WOW saddle - some basic advice, pls

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Scot123

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Hi - I know there have been previous threads relating to Wow's but my queries are of a rather more basic level...! I am in the process of buying my first horse. His tack is included - of which the saddle is a WOW. I have no experience of these saddles - I know it is well fitted etc as the fitter has checked it every 6 months so no problems there. But on a basic note - the stirrup leathers seem incredibly tricky to change - is that right? Is there some nack to it? Or am I just being daft?!

Also, on all previous horses I've ridden, the girths do up under the saddle flap which makes adjusting them easy once you're in the saddle. How to you adjust the WOW girth when you're up? And does the girth not rub as it is only the middle section that is padded, and the parts nearest the saddle are just the leather straps?

As I say, basic I know, but answers appreciated! Thanks.
 
Hi there, re; the leathers'. It took me ages to work out how to take them off and put them on! If you hold up the pommel with one hand and slide the loops on to the bars it should be fairly easy.
Adjusting the girth, I don't as my mare won't stand! but it can be done if you're supple, lol!
Perhaps ask a dressage rider?
I've never found that the girth straps rub. They're the same as dressage saddles and some endurance saddles. If you're worried maybe use a neoprene girth sleeve.
Hope you have a load of fun with your new horsie!
 
Stirrup leathers are easy, but hard to explain - to undo you twist anticlockwise and hook left side of T out first. To do up, you hold D vertically and hook right side in first and then twist.

Girth also easy - just further to bend down, but you can keep your leg where it is - easier than a normal girth as no sill saddle flap in the way!
 
Thanks, all, for advice! Things that are probably really obvious when you've been using one for a while - or using a dressage style girth but not so obvious otherwise! Many thanks, all appreciated!
 
The girth you get used to and just bend more! However once you've got used to no bulk under your legs you will forever hate short girth straps!!

I use kvall and normal leathers, but the dressage webbers are easy and twist like a rug belly clip. They can be put up too, so handy and have proven to eliminate some of the pressure points under the stirrup bar.
 
Added I've had no problems with girthing, but did just treat my mare to a wool girth sleeve as she claimed the long straps on my stock saddle and wow were itchy. She loves the numed wool sleeve £15 from forgpool!
 
Thanks all! Girth I think I have now got to grips with, though think I prefer the standard girth if truth be told - time will tell. But I have to admit that I think I must just be being daft re the leathers.:o I was trying to take them off today, but being used on a 'normal' saddle to just lifting the flap and slipping them off, there just doesn't seem enough room to manoeuvre on the Wow! I can see the bar almost within reach but can find no physical way of getting my hand into it (to note, I don't think my hands are weirdly large either!). Any further tips...?
 
You don't need to get your hand right in there. Tip the saddle on to its pommel then push the stirrup leather against the flap and slide it back, off the bar, at the same time. Works for me :)
 
I must say that I am now a WOW convert and hopefully you will get on well with yours however I do appreciate that they are like marmite.

I find the stirrup leathers easy enough to get off, I'm not delicate with anything though so I probably tip it this way and that (as described above) to get them off. Maybe as it's new to you you are being more delicate ;)


What I do struggle with is adjusting the length of the stirrups once i'm on and haven't found a way to that without getting off. I know the webbers with the billet are recomended as being easier to adjust so you might want to invest in them (I'm too lazy to get round to it..).

The girth gets easier and hopefully your new horse has better manners than mine who won't stand for me to put my girth up so i am walked around hanging off his side!
 
to get the stirrup leathers off put your foot on a chair, put the saddle on your knee with the cantle towards your body, grip the stirrup leather with the hand on the same side as the leather you are taking off, push inwards (towards your knee) and pull back towards your body. the leather should come away smoothly. by pushing inwards you take the positive pressure of the flap off the leather and make it easier to remove. :D simples!

as for doing the girth up.... I just get on with it. my horse ignores me and usually uses it as an opportunity to trot off! :D
 
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