GoingRoundInCircles
Well-Known Member
Can anyone recommend any accurate, reasonably detailed, articles on saddle fit please? Particularly with regard to placement of saddle flaps (not points) in relation to shoulders. Thanks in advance!
Saddle fit articles/advice please
- Thread starter GoingRoundInCircles
- Start date
cremedemonthe
Well-Known Member
I've PM'd you, what are you having problems with, if any?
GoingRoundInCircles
Well-Known Member
Thank you for the PM. I can't reply on my phone for some reason. The problem I am having is one of whose advice to believe hence the need to read around and become more informed. I will go into more detail later - phone won't let me do long posts.
cremedemonthe
Well-Known Member
ok I can perhaps give you some info and maybe help you, as well as myself (saddler and been saddle fitting since 1988) there's sbloom on here who's a saddle fitter, between us we should be able to steer you in the right direction.
GoingRoundInCircles
Well-Known Member
I can type more now I am on a proper computer!
Basically the problem I have is my McTimoney chiro (not a saddle fitter but years of experience in back problems) doesn't think my saddle fits. However my saddle fitter doesn't think it is a problem. The reason the McTimoney gave for the saddle not fitting is that she believes the flap interferes with his shoulder when his foreleg is extended. I was always under the impression that with a forward cut saddle the flap could sit over the back of the shoulder as long as the points do not interfere with the scapula. The points are well clear of his scapula at all times, but when his foreleg is extended you can feel the shoulder move under the flap (though I am not sure if the scapula itself ends up under the flap at all or if it is just muscle and fat - he needs to lose some).
In order for the flaps to be well clear of his shoulder he'd need a much smaller saddle - so small I'd be unable to ride in it and I am not too big for him. He is a short backed, compact sort with a flat back and a big shoulder.
His saddle has never actually caused him any problems, and the McTimoney is treating him for an injury which is not related to riding in any way (he's been on a sick note for a long time).
So I need to educate myself and find out who is correct! If it is the McTimoney I am somewhat stuffed as I'll then be unable to ride him at all.
Basically the problem I have is my McTimoney chiro (not a saddle fitter but years of experience in back problems) doesn't think my saddle fits. However my saddle fitter doesn't think it is a problem. The reason the McTimoney gave for the saddle not fitting is that she believes the flap interferes with his shoulder when his foreleg is extended. I was always under the impression that with a forward cut saddle the flap could sit over the back of the shoulder as long as the points do not interfere with the scapula. The points are well clear of his scapula at all times, but when his foreleg is extended you can feel the shoulder move under the flap (though I am not sure if the scapula itself ends up under the flap at all or if it is just muscle and fat - he needs to lose some).
In order for the flaps to be well clear of his shoulder he'd need a much smaller saddle - so small I'd be unable to ride in it and I am not too big for him. He is a short backed, compact sort with a flat back and a big shoulder.
His saddle has never actually caused him any problems, and the McTimoney is treating him for an injury which is not related to riding in any way (he's been on a sick note for a long time).
So I need to educate myself and find out who is correct! If it is the McTimoney I am somewhat stuffed as I'll then be unable to ride him at all.
sbloom
Well-Known Member
I think occasionally, especially with issues with asymmetry, shoulder and flap interference can be an issue but it is much more likely that the tree shape and flocking under the tree would affect the scapula more. I really like McTims but without seeing the horse and just sending an opinion from afar, I'd listen to the horse.
Going down a seat size wouldn't make much difference at all, it's the style of saddle, the shape of the flap, that the McTim seems to have an issue with and only a straighter cut saddle would make much difference.
Going down a seat size wouldn't make much difference at all, it's the style of saddle, the shape of the flap, that the McTim seems to have an issue with and only a straighter cut saddle would make much difference.
GoingRoundInCircles
Well-Known Member
Thank you sbloom, that is interesting.
I don't think the saddle is the problem here, even if perhaps the fit is (on paper) less than ideal. The horse has never had a problem with it and he is an opinionated type. I do have a dressage saddle which I know is not such a good fit, but I am reluctant to replace it until I know if the injury he is being treated for will ever be sufficiently resolved to allow him to come back into proper work. I actually think the GP tree, with the shorter points, is better and I stopped using the dressage as I felt the long points were contributing to asymmetry (again, this was nothing to do with the injury he is being treated for).
I don't think the saddle is the problem here, even if perhaps the fit is (on paper) less than ideal. The horse has never had a problem with it and he is an opinionated type. I do have a dressage saddle which I know is not such a good fit, but I am reluctant to replace it until I know if the injury he is being treated for will ever be sufficiently resolved to allow him to come back into proper work. I actually think the GP tree, with the shorter points, is better and I stopped using the dressage as I felt the long points were contributing to asymmetry (again, this was nothing to do with the injury he is being treated for).
sbloom
Well-Known Member
If I'm allowed to post this, you can see my opinion on "text book fitting" here:
http://www.horsehero.com/editorial/?feat=73150
http://www.horsehero.com/editorial/?feat=73150