Stopping saddles sliding forward

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sfward

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Hi
My 5 year old mare is still quite high behind and goes on her forehand a bit, consequently I'm finding both my dressage and jumping saddles slide forward slightly when I ride her. It's not really bad, just a couple of inches, but I wondered if there were any pads or anything designed to help with this problem? Eg would a front riser help?

I need the opposite of a breastplate but I'm not sure they make cruppers for 15.2 TBs! Incidentally both saddles have been fitted and are the right size and width.
 
have the pad faerie mentions, and with a stubben string girth has sorted out my sliding saddle problem
 
I just came across these on the internet - meant to be non-slip and also impact-absorbing:

Gel-Eze Saddle Pad


Impact absorbing properties
Non-slip
Reduce the risk of back and wither injury
Perforations allow air flow
Suitable for most type of saddle and for many equestrian activities

Or:

Gelee Fish Front Riser Details

The Gelee Fish™ Front Riser is more suitable where extra cushioning is required on the shoulder or wither.

photos here: http://www.hnc.uk.com/products.php?cat=13

any thoughts?
 
Actually this looks the best -only £19 too, might get one!

http://www.worldwidetack.com/acatalog/Gel-eze_Non-Slip_Pad.html

Transparent Gel-Eze Non-slip pad. The ultimate Non-slip pad, Only 3 millimetre thick, incorporating trace lines to enable to shape pad how you like

One Size - Transparent

The impact-absorbtion qualities of gel are well known, and now we are distributing this innovative product that every horse owner should have.
GEL-EZE™not only protects your horse, but, when chilled acts as an instant cold compress for sore joints and tendons also aiding the recovery from strenuous exercise and hard-ground trauma.

GEL-EZE™ is non toxic, washable, reusable and is environmentally friendly.
· Superb impact absorption
· Reduces back & wither injuries
· Prevents saddle slipping
· Perforated to allow air flow
· Lightweight and discreet
· Can be cut to fit most types of saddle
 
Before you spend any money, consider a very simple experiment. Most people girth up using second and third girth strap on their saddle, try first & second, or even first & third. these are designed for flexibility, to allow for movement. As a very long retied Master Saddler, I found this problem was usually associated with Arabs & Anglo-Arabs, a breed with a very active shoulder. Try it, it won't cost you a penny!
 
Thanks - a very interesting point... I actually always fasten my girth to the 1st and 2nd straps - thought that was the norm!!
 
I used a Gel eze pad to stop my saddle slipping both around and forwards. I worked a treat. However, for some reason, Star stopped moving forwards properly, and developed 'rub' marks on her back.
I had the saddle restuffed at the front, because it had dropped a bit but the problems remained.
I took her and the saddle to the saddler to have it all checked out and the saddler wanted to see her move, without the gel eze pad - miracle cure. For some reason, the pad was the cause of our problems. Since using the saddle with no pad or numnah and sitting it back an inch or so - she has been a much happier horse.

Incidentally, she also has a pattern of lumps on her back - the same pattern as the holes in the pad - and they aren't going away!
 
Hmm - bit worrying!! Thanks for letting me know. Maybe I'll try something different then...! Hope your mare is ok now.
 
Your saddler may be able to put point straps on your saddle. I had a TB mare that came with a saddle with these. (It had been bought to fit her but slipped forward.) I think the idea is they hold the saddle down and stop it slipping forward.
 
She is a million times happier without the gel eze pad and moves far better - but the saddle still moves forward
mad.gif
I'm hoping that the pattern of lumps will disappear in time.

It has point and balance straps fitted, but she has a forward girth groove and a round ribcage.....not a good combination.
 
When our pony had a new rider her saddle started slipping forward. It was a fairly new saddle. The saddle fitter came out and checked everything, which was fine. He saw the girl ride and commented her leg position wasn't helping and adjusted the knee rolls slightly( its a wintec saddle with velcro rolls). He also changed the girth from 1st and 3rd straps as we had them to 1st and 2nd. The saddle is now much better and doesn't move forward. Interestingly although we don't know our ponies breeding we suspect she has some Arab in her from her confirmation. Sounds like current Master Saddlers still think the same way Boneo!
 
Well I've got one of the racing non-slip pads as recommended by faerie, so we'll give that a go tonight and see what happens... Looks and feels like a mini exercise mat!!
 
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