My horse amazed me and I am ashamed

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parsley

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I have always ridden my boy in the Wintec I had when I got him. I initially asked the saddler to check it on him and with a few slight reservations she was happy for me to use it. I have had to change the gullet to an extra wide but thats about it. However, I had noticed he was getting very resistant so had his back checked and he was sore in his loins - hes had a couple of weeks off and I had a saddler out to check his saddle. She said that it absolutly didn't fit him any more and has fitted him with a Barnsby. When I tried him in it he was a completly different horse - he moved freely, cantered on the right lead and went in a lovely outline - I was absolutly amazed as I didn't know he could go like this.

I feel so ashamed that I didn't realise how badly his other saddle fitted him - I can only say that he has always gone like this so presumably it has never been quite right. I wish he was less of a gentleman - a good buck would have let me know when things weren't right.

All this is just to say that I am soooooo pleased with my new saddle - so much so that OH just sighs when I mention it. AND I intend to get this saddle checked regularly - the saddler has shown me how to tell when I should call them.
 
Don't be too hard on yourself.

Thumper came to me with a very sore back (which was picked up at the vetting). He never, ever complained. Was jumping 1.10m tracks with his old owner and generally being a saint.
 
I feel extra awful as I'm no lightweight - and his poor back was very sore. The back lady is coming again next week as she wanted to do two sessions with him. I feel better now that I have a better idea of what to look for. I think the main problem was that as the Wintec is adjustable I just concentrated on the gullet rather than the whole. The saddler said it was far too long for him at 18 inches - the Barnsby is 17 inches - thankfully its comfortable for me as well
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He's great
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He also seems to like not having to work - hes very tactile now - in fact I'm thinking of changing his name to Mr Tickles - he keeps wanting to groom me but I can't keep still - having a hairy great horse trying to nibble your back is just too tickley
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Thats a long time away! There are quite a few saddlers around me and the one I had was recommended. I think being able to have a morning appointment helped as usually I can't and then I have to wait. Do you know why it was making him sore?
 
We had a similar problem with Chloe, in fact it was only when her saddle went for restuffing and we had a replacement that we realised how much her saddle had been restricting her. She didn't let us know at all.

My saddler has kept me away from the wintecs because they are narrow in the gullet at the back, so can put pressure on either side of the spine for larger boned horses.
 
Parsley - don't feel bad, because you have done all you could to ensure that Bomber was comfortable.
I have owned Marius for 11 years, and I honestly don't think ANY saddle has fitted him in all that time!
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I have had recommended saddlers fit the saddles, and had his back checked and treated, but frankly he is now very cold backed and I don't blame him. Like Bomber, Marius has not complained, apart from to give a slight buck going into canter, and to react to being saddled in the last year or so. I feel so ashamed and wretched about it, but, like you, I did my best at the time. We are so lucky with our kind and genuine horses, aren't we?
 
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My saddler has kept me away from the wintecs because they are narrow in the gullet at the back, so can put pressure on either side of the spine for larger boned horses

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The person I had out said they won't do synthetic ones and another saddler (had to have two!) said that the trees are too stiff. However, they are a good, cheap option if suitable - I shall miss not having to worry about cleaning, drying, scratching and generally abusing it. OH has shocked at the price of the new one - and sadly he won't appreciate how much better he is going.

Its great to find your horse is much better than you thought isn't it
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I feel so ashamed and wretched about it, but, like you, I did my best at the time

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Its difficult not to though isn't it - especially when they aren't complete sods! I am getting more into tune with him - he has very subtle ways of objecting!
 
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Its great to find your horse is much better than you thought isn't it
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It certainly makes you realise how much a saddle can affect their way of going. Chloe is fantastic now, dressaging with the best of them
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We had to replace Chloe's saddle again a year later as her back muscles were able to broaden under the better fitting saddle. Thankfully we're better at spotting her discomfort now, but I am really hoping she doesn't get any wider
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My boy is very short backed, and even a 17" seems too long for him, I had the saddle checked this summer, and the saddle fitter said to put the tree up two sizes - he has the Wintec Wide saddle, now with the XXXW tree in it!

The saddle fitter I'm seeing in December is spot on, and only takes referals now, I'm hoping he can either sort out my currect saddle, or find me a cheap alternative, although I would love a top leather saddle, the prices are frightening!
 
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I am really hoping she doesn't get any wider

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LOL! its worse than children and new shoes - you get them a new pair and start wondering when the next ones will be needed but at least shoes are relatively cheap
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My boy is very short backed, and even a 17" seems too long for him,

[/ QUOTE ] This is the difficulty I have had - my boy is 16.2 but the saddler said his back length was more appropriate for a 14.2
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How tall are you both?
 
Luckybruckner - which saddler is it you are going to see?

I think me and spooky are heading towards similar problems - got a back person coming to see him soon
 
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