Saddle slipping back.... why?

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cullord

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I've measured according to the instructions and fitted the correct gullet but when lunging the saddle persistently drifts back from the correct position. I am not using a breast girth. The horse has good conformation and there's no obvious reason for this happening.

Does this suggest the incorrect gullet is fitted and, if so, which way? Too wide or too narrow? He's in a Med/Wide ATM.
 
There is an awful lot more to the fitting of a saddle than just the gullet. The back of the saddle, the pads and the shape of the horse in relation to the tree are very important.

Also those gullet guides are just a guide! it may be that you need a slightly wider, or smaller gullet.

a good saddler will be able to fit the saddle for you, and should reflock it.
 
Thanks. It's a CAIR one and was fitted last year. I was wondering if because the girth is a tad looser than I'd ride in and without the weight of the rider a saddle might be likely to drift back? I know horses change shape which is why I remeasured the gullet size. Just wondered if I've got a it tad too wide for him and should switch back to the medium. I guess I could just try, but dont want to risk it being too narrow since the guide suggested he was well within the M/Wide size :confused:
 
Press on the pommel, or girth snugly, and see how the pressure feels down the front of the panel, it should feel even from the gullet to the points. Then you know if the tree is the right width -templating is not enough. I agree about there being so many aspects of saddle fit than gullet width - instability can come from anywhere. IN Wintec and Bates this can come from the shape of the headplate, I'm not a great fan.

I will also say that lunging should not be used as a judge of saddle fit, not that you are but.....forst try girthing up using more rearward straps, also make sure the saddle is in the right place to begin with of course. If switching the girthing doesn't work then do use a breast girth for lunging. If the saddle moves back under a rider that is more serious.
 
Did you make sure 100% that you had the measuring gauge flat both sides? And where the D ring sits in the correct position

The other thing would be to use a slightly thicker saddle cloth

Generally (huge sweeping statement) slipping back is cause by too wide a headplate, or big shoulders pushing back the saddle.
 
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