Wonky saddle - why would it happen?

[milliepops]

OK, dunce alert

Have noticed that my jumping saddle sits to the right. Actually it doesn't *sit* right, it sits central but slopes down to the right. It was new 3 years ago and has been reflocked roughly annually since, never noticed a problem. Dressage saddle sits straight.

Put it on my mare to examine closely today, and there definitely seems to be more flock on the left panel, towards the back of the saddle. The front seems even and front to back looks OK.

Why/how would this happen? If I am making it wonky, wouldn't it also happen in the dressage saddle? Also, would I be right to assume this might be why my mare has suddenly started going to the left over jumps, despite my best efforts to keep her straight?

(Obviously, it is booked into the saddlers tomorrow

)

 

[Scribbles]

It could have been dropped and the tree twisted/broken?

 

[milliepops]

I would think it unlikely (though not impossible I suppose) - I'm the only one that uses it and I know it hasn't sustained any damage from me, plus having had a saddle with a broken tree in the past, this is nothing like it - no noises, no 'give', just the flocking is terribly uneven.

 

[Scribbles]

Hum, is it flocked with anything different to your other saddle?

 

[milliepops]

Don't think so - both wool and done by the same saddler. I am confused!

 

[Cahill]

do you use a mounting block?not using one can twist a tree,or it it stuffed in an uneven manner?have you stood behind your horse to check he is evenly muscled?

 

[milliepops]

Yep, always use a mounting block which is stirrup height. Don't like getting on from the ground, not much good for the horse either. Horse *appears* to be even on both sides. My friend is a physio and her assessment is that she is even. It just seems that there is more flock on one side all of a sudden.

Hey ho, will get the saddler's assessment soon enough I suppose, I was just curious.

 

[Keltic]

What sort of girth do you use? is it one with elastic one side? my saddler was telling me about these, she said they can cause un even pressure and in my cob's case use a proper shaped girth with no elastic.

 

[milliepops]

Elastic both sides (Professionals choice neoprene, bought from saddler who supplied the saddle).

This is why I can't understand it! I *thought* I was doing everything right!

 

[Keltic]

How bizarre? when you get it sorted out make sure you give us an update, im really curious!! Hope its sorted soon for you.

 

[milliepops]

OK, will do

I'm curious too

Luckily it is still within its 3 year guarantee so if by some strange chance it is a problem with the tree, I'm hoping it will be covered. I really don't think that is it though

 

[Donkeymad]

Flocking is done by hand and assessed by hand and eye. Probably just been flocked a little unevenly and your saddler can easily rectify this.