and yes the dressage needed dropping a size and was causing the issue but noticed that he was just not traveling forward again like the hand brake was on. She said the saddle fitted the horse and fitted me but we both agreed there was something not right.
Moved on to the other saddle, no issues with the fit him or me. She suggested popping a different saddle on him just to see if I felt the same then we could rule out the saddle and I know it is a me issue. Rode in the different saddle it felt completely different but after a couple of minutes I was grinning from ear to ear it felt amazing the lower leg that I fight with didn't move. She then told me it was a jump saddle (it didn't look it). After chatting we realised that the issue was the placement of the strip bars. On the jump they are more forward. I am a size 8 and tight through my pelvis and hips (arthritic) the dressage saddle with the bars further back had me fighting the position I physically can get my legs to stay, therefore clamping with the thighs as I try to hold my lower legs in the correct place and restricting his movement (poor boy).
So I purchased the jump saddle and ordered a made to measure dressage thingy. The tree will be the black county Jump that I now own but the panels will be dressage. I am very excited.
Today he had the bit fitter and I rode in the new saddle total game changer for the first time in years I could concentrate on him I actually felt like I could ride for once. So two saddles and a new bit, plus my older boy had hocks injected on Wednesday and they both have the dentist next Thursday. Now where did I leave that kidney