Total Contact Saddles - anyone got/tried one?

[[59668]]

Hello all

I have one of these saddles coming on trial for a week.

I don't want to open up the whole "pressure" and "treeless" debate, but I would like to hear from anyone who has one of these, or who has tried one.

In particular, anyone who jumps or has competed in one.

Thanks!

 

[Beausmate]

I've got one! Still haven't managed to get around to jumping in it, but the baby cob has had a bit of a 'bucky bucky wheee!!' session under it.

It is a bit strange, bit like a racing saddle crossed with a roller, but I like it and may have to invest in another one.

Only issues I've had with it, have been lining it up straight and initially using it without buckle guards. Very bad idea and I've really marked the flaps. Shires do a two-slot guard and I thoroughly recommend one.

As for the lining up? I'll just have to keep practising!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I think that PingPongPony has one.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I thought about one for mine........ but TBH am not sure I am adventurous enough!

I had a look at the website, where they do intimate that this is not going to be everyone's choice of saddle.

I personally don't think I could hack it, but good luck to those that find its like the Dogs Knobs for their particular horse/riding situation.

 

[exmoorponyprincess1]

I tried it but given my main love is dressage/ridden showing it was throwing my legs too far forward and making it difficult to sit "correctly"...I now use a Zoe Snape Shetland pad (with custome made longer flaps to suit my Exmoors body) and find it brilliant. I've done dressage, hacking, wild pony gathering (think hunting across moorland but without the stops!), fun rides (including jumps) and it has been perfect...my girl really struggled with conventional saddles and I tried quite a few things (various "traditional" saddles as well as various treeless) and this pad really hit the spot.
Good luck with the total contact saddle - you can have one for a week on trial from the guy, he was really easy to deal with when I was trying it out and very understanding when I said it just wasn't right for me.

 

[dollyanna]

I have one, eventually to start my youngsters in but have tried it out on borrowed horses. I absolutely loved it, after not riding for several years I jumped on my friend 13.2hh skinny welsh C with it for the first time, went off on an hours hack during which she stuck her head between her knees and bronced and had a go at bolting and I just never moved. Felt so safe! Didn't have any problems with positioning except for not having the strength to keep my leg still in trot, but that is due to lack of riding muscles more than anything. Also had absolutely no saddle soreness or aching muscles afterwards, I was amazed. This pony I know I would normally feel a bit top heavy on, very fine and not a lot of neck in front, but I was amazed when I saw the photos that I looked a lot bigger than I had felt for a change.

A week later I borrowed a 15.2hh section D, quite rotund and solid, again never ridden her before. Went straight off for a hack, felt really amazing, again a bit spooky and had a gallop back across the fields with a few bucks thrown in and I just didn't move, it just made me laugh. She was very happy in it, owner was very impressed and wants to try it when her back is better.

PPP was very helpful with her experiences so may be worth messaging, but I just can't wait to do more with mine. I think the reason I felt so secure on 2 very diferent and unknown animals was because I could just feel everything underneath me, I knew they were going to buck before they had even started to drop their heads. Same with the spooks. I know many people say the spooking is less just because you feel it sooner so can reassure sooner.

I think sometimes you have to work harder at your position because these days we are so used to knee pads and calf supports and all sorts keeping our legs in position, but I grew up with the old pony saddles with no flaps and I don't see this as much different.

 

[Spotsrock]

Pingpongpony has xc sj all well over a meter, hacked etc in hers and loves it. Give her a shout! Horse went lovely in it.

 

[[59668]]

Thank you everyone! Messaged PPP but she hasn't replied

 

[Beausmate]

One other thing I just remembered. I found I needed considerably shorter stirrup leathers, as the bars are much lower on the TC.

 

[Spotsrock]

Thank you everyone! Messaged PPP but she hasn't replied

She's away at mo but I'll give her a poke

 

[Shantara]

I had a go with one and loved it!

 

[PingPongPony]

Sorry sorry sorry, I got a new puppy last night and then spent most of today at work so I just haven't had time to go on the internet! I'm replying now

 

[PingPongPony]

Photos like requested:

 

[Coblover63]

I was hoping you'd add to this thread, PPP.... thank you. And I think the pics speak for themselves!!!