Saddle problems

[Centra89]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced similar issues with saddles and may be able to help?

I sadly have chronic pain that I do my best to manage however I seem to be having issues with my saddle(s).

Currently have 17.5’’ thorowgood T4 synthetic GP saddle (high wither option I believe) - even when all the knee blocks are removed I am experiencing quite severe right lateral knee pain.

And also have a Kent and masters 17’’ compact S series GP (high wither option) - bad lower back pain but considerably less knee pain.

I have been to see physios, had sports massage, dry needling done etc and had an MRI done of the knee which showed nothing wrong, I sadly feel it’s the saddles to blame for most of these symptoms as when I swap from one to the other the location of pain will change.

I have tried a seat saver on the K&M - (gel in by acavallo) and sadly this does not seem to help my back.

Horse is a 16.1 tb, both saddles fit him well and he goes well in them, is regularly checked over by saddle fitter and his physio.

I am looking into other options/brands that would suit a smaller rider on a larger horse that would stop the following issues for me:

On the T4 I feel that I sit in the correct place but the saddle pushes my knees too far apart into a painful position.

I believe the K&M tips me slightly forward onto the hard part of the saddle which hurts my back but there is a lot less saddle so my knees are in a more comfortable neutral position.

Does anyone know any other brands I could try that would fit a high wither Tb? I know saddle preference is completely personal but just curious if anyone else has similar experiences?

TIA

 

[Skib]

I know nothing about fitting a saddle to a horse. But I know that due to a bad lower back and thus, like you, pain referred to my knees, I am best on a narrow horse.
Also that I am in pain in a proper dressage saddle. I was once sent out in a much prized Jessica saddle when my usual one was being reflocked. It was agony and moreover I couldnt ride the horse properly.
I like to be able to move about in the saddle, using my weight and seat to ride. My favourite saddle is very open, a Podhajski training saddle. Now made by the Ideal saddle company. They own one at my present yard but I am not allowed to ride my share in it as they consider it too open to be safe. They seem to imagine that a more fitted saddle will secure one on the horse.

If I ever own a horse, the Podhajski is what I am having. Regardless of price. But my present share has a GP. OH says it is a Fieldhouse.

My fall rate has gone down to almost zero but may be that is because I am an old lady on a very safe horse.

 

[Nari]

I don't think it's possible to recommend a saddle but I'd suggest getting a saddle fitter out who can bring plenty of different ones for you to try - the saddle has to fit you as well as the horse. It might even be that a slight change in the flocking, or even the padding in the seat, would help you without compromising the fit on your horse.

Your description of the K&M tipping you forward does make me wonder if the balance isn't quite right on it, or maybe it's a fraction too small for you to sit in correctly, but I'm no fitter.

 

[sbloom]

I have worked with and had significant training from probably the foremost person on saddle fit for the rider, but you don't need to have that to know how much the wrong saddle.vam negatively affects the rider...and sadly this area is neglected by a lot of brands and many fitters. Poorly shaped seats and saddles constructed in ways that don't help the rider (changeable headplate saddles especially guilty), plus a complete lack of understanding about stability and how and where to best load a rider onto a horse to help both of them.

Basic geometry - does my bum.and my thigh length fit in this saddle? -type approach isn't enough. Although most fitters ARE looking beyond that there is no fundamental approach to stabilising the rider and putting the pelvis in neutral at rest. I mean look.ay all the top dressage riders leaning back, with hollow backs...many exist on painkillers. They have the "best" saddle.fot.that money can buy.

Have a search of some of my content on here about saddle fit, I hope.it helps. There is no way to know what will work for your pelvic shape, your hips, your issues AND of course fit your horse. A brand that sits you forwards (more forwards balance points) and talks about rider fit in a fundamental way, and/or a fitter who takes this approach (and therefore stocks brands that are designed in a better way) is where to start.

 

[Peglo]

I’m sure I’ve read here that different stirrup irons helped for knee pain. I think flexons were maybe mentioned but can’t remember any others sorry.

 

[sbloom]

If the ankles and hips aren't doing the right thing, and hips SO influenced by the saddle, then the knees take the strain. Bear in mind your discomfort means tension, and this affects the horse...your lower back especially. Stirrups can help.as part of the picture but if the saddle's wrong...

 

[smolmaus]

I’m sure I’ve read here that different stirrup irons helped for knee pain. I think flexons were maybe mentioned but can’t remember any others sorry.

My cheapo compositi ones made a difference to my knee pain. Similar to the flex ons they have a bit of bounce in the tread. But that is also very individual.

 

[SEL]

They are marmite and you absolutely need a top class fitter but WOW saddles can change the seat (within reason) to better accommodate the rider. If money is no object then they do bespoke for para riders.

I get lower back pain when the saddle isn't in balance - often if it is slightly down at the front. Knee pain (left for me) was something I lived with for years but only happens now if I've got myself very twisted and need a physio.

You do need to try out different brands though. I used to hate my WOW set up on my old mare then used the same saddle on my friend's welshie in an emergency and loved it - light bulb moment that perhaps I needed a different fitter!!

 

[Skib]

I’m sure I’ve read here that different stirrup irons helped for knee pain. I think flexons were maybe mentioned but can’t remember any others sorry.

I ride in Sprenger straight stirrups. The first thing I do when I get to any yard is to put my own stirrups and leathers onto the saddle I am going to ride in.
But moderation is a great factor too. Years ago our RI advised me not to canter long distance on two consecutive days.