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Post by solomon on Mar 18, 2011 19:20:33 GMT
I wonder what people's experience of synthetic saddles is? I am contemplating getting one as a saddle I can safely leave at the yard without worrying about theft. There is a high wither one being sold by a fellow livery. Best tips for diy fitting please?
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Post by fimacg on Mar 19, 2011 13:48:14 GMT
I dont like wintecs but think thorowgoods are really quite nice, and those with a changeable gullet are especially useful.
In terms of DIY saddle fitting. you need to look for the following.
1) no saddle cloths place on back do not girth girth up and then look at the seat, see whether or not the seat itself sits flat.
2) run your hand down between the shoulder and the front of the saddle from the withers downwards, it should be neat but not too tight, which would pinch or too loose which would sink onto his withers with a riders weight.
3) also look at how the saddle sits on his back front to back (but look from the side) , if you can see any clear air it means the pads at the front and back are taking the weight and the saddle is 'bridging' front to back, the pads should sit nicely along his back and agin not pinch or be too loose, again run you hand front to
4) look from behind up the gullet of the saddle and make sure the pads sit neatly either side of his spine and not pinch his spine
5) rock the saddle front to back and see if there is any undue movement.
6) repeat once girthed up (still no saddle pad)
7) repeat and watch with rider to see if the saddle sinks front to back or moves with the weight of the rider.
Hope that helps, but if in any doubt get a saddle fitter to check it... initially I always got my saddles checked by a proffessional until I realised that I was right with identifying the problems every time. Its not difficult to do its a matter of getting your eye in.
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Post by solomon on Mar 19, 2011 14:27:29 GMT
Thanks Fi will give it a go.
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haffyfan
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Post by haffyfan on Mar 19, 2011 14:49:07 GMT
just be cautious Sol. My only experiences with them are that they are banana shaped! The backend never seem to sit on the horses back unless the rider is on top  |
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Post by brigadier on Mar 20, 2011 10:59:51 GMT
Newer wintecs are better than old and the old griffen dressage is a really nice saddle. All my saddles are synthetic but like fi says its more useful if youve got interchangeable gullets. I dont think I will buy leather again, too heavy and cumbersome and expensive to replace.
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Post by solomon on Mar 20, 2011 14:38:50 GMT
Know what you mean my second hand leather one was £750! Sadly Thorowgood way too small. Might get one fitted though.
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