Using a point strap for roly poly pony

[Nagling]

How many of you use a point strap on your saddle for those round ponies? Which other girth strap are you meant to use with it? I tried last night when jumping her and used the point strap and then the second of the three normal girth straps - it definatly helped with the saddle movement as she has quite an exuberant jump in her. Is there any harm in using it long term- it doesn't cause the tree to dig in does it? She felt happy and ethe saddle felt good on her. Hope this makes sense. Thanks

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Always had them on the pony saddles.
I used point strap and either centre or rear strap (both are on the same webbing over the top).

Worked for us & had no probs

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

i would use the point strap and either the second or third strap on the saddle in the interim. then diet and work to lose the fat (winter is the ideal time to get your pony in shape as he is meant to be). once he pony has reached the ideal weight for size, height and build i would get the saddle checked, refitted if nec, or a new saddle that fits.

 

[Nagling]

Thank you for your replies. She isn't fat at all - don't actually know why I called her roly poly I was meaning that she hasn't much shape in front - no withers at all - typical native. She is only 4 and still growing and is also on her 4th saddle as she has changed shape so much this year! This one seems great, fits her really nicely. I asked a saddler to have a look when I changed it and he said if it was any narrower in front then it would pinch. It sits perfectly on her in walk, trot, canter both schooling and hacking but we've just found this new problem now that she has started jumping. I didn't really want to change saddles again just yet (although I'm sure I'll have to again by the time she has finished growing) but I didn't want to cause her problems by using the point strap. I've never had to use one before.

 

[sbloom]

If the saddle fits perfectly, and is wide enough in the head (the pommel should look like an upside down U rather than a V) then a point strap is not the work of the devil and in fact is necessary for most wide horses. I am a specialist fitter for cobs and natives and use the point strap at least 9 times out of 10. For most of those I will then use the overall third strap (we number them 1 to 4, no distinction on the point strap on the numbers!) - using the 4th strap, the balance strap, will often undo the effect of the point strap.

If you imagine that the point at which the girth is attached to the tree - ie the attachment point of your chosen billets to the tree - is trying to align over the girth groove, you'll see why the balance strap can pull the saddle forwards. It is more commonly used for narrow ribbed horses especially when jumping, when you might also be using a breast plate. I occasionally use it on natives but often as not only on one side to correct an asymmetry.

 

[Nagling]

Thanks sbloom thats good to know! It makes alot of sense