very high withered horse help??

M

mcavity

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 May 2006
Messages
234
Location
wiltshire
Visit site
hi i have a chunky TB, he has very high withers, anyway i have just bought a second hand albion saddle and had a saddler come out to fit it to him. it has been reflocked and raised as must as she can, it is off his withers but only just. So do i get a pad to raise it more( if so any ideas) or sell the saddle and try to get another(again any ideas?), which would be a shame as the saddle fits me perfect and is super comfey?? am i being selfish?? thanks
 
The flocking in the saddle will bed down and then it will be touching his withers - all that will do is cause him back pain so the answer is yes, get rid of the saddle.

am surprised the saddler didnt say anything to you about the saddle fit - I tell people straight out when their saddles dont fit. Doesnt make me popular but I dont care - I am more concerned about the horse really.

If I were you I would get a saddler to come out with a range of saddles for you to try and part x or try and get one off ebay. I would look for something like an Ideal, Barnsby or SC. I dont like Albions or Stubbens.
 
Saddles shouldnt need to be reflocked once they have settled, unless they have dropped more due to the rider's weight - in which case the saddle should be flocked appropriately to begin with.

an inch isnt enough - there should be at least 2-3 fingers clearance once on board, depending on the weight of the rider. sometimes I fit closer, if I think the horse will be able to build the amount of muscle required and the rider is lightweight, or I have fitted the saddle with a sheepskin until the muscle has developed.
 
another thing, he has hardly any topline at the moment as not ridden much since xmas, and she said more topline would improve the fit, so do i get a pad, build up his topline and see if it gets any better before selling it??
 
I havent seen many albions which help with muscle wastage - it is usually the opposite.

It depends on the degree of wastage really - everyone fits differently. I dont really fit anything other than SC so I usually assess how bad the damage is, work out the exercise plan for the rider (which is going to be achievable in the circumstances) and then fit accordingly. I always fit slightly wider, but then with an adjustable saddle I can make incremental adjustments so I dont have to fit to the eventual shape 12 months before you get there then use all manner of pads etc.

It actually works out cheaper for people to call me out 3 times a year rather than spend £80 each on front risers, back risers, prolites etc.

But as I said, it depends on the degree of wastage - it may be that your fitter can play about with the flocking. I tend to avoid doing this unless there are no other feasible options, but it is all personal really.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top