Saddle situation!

[poiuytrewq]

I could use a exercise saddle, I'm not a fan but he's ex-racer so it wouldn't be alien to him.

 

[sbloom]

The new fitters I used last time only stock brand new. They might I suppose advise off photo's as they were really helpful and did prior to coming out when I was trying to find something else for my other horse, However then when i asked i knew i was in the market for buying from them, I'd feel a bit cheeky knowing I'm not, they are super nice though so maybe now I'm a customer they might just lend an eye- Is that rude?

Every fitter will be different, I have a clearly outlined service with a charge (a LOT less than a call out, and not just a quick look at pics). They may have the same, worth asking if they offer such a service then they'll realise you're happy to pay.

 

[sbloom]

I could use a exercise saddle, I'm not a fan but he's ex-racer so it wouldn't be alien to him.

Generally awful things, especially if half treed, but even if treed horses come out of racing with pretty bad backs...

 

[Annagain]

Do you know roughly what size you're looking for? I've got an Albion K2 17.5" in Wide to sell, I'd be happy for you to have it for a month or two first if it it has potential to fit. I'm not that close to you but drive through your general area fairly often on the way to my inlaws in Banbury (from M5 J11A via Andoversford, Naunton, Stow and Chipping Norton). I'm guessing from what you said about him being an unusual size and an ex-racer it probably won't fit but thought it was worth a mention.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Do you know roughly what size you're looking for? I've got an Albion K2 17.5" in Wide to sell, I'd be happy for you to have it for a month or two first if it it has potential to fit. I'm not that close to you but drive through your general area fairly often on the way to my inlaws in Banbury (from M5 J11A via Andoversford, Naunton, Stow and Chipping Norton). I'm guessing from what you said about him being an unusual size and an ex-racer it probably won't fit but thought it was worth a mention.

I don’t think he’s an unusual shape, mire that the Ideal I had on him was not the usual 17.5 medium fit that there are literally hundreds of for sale.
It was a 17” wide and they done generally seem easy to come by in wide.


I sold a K2 in that size last year!
I just didn’t get on with it, I had bought it brand new though and have had an old one before that I did like so possibly!
It may be that I can borrow one to try.
How old is it would you know?

 

[poiuytrewq]

Generally awful things, especially if half treed, but even if treed horses come out of racing with pretty bad backs...

Yea I know, I’d not use it long term but at this point I literally need to sit on him, a 30 minute walk down the road and back just to see if he trips, that’s what retired him.

 

[Meredith]

Yea I know, I’d not use it long term but at this point I literally need to sit on him, a 30 minute walk down the road and back just to see if he trips, that’s what retired him.

Not sure if this is relevant and you know it anyway but thought I’d mention it.
When my pony had been treated for ulcers and was restarted after many months off he tripped alot. I purchased knee boots and we continued, carefully. Now he is fully fit he doesn’t trip.
Hope you can get everything sorted.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Not sure if this is relevant and you know it anyway but thought I’d mention it.
When my pony had been treated for ulcers and was restarted after many months off he tripped alot. I purchased knee boots and we continued, carefully. Now he is fully fit he doesn’t trip.
Hope you can get everything sorted.

You mean just the fitter he got the less he tripped?
I’ll be honest he has never actually been properly fit with me as we were always trying to sort one thing or another out.
That would be like a dream if it were just a case of keeping going and upping the work slowly

 

[Annagain]

don’t think he’s an unusual shape, mire that the Ideal I had on him was not the usual 17.5 medium fit that there are literally hundreds of for sale.
It was a 17” wide and they done generally seem easy to come by in wide.


I sold a K2 in that size last year!
I just didn’t get on with it, I had bought it brand new though and have had an old one before that I did like so possibly!
It may be that I can borrow one to try.
How old is it would you know?

No idea sorry, it came with Wiggy but it’s too wide for him, which I’m not disappointed about as my trusty Ideal fits him much better and I love it. It’s fitted all three of mine and if I ever get another horse, my first criterion will be that they fit that saddle

 

[Meredith]

You mean just the fitter he got the less he tripped?
I’ll be honest he has never actually been properly fit with me as we were always trying to sort one thing or another out.
That would be like a dream if it were just a case of keeping going and upping the work slowly

Pretty much, yes.
He is 19 this time and as such, much as I am, older and stiffer but he hardly trips. When I started him after treatment he tripped almost every ride. We are almost 2 years on now.

 

[expanding_horizon]

I wish! I sold it via fb and she was looking for ages apparently

It is a long shot, but I would message her re hoping to bring him back into work, and if she ever wants to sell it. Have nothing to lose, her horse could have suddenly retired or died. Unlikely i know.

 

[Ratface]

If he's likely to be fairly sedate and you don't want to do too much a Christ Lammfelle sheepskin saddle might work, at least initially

Prior to his retirement, I used a Christ Lammfelle sheepskin pad on the very sharp, up-for-a-laugh Old Horse. It was the Premium version and had a very convenient Jesus handle in front of the pommel! I usually kept a little finger under that at all times. It has attachments for stirrup leathers (rings, so very unsafe if an involuntary dismount was likely). Previously, I had Ideals, WoWs and Stubben saddles. If I was ever likely to get back on anything equine again, I'd use the Christ Lammfelle. I felt very safe in it.

 

[poiuytrewq]

It is a long shot, but I would message her re hoping to bring him back into work, and if she ever wants to sell it. Have nothing to lose, her horse could have suddenly retired or died. Unlikely i know.

I don’t think I could even find her details to be honest, she messaged via fb and paid cash, she also drove about 4.5/5 hr round trip, I can’t remember where from!
I’ll have a look through but my market place messages are endless!

 

[poiuytrewq]

Pretty much, yes.
He is 19 this time and as such, much as I am, older and stiffer but he hardly trips. When I started him after treatment he tripped almost every ride. We are almost 2 years on now.

That would be amazing and I’d be thrilled, it would also be really annoying the amount of money both myself and his insurers paid out on trying to fix him!
Im not going to get my hopes up but a ting glimmer of hope is nice to have.

 

[I'm Dun]

I am almost certain the old boys would fit, but I'm carless and hes on the edge of northampton/MK so a bit of a trek. I cant get over to post it either, but the offers there if you want a short term loan of it. It fits anything its ever been on, occasionally needing a bit of padding, but its wool flocked monoflap so easy to fit.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I am almost certain the old boys would fit, but I'm carless and hes on the edge of northampton/MK so a bit of a trek. I cant get over to post it either, but the offers there if you want a short term loan of it. It fits anything its ever been on, occasionally needing a bit of padding, but its wool flocked monoflap so easy to fit.

I'm mind blown, like really mind blown at this and Barton Bounty and Annagains offers! So incredibly kind. Just offering your saddle to a stranger. Shows that the whole horse worlds really not a bad place dosen't it!
I still have to try Ziggy's on him as you never know, I may get lucky.

Thank you so much!

 

[Jellymoon]

I wouldn’t overthink it, and I def wouldn’t spend any money yet. Unless Ziggy’s saddle is very very narrow and likely to pinch, then I reckon with pads/shims (eg. if it’s too wide or not quite balanced) you could get it comfy enough for light hacking just to see how he manages…

 

[poiuytrewq]

I wouldn’t overthink it, and I def wouldn’t spend any money yet. Unless Ziggy’s saddle is very very narrow and likely to pinch, then I reckon with pads/shims (eg. if it’s too wide or not quite balanced) you could get it comfy enough for light hacking just to see how he manages…

Here’s hoping, everything else will hopefully arrive soon.
I’ve ordered a bridle, martingale- not that he wears one once in work but I thought as he’s not been sat on in so long it might be an idea!
Knee boots, just to be safe, again sold his!
I’d imagine I’ll need a girth. I think zigs may be too big but I’ve never used a long girth on him so until I try I have no idea.

Im hoping to pop him on the lorry and take him over to do some ground work in the school where I was going for lessons with Ziggy. Just to see and get someone else’s opinion as to how he’s moving on a good surface.

I AM NOT EXCITED at all about this idea

 

[cauda equina]

Good luck!

 

[Annagain]

I'm mind blown, like really mind blown at this and Barton Bounty and Annagains offers! So incredibly kind. Just offering your saddle to a stranger. Shows that the whole horse worlds really not a bad place dosen't it!
I still have to try Ziggy's on him as you never know, I may get lucky.

Thank you so much!

You're not a stranger, you're poiuytrewq! I wouldn't offer it to just anyone on the forum, there are a select few I trust where the geography would work too!

 

[poiuytrewq]

You're not a stranger, you're poiuytrewq! I wouldn't offer it to just anyone on the forum, there are a select few I trust where the geography would work too!

Oh gawd! Thank you thank you thank you, you made my day

 

[poiuytrewq]

This morning, unexpected message of neighbour did a fancy a ride?
Work went out the window!
Have to admit was a little dubious at how Ziggy might behave after so long off, I said I’d ride up to meet her if she wouldn’t mind dropping us back home!
He was a star to be fair to him, but bouncy leaving the yard but really good as gold.
When I got back I tried the saddle on Uni and took some photos (including proof of why it’s not girthed up!)
I’m thinking it’s surprisingly not too awful?
Maybe a front riser, pad it out a bit?
He also didn’t react at all to it being bunged up on him, which pleased me, although obv it’s not girthed up properly, last time he bit me, so hopefully another year off has helped him out.