Tight breastplate...

metalmare

metalmare

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Hi all,

In order to be effective my pony's breastplate has to be fitted very tightly. If there is any slack at all it doesn't stop the saddle sliding.

Common sense says just watch for chafing and purchase some sheep skin if necessary. Does this sound okay?

Thanks.
 
It was re-fitted and adjusted about 8 weeks ago and the saddler said it is ideal for him. He has very upright shoulders (typical welsh)... not sure what else I can try?
 
ailbheg said:
Tbh, if the saddle slips that easily you possibly should get it refitted.

What sort of breastplate are you using?
Click to expand...

This. Consult a saddle fitter? What about one of those 'banjo' thingies that raise the back of the saddle. Might make it more stable. As I said, consult a saddle fitter.
 
I did... as above... about 8 weeks ago.

The back of the saddle doesn't need raising, I don't think - the saddle fitter adjusted it so that the pommel and cantel are level, when it is in the correct place.
 
Assuming that the saddle does fit and is girthed properly then try an elasticated racing breastplate.......this won't restrict shoulder movement.
 
I would not be too happy with the saddle fit if the breastplate is all that is stopping it sliding back, is the girth a correct length, can you try using different straps sometimes using the two front or two back ones can make a difference as can having a girth that is short enough not almost at the top.

I would invest in a good 5 point breastplate, it will be more effective and spread the pressure.
 
The saddle fitter is well respected locally and was recommended by my saddlery as well as my instructor.

The girth is on the first two tabs. The only other possible factor is that the girth is elasticated both ends.

It isn't slipping far, but enough to make the front dip about an inch lower that the back, thus putting the rider slightly off balance.
 
Try it with another girth that isn't elastic, see if this helps? May be the give in the elastic. Personally I'd still seek a second opinion if this didn't work, but that's just me.
 
Personally I'd try another saddle fitter, regardless of how respected the one you used is. I've seen some pretty shoddy work by a locally respected fitter.
 
To give you an idea, this is where the saddle was after 40 mins hacking, including up hill canter.

It isn't a huge shift, but slightly affects my back and seat.

picture.php
 
Yeah, I hadn't thought about the possibility of elastic inserts both ends being an issue before... it's simply the girth he came with that I've continued using. But it does seem possible that it could have too much give.
 
It looks like it's worth trying a different saddle fitter. The other factor, which the fitter made me aware of, is that he has slightly uneven muscle development in the saddle area.

I wonder whether this is having some impact on fit? She said this would improve now it has been refitted and with a balanced rider on board. She assumed his last owner had been sat quite crooked for some years.
 
The saddle looks as if it is sitting correctly, are you putting it on too far forward so it actually slips back into the right place, the breastplate will then be too tight.
 
metalmare said:
To give you an idea, this is where the saddle was after 40 mins hacking, including up hill canter.

It isn't a huge shift, but slightly affects my back and seat.

picture.php
Click to expand...


That doesnt look like its to far back there. I wouldnt want it any more forward it will be affecting his shoulder. Showing saddle are often put further back than that.
 
Probably!

I actually think I have become a little obsessive as prior to the re-fit I was getting terrible back problems. Now I am rather obsessing over whether the front and back are level.

This was taken before I adjusted the breastplate - in this photo it is actually quite slack... and the saddle, prior to the breastplate, has on occasion been an inch or so further back than this at the end of a ride.

So probably the breastplate adjusted a little looser is in fact doing its job and the saddle is okay... I am just creating problems through my obsessiveness... nothing new there then.
 
Well, I do like to have something to worry and obsess over...

Between you all my invented equine worries and niggles will be cured, then what will I do?

Okay, I'll loosen the breastplate up again and just enjoy riding, without creating worries.

What I really need is someone to follow me around the yard saying, don't be silly, that's not a real issue.

Thank you all.
 
Agree with the others about the saddle looking fine.

If your back is sore after you ride, maybe you could try some exercises to strengthen your core muscles? Maybe you're slouching without realising (maybe caused by the fit of the saddle before - not saying this is the case, but if you're sore it could be something like that).

Your horse looks like a lovely boy. :)
 
be positive said:
The saddle looks as if it is sitting correctly, are you putting it on too far forward so it actually slips back into the right place, the breastplate will then be too tight.
Click to expand...

these were my thoughts too...

OP pop it on your horse then rest your hand on the pommel, push backwards gently but firmly until you meet resistance, this is where the saddle should be when you do it up. I wouldn't want it sitting further forward than it is in your pic.
 
Thanks all.

I haven't had any back problems since the saddle was refitted.

Because there is no-one else to refer to really where I keep my pony, I think I tend to worry myself into a state about problems that aren't really there.
 
Err, I dont want to upset the apple cart here but, if you straighten the picture (horses feet are in a straight line, roof of building is horizontal), the saddle is actually sitting high at the pommel.

To me, it looks as though the saddle is too narrow for the horse and is perched up front. It is probably sliding back as it doesnt fit. Please please please dont make the mistake many of us have made of blindly trusting someone who is telling you something fits and taking money off you in the process :(

I've edited the photo to show you what I mean.
user40374_pic19895_1353171848.jpg
 
Gee, clever idea... I still don't think it's quite accurate though...

The building is derelict, so I wouldn't trust the roof... see how out of line it is with the top of the bricks on the wall above his quarters. Also, my pony isn't built that uphill - his withers and croup and pretty level.

I think in all probability the truth falls somewhere between my photo and your edit... you've got your thinking cap on though - it hadn't even occurred to me!

The saddle fitter put an insert in to make the saddle slightly narrower.

I take your point that there is good and bad in every trade and you shouldn't trust blindly... but if I don't trust any professional I'll have to have them come two by two every time. I do trust the opinion of my trimmer, so I can ask her for a second opinion when she is next out.
 
Just to add my tuppenceworth - I agree with Skippys Mum and think that it looks high in front. The cantle and pommel may well be on a level, but the seat itself definitely looks too high in front iyswim? I would think that this saddle would push the rider towards the back of the saddle and, personally, would get it re-checked by another saddler. Only my opinion based on your photo though, and might be quite different in reality!
 
Yes, even in the original photo the deepest part of the saddle is quite far back, I agree. I don't see that it can be any other way though, if the pommel and cantle are level.

It's worth getting it re-checked.
 
Why must the pommel and cantle be level? In all the saddles I've ever had the cantle is slightly higher than the pommel when the saddle is level. I agree with Skippys Mum, it looks too high in front from the picture. :)
 
hollybear said:
Why must the pommel and cantle be level? In all the saddles I've ever had the cantle is slightly higher than the pommel when the saddle is level. I agree with Skippys Mum, it looks too high in front from the picture. :)
Click to expand...

This. Cantle should be about 2 fingers higher. Stirrup should fall down in the middle of the flap when down and to me I would actually want that saddle back about an inch as it looks that its still kinda sitting over his shoulder blade.

I see its a wintec........we had a wintec and had trouble ever getting it to fit properly.
 
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