Saddle question

[goodtimes]

Sorry for sounding thick in advance.

Could someone please explain the purpose of four girth straps on saddle ( sorry don't know correct name)

And if you have four on yours, which two do you use?

Thanks

 

[goodtimes]

I had it fitted by a master saddler, but he put the saddle on and stupidly I failed to notice it had four straps. Plonker.

 

[be positive]

The extra strap is at the front and known as the point strap, it can be used to keep the saddle from slipping forward but may put too much pressure on the front of the saddle, I would use the 2nd and 4th, working from front to back and see how this does, you could always get the point strap removed if not required.

 

[goodtimes]

Thanks. That's really helpful.

 

[sbloom]

They all have a definite function, ask your fitter which to use. 2 and 4 are used to keep saddles forward ie stop them slipping back on narrow ribcaged horses, and is not a default. 2 and 3 are "default" girthing. 1 and 3 on forward girth grooves and any other horses where forward slip is an issue (not usually used with high withers), 1 and 4 for maximum lateral stability. There are other factors but those are the main ones.