This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have one of the roller style girths I used on my Percheron (when I was looking for anything that would make it easier to saddle the big girl!!). Having followed the directions that came with it, I never found it any easier to tighten than a normal Western girth. Although I certainly can't speak for your ponies, my Joe (7 year old gelding with lots of saddle time) stumbles quite a bit when he is not paying attention - regardless of whether I am riding him with a saddle or bareback, and regardless of whether he is in the ring, on the street, or on the trail. Once I get him engaged, the stumbling disappears. It is usually enough to just ask him to do some simple serpentines or switch between a trot and a walk a few times for him to register that he needs to put his brain in gear. With respect to saddles, I tried my two Aussie saddles on him (one designed for my Trakehner mare and one for my Percheron mare), and neither fit. Took some photos and his measurements to a saddler in my area who took a look and suggested that only an Arab tree would fit him, or to go with a treeless. I got a treeless saddle, and will never go back! Joe seems as comfortable in it as in his bareback pad, and the same goes for me. My trainer just tried it out last week and said she had never had a more comfortable ride (not sure if it was the saddle, or the Barca-lounger experience of riding a Fjord). although there is no tree, there is a fiberglass form in the front and over the cantle to form a secure seat; the front form has a good handwidth of space over his withers. Kate and Joe (basically, the best pony ever) -----Original Message----- From: "Sue" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I would like like to know how to use a western girth strap with two rollers in one end. (It is supposed to be much easier to tighten.) We are using it but have no idea if we are using it properly. It has one roller on the outside edge and one in the center of the girth that the tying strap goes into. Also while returning back from a ride the other day, I shoved or at least tried to shove my hand under the front of the saddle. The blasted saddle was sitting right down on Peppins body. Absolutely no clearance! I tried a thicker pad...same thing. Is this what everyone is talking about Fjords being hard to fit with a saddle? Luckily, I had another old saddle here with a higher tree.....now I have lots of clearance. Does a tight saddle like the former impede the way a horse moves? Peppin and Storm are both stumbling quite a bit when we are on their backs but do fine under harness. Neither pony has had all that much time under the saddle. Are they stumbling because they have to learn balance while carrying a rider?...or are they just gloming for leaves and not paying attention. Both Fjord Ponies are shod. One is a six year old and the other 4. Would ring work on a smooth terrain help these guys or should we practice them walking and then trotting over poles. The trail is very rough in places and even though we are just walking them, they stumble frequently. Otherwise we are having a great time riding, as both ponies are wonderful. Randy's "Storm" is much livelier but that suits him just fine. Peppin, from Deere Country Fjords (John and Eunice Bosomworth), is very quiet and loveable...much like going for a ride on an overgrown dog. I love him! Hope everyone is enjoying the fall season. I haven't had time to read much of the digests lately....so am attempting to catch up now. If anyone has any ideas for me re pony, girth and saddle, I would much appreciate them. Happy trails, Sue in N.B. (Storm and Peppin's mom)
