Saddle slipping due to rotated pelvis

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PotOfGold

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Hi all

My mare Lily has been diagnosed with a chronic pelvis rotation and I’m having trouble with the saddle slipping to one side.. obviously this makes it very difficult for us to work in a balanced manner.

The chiro that treats her uses the McTimoney technique and is a remedial saddle fitter. I’ve had the saddle looked at and it fits ok, but I’m told it is due to Lily’s action when working that causes her right side to drop and hence the saddle slips. Chiro suggested using padding under the right side of the saddle.. not something she would usually recommend, but the pelvis issue is a permanent disability, possibly congenital but I didn’t pick up on it until I started having problems under saddle. I have tried using the padding she gave me but the saddle still massively slips. I asked about trying gel pads or sheepskin but she does not recommend I do this as the saddle fits and putting something beneath it is likely to cause pinching.

Wondered if anyone out there has any similar issues and might have some suggestions as I’m a bit stumped on what to do??

Thanks
 
I had a similar problem with a saddle twisting and asymetric girthing helped a lot (after back lady and new saddle no longer have to do it). Sure the more knowledgable types will be able to advise further on this :)
 
Our boy had this to a much lesser degree- we were advised by an excellent saddle fitter to girth him up on the same side as the saddle slipped- his always slipped to the right, so instead of undoing the girth on the left, we undo it on the right side, and always tighten it from only that side whilst mounted, and it has helped, although as I said, his problem isn't that severe and we only ever notice slipping when his back is due to be re-done, twice a year.
 
I use Mattes correction pads for asymmetry and remedial fits - you could have your fitter adjust the saddle to be able to take a thicker pad, and you might find that, if it's a permanent issue as you say, adjusting the flocking to be asymmetric may work, though it's a last resort really as it can mean it becomes harder on one side than the other.

Asymmetric girthing means choosing different straps on each side - in this instance probably 1st and 3rd on the side it slips towards, and 1st and 4th on the side it slips away from - you may need a balance strap added, ie the girth strap that attaches close to the cantle.
 
Sbloom full of useful advice as always but what about a 5 point breastplate? I find mine really helps going xc on some thing likely to go sideways with little notice and very little wither.
 
I'm going through the same at the moment and on advice of my saddle fitter i'm using a balance strap for the girth on one side and its working really well, just have to make sure to change back to normal girthing as soon as horse is level again :)
 
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