Wow saddle questions

[just-me]

I didn't realise quite how complicated wow saddles were and bought one which has almost all the wrong parts so im looking to start again (used) but im still confused & was hoping some of you might be able to clear a few things up for me

Can size 0 panels be used on a size 1 resin seat or only the newer leather trees?

Can the airbags in an sdwg panel be changed to make it a dwg?

Are flaps from a size 0 saddle different proportions to that of a size 1 or size 2?

Also how do I go about having one fitted to an unbroken pony? Would most fitters allow me to test out which parts I like on another horse or would I be charged 2 fitting fees?

Thank you!

 

[wimble]

I can help with some of this...

Not sure what you mean by a leather tree, but the basic principle of wow seats and panels is that you can use the same size (obviously ), or you can have a seat which is larger than the panels, but not the other way around. So I have a size 2 seat on size 1 panels which is fine, but you couldn't have size 1 seat on size 2 panels.

You can't change the panels by altering the airbags, they are what they are. If you haven't got the right shape for the horse then all you can do is buy some others instead. Ebay is good for this but you do need to know exactly what you want, so maybe get the fitter out first?

I don't know on the flaps, my guess would be yes the proportions are the same.

On the fitting, I think of it like this. The headplate and the panels are selected to fit the horse. The flaps and the seat are selected to fit/suit the rider. The airbags are adjusted to suit a particular rider on a particular horse.

So fitting on an unbroken horse will be tricky. I would have thought you could persuade a fitter to do what you suggest but you still won't be able to get the airbags adjusted to their optimum. I would suggest you ring up FTE and ask their advice.

For what it's worth the Wow fitter I use is quite relaxed about what she fits and hasn't minded telling me what second hand gear I need to buy without trying to sell me loads of new component parts. She just re-fitted to a new horse for me, sold me a headplate, changed my panels over (I had two different pairs anyway) discussed second hand flaps, & re-did the airbags for the new horse.

Hope that helps. It is a bit of a minefield!

 

[flyingfeet]

Can size 0 panels be used on a size 1 resin seat or only the newer leather trees?

Yes can be used on either resin or leather, in both cases you might have to make the holes when putting smaller panels on for the first time - make sure these are even!

Can the airbags in an sdwg panel be changed to make it a dwg?

Nope - the pocket shape determines the panel type - so D panels have more filling in the front. You can also get DD panels which are even fatter in the front for the high withered beasts

Are flaps from a size 0 saddle different proportions to that of a size 1 or size 2?

I don't believe so - the bolts are in the same position, so I think flaps are all universal. However can vary in length, which is worth noting if you are short..

Also how do I go about having one fitted to an unbroken pony? Would most fitters allow me to test out which parts I like on another horse or would I be charged 2 fitting fees?

Urmm well seeing as you have to ride to get a wow fitted, this could be tricky!! I am not sure any WOW fitter will lend you a demo model for an unbroken horse...

If I was going to use mine on an unbroken horse I would set it up first and use at Atmospheric and pad out if required. This is not standard for wow's!

 

[just-me]

Thanks for the helpful replies.

Can size 0 panels be used on a size 1 resin seat or only the newer leather trees?
Yes can be used on either resin or leather, in both cases you might have to make the holes when putting smaller panels on for the first time - make sure these are even

^ Thats why they looked so odd then! I have no intention of doing it myself lol but out of curiosity how would you make the holes as they are threaded? also do you then use the second hole on the panels metal plate?

I knew the fitting would be tricky, to make matters worse hes very nervous. I think if i can get it almost right, so it doesn't hurt him & i can then lunge/ long rein him in it i will have to worry about tweaking the air, etc when he starts being ridden.

If i buy the new type tree would he need a curved or flat y bar? As you can see hes a bit bum high.

 

[flyingfeet]

At the moment - he like most babies is a flat Y bar SDWG panel

To make the holes - you just mark them out and use the self tapping screw

This is a curved Y bar horse (DWG or DDWG panel required)

 

[twisteddiamond]

The flaps are the same size, I have a 0 and a 2 and I can swap the flaps over if needed