This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Laura, I have the same problem with my Icelandic mare. What I have ended up doing is riding in Hybrid saddles. Much more to them than an English Saddle but shorter than a Western. I do not like pure English saddles at all. The most short western saddle I could find is one made by Big Horn,,is a Flexi tree western saddle. It is 23" long. El Dorado makes a Endurance Flex panel saddle called the "Triple E". The panels are 22.5" long. However once you over lap the should up to 3" the saddle is more than short enough. I have one of these and they are nice. Another option is Treeless saddles. The Star Trekk comfort Shorty saddle is only 20 1/2" long. It has more too it than most Treeless saddles and has a clearance over the spin. I did a long Demo with it. Both my horse and I liked it so much I have ordered one. This one is the best of the treeless saddles I have tried. They are well made and not too spendy. They also make a western Model. If you are interested in checking it out,, let me know. I have a few more ideas for you,, just let me know. Shari :O) " <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: saddle
This message is from: "lhedelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi, I tried to get on this list a few months ago, and finally gave up. Suddenly, I began receiving lots of fun Fjord e-mails. I'm so glad it finally worked! I have a 6 year old gelding that we drive and ride. I've had him since he was a yearling, and love him to pieces. He has truly stolen my heart. My husband refers to him as our big golden retriever. He'd rather be with us than the other horses. I have a problem that I have been trying to solve for about 6 months. Last summer I noticed the tell tale signs of an ill fitting saddle on my boy, (white hairs a ways back from his shoulders) and have been trying to find a saddle that fits both him and me. This is no easy task, as he has about a 22" back to work with, he's obviously very wide and mutton withered, and I need a western seat size 14 or 14 1/2". I have found an english saddle that would work (the Soltice, by the Arabian Saddle Co.) but I'd really like a western saddle. I do lots of trail riding, and would like to show him at our local WSCA shows for fun, as well. Does anyone have any ideas for me? I have learned so much about saddle fit in the last 6 months. My poor guy. He didn't exhibit any signs of pain or discomfort that other horses might with an ill fitting saddle. He has a very high tolerance for pain. ("What spurs? I don't feel anything.") At this point I have no saddle for him, and summer is fast approaching. I hate to have to have a saddle custom made, ($$$) but I am getting concerned that I may not have any choice. Any ideas? Thanks. Laura