Saddle slipping sideways

KEK said:
Hmmm not sure. Would a saddler normally check that? I've had her out recently for the saddle slipping and she says its fine.
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Absolutely, it's a fundamental part of saddle fitting, you can't check a saddle with the horse standing on the yard, did she see you ride? A fitting should be ridden unless exceptional circumstances dictate it can't be, and if it was an issue with the horse or with you that prevented a ridden check then you should be prepared to pay to have the fitter back out almost as soon as you can ride again (though I will usually do a remote check first, then go back out once the horse has enough fitness to trot for several minutes).

I hate to say this but please be aware if a fitter works for one brand their training may not be that thorough, it is worth checking with them, and reading around, what their training consisted of (ask delicately, we're all used to getting flak where it's NOT fair) and make your decision as to whether you want to get a second opinion from someone else.

Courtneydressage95 said:
what about an acavallo gel pad under?
my saddler also told me once loosen the point strap off one if you have one as if that’s to tight it Can make it go to one side (obvs make sure the other strap is done up tight enough)
I’ve also seen this when a horse had a weeker hind one side the saddle goes to one side. They all have a weaker rein don’t they maybe he/she finds one rein harder and the saddle goes? Good luck saddles have been the bane of my life!
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Yes to the symmetry issues, a definite no to a gel pad, though occasionally one can work between saddle and numnah.

OP you have so many possible causes here, a horse does not have to be lame to be sufficiently asymmetric to make a saddle slip, many many horses move in a significantly crooked way, and we don't help as we're so often crooked. I recommend bodyworkers and a conditioning programme for all horses and riders wherever possible, if you'd like to preserve long term soundness of both of you. But I would definitely have a think about the saddle too.
 
Thank you, everyone, particularly sbloom as it is your profession.
She only saw me ride initially for the saddle fitting/purchasing, not for any of the rechecks/refits.
I can definitely get some pics of him and look for muscle asymmetry, will try and do that tomorrow. Will make some enquiries into a good equine physio as I don't know any, although my dogs chiro treats horses, I would prefer a physio.
Maybe I will ask for a 2nd opinion saddle fitter as well.
I can definitely book him into a "proper" vet (lol) to do flexions too.
Lots to consider and I am glad I asked, as I assumed it was the saddle/girth.
 
KEK said:
Thank you, everyone, particularly sbloom as it is your profession.
She only saw me ride initially for the saddle fitting/purchasing, not for any of the rechecks/refits.
I can definitely get some pics of him and look for muscle asymmetry, will try and do that tomorrow. Will make some enquiries into a good equine physio as I don't know any, although my dogs chiro treats horses, I would prefer a physio.
Maybe I will ask for a 2nd opinion saddle fitter as well.
I can definitely book him into a "proper" vet (lol) to do flexions too.
Lots to consider and I am glad I asked, as I assumed it was the saddle/girth.
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Eeek to not having seen you ride since the saddle was fitted. I wish more people knew the importance of a ridden check. I find even some properly qualified fitters seldom see customers ride, very worrying.

Great that you're going to do that, but what about you :)? I recommend Activate Your Seat, Neuromechanics Coach and Refined Riding (all have FB pages and a remote/online offering, there are of course local in person biomex coaches), as well as a bodyworker. Without sorting yourself out you are throwing all that cash spent on the horse to the four winds.
 
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Honestly, I could do with all the help I can get! Its so depressing watching Malachy go amazingly for the pro and look like a donkey with me. I will do some research :) I do see an osteopath regularly due to chronic coccyxgeal pain so already have a bodyworker, shame he can't make me able to ride haha.
Thanks again :)
 
Meowy Catkin said:
Slipping saddles can also be caused by hind limb lameness.
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Yep as reply 15 with my mare. She had developed a rolling gait which caused any rug that was put on her to go over from the near side to the offside and also caused my left leg to feel like it was moving upwards, i.e. toward the pommel. It wasn't that dramatic but it felt like that.

Off course over a few years with the same gait it caused me to be crooked too.
 
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