Saddle worries

penny3

penny3

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28 December 2011
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Had my mare for around 6 months now, and had the person who we got her off out a few times to check her saddle for me e.t.c as im not experienced in this area and dont really know what to look for! She came out last around a few weeks ago, and said everything was fine. Im aware that as my mare is only 5 she is changing shape still, but these last few rides ive noticed shes been really lifting her back up when being ridden and isnt her usually happy self, she seems to be a bit uncomfertable. She isnt sore at all on her back, and is fine when ridden bareback so im guessing the saddle isnt right. Its quite high at her withers (5 ish fingers clearence) and seems quite tight- as if it is too narrow for her. Im not sure weather i should ask the lady who we got her off what she thinks (again) but dont want to keep pestering her all the time as its a hours drive for her and shes always busy, and as she said it was fine around 2 weeks ago just before the problem started im not sure if shed say it was any different, or to get a proper saddler out to check it, although some in this area have been known to fob people off to get more money out of them :mad: So what should i do? Or any other suggestions? Thankyou!
 
Google, The saddle man, Andys very good and honest! Friend had very old saddle given her with the horse and he altered it to fit as it was a young horse and didn't want her to fork out on new saddle, even tho he makes his own!! Whereas I had just had a brand new made to measure saddle, he said it was terrible, I got a new one and knew he was right as soon as I sat on it, I realised it was the previous saddle which had pushed my legs forward etc!! I know several (approx 10) of his happy customers
 
I would get a treeless saddle if your horse is constantly changing shape. That way you won't need to get the fitter out very fiv mins as the saddle will change to the shape of your horse.
 
Another vote for properly qualified saddler. You can get various saddles now with adjustable trees or interchangeable gullets so that the saddle can be changed to fit the horse as he/she changes shape.
 
Thanks for all the replies, think i will get a saddle fitter out then asap. Not trying to be cheeky, but ive never done this before, so how much roughly should i expect a call out charge to be/ any minor repairs? (i know if there is a major problem it will be a lot more, or a new saddle may have to be considered) If anyone dosent mind sharing?? Just dont want to go :eek: :eek: :eek: when he says a price!
 
My saddler came out to check, also reflocked and adjusted where the girth strap was, I think it was £70. Depends on what needs doing though, if it's fully adjustable it could just need the gullet changing or something... Best of luck :)
 
I use "the saddle man" too, he's very good - i *think* it was around the £50 last time he came round to check / reflock but he's very honest and definitely knows his stuff! x
 
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