Re: Saddles - again
This message is from: "Deb Williams" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Question 1: You guys out there who HAVE a Thorowgood, how did you get hold > of it? Any tack stores out there that have them in stock? I don't mind if > it's on the other side of the country as long as it can be shipped... To all interested in the saddle discussion: I purchased a Griffin Ap and LOVE it !!! It fits my horses an appie 1000 lb and broad rounded back but has some withers and my Rosie,, Fjord 14.2 1200= lbs and no withers and Elvis, Fjord 1000lb plenty of wither. It stays put on both mares, (stallion not riding in the English yet) and IS COMFORTABLE! It feels like it is made out of firm foam over a big tree. The flaps are longish and seem straighter nearly like a dressage saddle. The materials are soft brushed synthetic very much like suede on the seat and soft leather like feeling flaps. It has 4 billets one is up front and 3 are grouped like the usual placement on English saddles. I have used Wintec webbers for leathers and really like them. and a neoprene girth which may help with the security in placement. Debi Williams Williams Hill Fjords Waterford, Pa Home of Tolgar, Belle,Hilda, Senja, Beckett, Rosie, Levi and Daniel
Re: Saddles - again
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi there, don't get too frustrated with the saddle search I know ours took forever. Now about the Thorowgood seems the company was in some financial trouble or something but they do still ship (using Miller's) it just takes awhile. I had ordered the extra wide thru my Tack Store but they, the tack store screwed up and got us the wide. It's not quite wide enough for Nina (very drafty) but fits Frodo like a glove. I have seen one of the ThornHill saddles on a very wide backed Morgan and it seemed to fit well. Really didn't investigate any further since the Thorowgood was cheaper. I should since I understand their headquarters is only half an hour from my house. Hope that helps. Robyn in MD (surviving but barely summer camps)
Saddles - again
This message is from: "Dagrun Aarsten" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello all listers, let me first say I'm having a great time with the fjords - Quinn together with Brigid's three boys - and soon Tinn will join them too - 5 fjords just 5 minutes from home! Guess it can't beat having a fjord farm (at home) but still seems pretty good to me! Now more saddle frustrations: I finally ordered a thorowgood griffin AP broad from a tack store here. The saddles are distributed through Miller's and the woman in the shop said thay'd had a lot of trouble with delivery from Miller's lately. So it was supposed to arrive in two weeks, now it's been about a month and no information to get from Miller's. I can cancel it if I like. Some online saddle woman (netfilly.com) suggested a Thornhill Berlin (all-purpose) that fits extra wide horses - she said she has fitted five fjords already with these. www.thornhillusa.com Question 1: You guys out there who HAVE a Thorowgood, how did you get hold of it? Any tack stores out there that have them in stock? I don't mind if it's on the other side of the country as long as it can be shipped... Question 2: Anyone have experience with the Thornhill? I've read som good reviews but never seen them "live". Thanks everybody! I will probably be showing at Skandifest in a bareback pad... guess that's against the rules, huh? Talking about Skandifest - I will be posting an email very soon about class sponsorship/advertising/prize donations etc. Be prepared! Dagrun in San Jose
Saddles Round Bales Weight Gain Ivermectin
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] The saddle issue is one I've been working on for a long time. I finally found an Ascot All Purpose in an 18 inch seat with the widest gullet I have ever seen. Fits our Fjord Nina wonderfully and several other roundies, it's a very nicely made leather saddle and I purchased it off of ebay from a saddle shop in CA called Frontier. It was under $400.00. I have on order the Thorowgood AP Griffin in the extra wide and will see how it fits, it's synthetic and under $400.00 too. The Wintec even with the extra wide gullet was not wide enough for Nina and the others. I've been hearing some problems with the changeable gullets as if they are not done correctly and tight they slip and can injure your horse. I have used the treeless saddle and do not recommend them as I've found they do slide especially with riders who are new and don't keep their balance well. Round bales we have fed them for over ten years with no problems of course we only get the ones that have been stored inside. This year our vet did suggest botulism shots for all and she also uses round bales. For the skinnies needing weight I use corn oil and soy meal and some also get beet pulp. This provides those extra calories but not extra energy, this is especially good with those thoroughbreds who won't gain weight. The ivermectin issue is very important as it will kill dogs of collie extraction. I had a dog who I was treating for mange and none of the smelly stuff worked. Finally in an article in Mother Earth News the suggestion was use ivermectin. So I dosed all our dogs and my friend's dogs. The good thing was it worked great for clearing up the mange. The bad part was it killed my friend's Australian Shepherd. Seems it is toxic to dogs of collie extraction. I did notify Mother Earth and they put a notice in their next issue. Robyn in MD where Spring is back
More saddles
This message is from: "Dagrun Aarsten" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello all, I had a look on ebay - I guess even the thorowgood wide would be too narrow... but I searched for "wide saddle" and found this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1818424921 That is WIDE! Look at the picture that shows the saddle from the front. Maybe I'll give it a shot... Anybody having experience with Ascot saddles? They are probably not the highest quality... and the dressage saddles don't really look like dressage saddles. But I could always give it a try:-) Or maybe one of you want it for a Fjord? Dagrun > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Don Brackett > Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2002 4:31 PM > To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com > Subject: Re: Thorogood Dressage saddle > > > This message is from: Don Brackett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Hay Karen and Dagrun, Check out the thorowgood site. > (www.thorowgood.com) There's the griffin dressage and then the griffin > cob dressage saddle - made for the wider flatter horses, comes in wide > and extra wide. I imagine the one on e bay is the regular wide dressage. > > My mare, Osa, is still difficult to fit, very wide with a nice short > back with a dip - not sway, in her back. :) But she loves driving > best. After three years of hard work she is now 130 lbs lighter than > when I purchased her! She looks fabulous! > > Jane > Knox, Maine. > Sunny and cool 40 > > Karen McCarthy wrote: > > > This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > > Hey, guess what I fund on Ebay?! > > > > SADDLE 17.5in wide Thorowgood Griffin Dressage > > Item # 1818114072 > > Whaddya think Dagrun? > > its at 152.00 right now , what do they sell for new? > > > > > > > > > > _ > > Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com
Re: Saddles, spanish dressage
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 3/31/02 10:57:58 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > I do know that there are > several of us on the classical dressage e-mail list (you can subscribe > at: http://www.classicaldressage.com/subscribe/discussion_lists.html). > You will find the list very interesting. It has several classical > dressage masters from here and europe writing responses to the list, so > the information is very helpful. > Ah, I didn't know you were on that list too Curt. Guess you noticed the can of worms I opened up with my question to Thomas about "toes out"? Pamela
Re: Saddles, spanish dressage
This message is from: Curtis Pierce <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > This message is from: "Anneli Sundkvist" > Btw...I guess I've asked this before, and it might have been discussed too. > I have not been as active on the list as I want to during the past > months...BUT is there anyone else who tries to do "spanish", "baroque" or > classical dressage with their fjords? Hi Anneli, I'm not sure how many of us here in USA are using classical dressage techniques when training our Fjords. I do know that there are several of us on the classical dressage e-mail list (you can subscribe at: http://www.classicaldressage.com/subscribe/discussion_lists.html). You will find the list very interesting. It has several classical dressage masters from here and europe writing responses to the list, so the information is very helpful. I use the classical dressage techniques with our Fjords starting when they are about 36 to 42 months old. I feel that Fjords mature slowly, so I don't ride them until they are at least 3 years old. We do ground drive around 18 to 24 months and then carriage drive the Fjords starting around 22 to 26 months. I use the classical techniques in our training program. What I like about the classical dressage technique is that it develops the parts of the horse that is needed for a particular movement. You had mentioned the shoulder-in exercise. This is a lateral exercise that works well to supple and strengthen the hindquarter, which helps the horse canter more balanced. Basically, the classical technique gives you the tools you need to progress a horse through the dressage levels. By the way, I haven't tried the fancier movements like the spanish walk, maybe one of these days I will have a Fjord that can do it. Curt Pierce Bristow VA
Re: Saddles, spanish dressage
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Anneli, You make a good point about waiting for the canter until the walk and trot are well established. We have had long discourses on these questions here on the list. Many feel the fjord has difficulty taking the canter, not all. With my experience with my first Fjord, Howdy, it was very difficult to get him into the canter and it became a bad experience for him when the trainer forced it. With my second fjord who is built to draft, it is also an unwilling but accomplishable act. He has jumped, carted etc. but on the video sent to me before I bought him I could hear a voice in the background questioning a rider who had come in from a jumping event, "did he canter?" It must be a question of balance for the horse and reluctance to attempt something that is uncomfortable. Certainly the more competence the horse gains at walk and trot, it would seem they would feel more in balance and secure as they go into the canter.Jean Jean Walters Gayle [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 To 1949 ] http://users.techline.com/jgayle Send $20 Three Horses Press PO Box 104 Montesano, WA 98563
Saddles, spanish dressage
This message is from: "Anneli Sundkvist" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks Jean for the info on American Flex saddle company! You really helped me out there, since I was all confused about the Baroque model, that only seemed to exist in Germany. After reading Jean's post, I e-mailed American Flex in Germany about price and size of the Spanish Dressage model. Today I got a mail from their seller in SWEDEN, who did NOT answer my questions but asked me to check their webpage (which I've already done - they don't have "my" model) and to contact them. So, now Anneli is a bit...sour! If I'm stupid enough to buy a saddle in Germany instead of in Sweden - I think should be my decision, or is it only me? I think what I would have wanted was an ANSWER to my questions from Germany with an adress to their Swedish partners, in case I didn't know them. From experience I know that there are $$$ to earn if you buy a saddle directly from Germany. Of course you need to have the saddle fitted out, but I want to choose the saddle-fitter myself. I have now sent a message to the Swedes, so after the weekend I will se if they care to answer my price-and-size-questions. Since the Germans forwarded my first message, I would have expected an answer to that instead of "check-out-our-webpage"! The saddle-soap opera seems "to be continued...";o) Btw...I guess I've asked this before, and it might have been discussed too. I have not been as active on the list as I want to during the past months...BUT is there anyone else who tries to do "spanish", "baroque" or classical dressage with their fjords? I've been intrested for about 3 years and a year and a half ago I went to my first clinic with horse. Now, I start to feel we've really become better. It's fun and everything is built upon the individual horse and rider, which is very good if you don't have a warmblood. Here they are the standard for all ordinary training. I belive that many fjords do better if you do things in a different order, i.e. do more work at trot and walk before you start to canter. I've cantered very little during the winter, training shoulder in and quarter in at walk and trot. Now, I can feel that Cider's canter has developed without us training it! That's fun! Well, I have to continue working... Happy easter (Glad Påsk) everybody! Anneli ** Anneli Sundkvist Dept. of Archaeology & Ancient History St Eriks Torg 5 753 10 Uppsala +46-18-4712082
Don West saddles
This message is from: "Bossmare" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hate to brag but I seem to have a Fjord with the ideal saddle back. I popped my Stubben Scandica 32 cm. tree on her and I think I could almost ride without a girth. She has the ideal wither, shoulder and back shape for a dressage saddle. Oddly enough the saddle which was purchased for my Friesian had to be used with a neoprene nonslip pad and the same held true for the Morgan. I could not believe my luck that my saddle fit her so well. Also, at 14.1 she wears the same size clothing as the 15.1 Morgan which was another bonus. Most times a new horse means an equal investment in new outfittings. My western saddle however is a different story. It's a Fallis balanced ride 15" seat with round skirts. It appears too long from front to back on Anya who is 14.1 as mentioned and has a full-sized horse's body. The round skirts look as if they would rub and I suspect the saddle bridges. I think it is the shape of the rump that is causing this. While at an equine expo recently there was a booth with the Don West saddles. His advertisement is that they are on a shorter tree (front to back) than the usual quarter horse bars. He designed them for his Paso Finos which have the laid back shoulder and shorter backs. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this saddle. Lois in NJ looking for excuses not to ride
Re: Saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Well, Nina's new saddle came yesterday, haven't had a chance to try it on her yet but it is really really wide which is great. As a draft type fjord she was actually too wide for even the wintecs with the changeable gullet system (according to the saddle fitter we had come out to help us assess everyone). I really have no doubt this one will fit. I bought it off of ebay but it actually came from a tack shop in CA. called Frontier Equestrians. Their address is www.frontierequestrain.com. - the saddle I bought is an all purpose English saddle in an 18" seat. They also have a wide endurance saddle in development and a few others. The price was great, it's a nice leather saddle (Ascot) and including shipping was under $400.00. Another place with all purpose English is Miller's (www.millersharness.com) in their catalog they have saddles by Thorowgood in wide and extra wide. Their ad says the whole saddle is oriented with wide in mind not just the gullet. The two I've looked at are the AP Broad Griffin ($395.00) and the Thelwell AP for ponies that are wide ($375.00). I just bought the AP Broad Griffin for Frodo the Fjord/Arab cross and it fits him on all points. These are synthetic but very nice. I love hearing about all of your babies that have come. I am impatiently waiting for my Hanoverian, Lucinda to foal at the end of May. She is bred to Juventus from Iron Spring Farm. I too would like directions to Mel's Stable for this Sat. Thanks, Robyn in MD
Re: Saddles /Hillview Farms
This message is from: Jon & Mary Ofjord <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean/ Anneli, Hillview Farms usually has a large booth at the Greater Minnesota Horse Expo which is coming up the last weekend in April. We will check out American Saddles when we get there. Remind us to tell you about them when we get back. Jon Ofjord in Northeastern Minnesota where we have had 2 mornings in a row of above zero temperatures. Must be Spring! http://www.american-saddles.de/index.html For English language click on the flag in the upper right corner: http://www.american-saddles.de/dealer/dealer.html There is a dealer here in the US, in case anyone is interested: Hill View Farms <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 507-723-5937 Hillview also carries Rocking-R saddle(now Timbeline Saddle co.) Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, light snow and +15 F. Spring is not here afterall :( >Since Ortho-flex is up for discussion...does anyone have experience/info or >know the price of the Ortho-Flex Baroque? Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Mary Ofjord North Coast Fjords Grand Marais, MN
Re: Saddles
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Anneli, The Ortho-Flex company here in the US has been sold and the new owners don't make the Baroque. HOWEVER there is a company in Germany making flex-panel saddles which makes a saddle called the SPANISH DRESSAGE as well asothers. Interestingly, they are called AMERICAN SADDLERY! check out their website: http://www.american-saddles.de/index.html For English language click on the flag in the upper right corner: http://www.american-saddles.de/dealer/dealer.html They have a page with all the information on construction of flex panel saddles, including Ortho-flex and other companies using the system. Very interesting.! click on "Saddle System Functions" There is a dealer here in the US, in case anyone is interested: Hill View Farms <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 507-723-5937 Hillview also carries Rocking-R saddle(now Timbeline Saddle co.) Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, light snow and +15 F. Spring is not here afterall :( >Since Ortho-flex is up for discussion...does anyone have experience/info or >know the price of the Ortho-Flex Baroque? Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Saddles
This message is from: "Anneli Sundkvist" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Since Ortho-flex is up for discussion...does anyone have experience/info or know the price of the Ortho-Flex Baroque? For pic and info in German clic: http://www.orthoflex-sattel.de/orthoflex/englische_saettel/baroquedressage/b aroquedressage.html I can't find this model on the American webpage and no price neither in dollars nor in euros! My Fjordgelding is to wide for most Spanish saddles (and he's not even over-weighted!!!). I'm presently riding in a Swedish made western/english/spanish-inspirated design, but there are some things that make me look for a new saddle. A friend of mine has a Ultra-Flex a la Bent Branderup on her cold-blooded trotter, but the widest model is too narrow for Cider, sigh...but on the other hand it is a pretty expensive saddle, so perhaps I should be pleased to have found something I CAN'T spend money on!;o) Anneli ** Anneli Sundkvist Dept. of Archaeology & Ancient History St Eriks Torg 5 753 10 Uppsala +46-18-4712082 - Original Message - From: "Frederick J. Pack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2002 6:19 AM Subject: RE: Saddles > This message is from: "Frederick J. Pack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > I ride the Ortho-Flex Tempe western model. Expensive, but like sitting in > an easy chair ALL DAY... > > It fits my Fjords perfectly. > > Fred and Lois Pack > Pack's Peak Stables > Wilkeson, WA USA > http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/3158
RE: Saddles
This message is from: "Frederick J. Pack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I ride the Ortho-Flex Tempe western model. Expensive, but like sitting in an easy chair ALL DAY... It fits my Fjords perfectly. Fred and Lois Pack Pack's Peak Stables Wilkeson, WA USA http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/3158
Re: Saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] We had 4 orthoflexs none of which fit Nina or Frodo. We have had a lot more success with the Wintec extra wide gullet and the Thorowgood AP Griffin Broad in extra wide. Robyn in MD
RE: Re: Saddles
This message is from: "Richard Stewart" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks so much for the detailed response. Since I posted the query about orthoflex I tried out an Orthoflex Caliente. The owner of the saddle sent it to me for my perusal. I'll decide today if I want to buy it, so your feedback if very timely. I trail rode it on both Saturday and Sunday. An incredibly comfortable saddle that just does fit my horse. It's a close run thing, but if I use the breat collar I keep the saddle from rubbing against the swell of the hips. My Fjord seems to like it. He was spry and entusiastic on the trail. The gullet measures 7 inches and the pannels widen to about eight inches so it fits that way very nicely. The only problem is that the pad that is included with the saddle (this is a traditional pad, not the booties) runs up onto the hips slightly. I'm keeping a close eye on it to make sure it's not irritating the horse. I might just pull the pad farther forward and have a disproportionate part of it out over his shoulders and a smaller part back by the hips. A simple but not especially attractive solution. I needed a 17 inch seat so I'm quite sure that with a shorter seat, Calientes would fit most Fjords. I think I will buy this saddle. Thanks for your timely response. RJ Stewart >--- Original Message --- >From: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: Richard Stewart <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Date: 3/24/02 10:14:16 AM > >Hi, >I am sending this to you privately as well as to the list, because it seems >my posts to the list aren't getting posted for several days. LAnd Your post >just showed up. Please let me when you get this! >* > >I have been using Ortho-flex saddles on my fjords for 15 years, starting >with one of the first models. They work very well. Some of the models are >better for wide backs..The Trail Partner and the Tempe have wider gullets >and fit wider fjords as well as Fjords with less wide backs. I think the >Baron also has a wider gullet. I have at present the "Stitchdown" English >style, a trail pardner, Brazos and the Patriot. I have been very happy >with them, but they must be girthed firmly, and used in the correct >position on the back. Some will cause rubbing on the loins when use with >the attached "booties" on some horses. My big gelding has too much motion >in his back for the use of the booties, so I use a thin pad under the >saddle. The Western models that work best for Fjords are thos with the >wider gullets and shorter trees: the Tempe, and the Trail Partner. There >are always Ortho-Flex on eBay..Right now there is a Trail Partner >http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1814169080 >and a Western Trail, which has the wide gullet but has a square skirt >instead of the round skirt. >http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1814367610 > >I hope this helps. > >Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, sunny and will be +40 today, with 12 1/2 hours >sunlight >>Does anyone have an opinion on Orthaflex saddles for Fjords. >> Do they fit? Do they cause soreness? Any input concerning >>Orthaflex would be appreciated. Thanks. > > >Jean Ernest >Fairbanks, Alaska >mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: yahoo email & saddles
This message is from: Cynthia Madden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yahoo has restored service and I received all back issues of the list - finally! Thanks to all who responded to my query! Richard, I use an Orthoflex on Tank which I originally bought for my Morgan. It works beautifully. There are lots of discussion on saddles for Fjords in the archives. You might want to check there. = Cynthia Madden Las Cruces, NM [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Movies - coverage of the 74th Academy Awards® http://movies.yahoo.com/
Re: Saddles
This message is from: Joyce Concklin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> --- Richard Stewart <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This message is from: "Richard Stewart" > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Does anyone have an opinion on Orthaflex saddles for > Fjords. > Do they fit? Do they cause soreness? Any input > concerning > Orthaflex would be appreciated. Thanks. > > RJ Stewart > The ortho-flex I have is great!I ride a stitchdown on a very wide bodied Fjord Mare.I have ridden in it on her over 6-7 hours on a wagon train in the Blue Ridge Mts and neither her or myself were sore.After a week of this ride we still were fine.I'm now in the market for a Western Ortho-Flex for my husband to ride in.I feel they are well worth the money. Joyce Clover Oaks Farm Fjords In sunny Florida Yahoo! Movies - coverage of the 74th Academy Awards® http://movies.yahoo.com/
Re: Saddles
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > From: "Richard Stewart" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2002 09:22:12 -0800 Hmmm, I see that FJORDHORSE is still "constipated". Richard's message took 2+ DAYS to get to me > Does anyone have an opinion on Orthaflex saddles for Fjords. > Do they fit? Do they cause soreness? Any input concerning > Orthaflex would be appreciated. Thanks. The biggest problem is WHICH OrthoFlex? Over the years, the OrthoFlex company has made several models, using multiple technologies of "flex fit". Recently, the original company went under, and the name was bought by someone else. My experience has been with a 1989 Traditional model, custom-fit to my husband's "oil drum" Fjord gelding, and a 1991 Express model, semi-custom made for my Fjord gelding, who almost has withers. Both saddles are on western-like trees, with no horns, and very hybrid riggings for the girths and stirrups. The 1989 saddle fit that horse very well, and solved some behavioral problems we were having. (I think the poor horse had probably never seen a saddle that didn't rub/poke somewhere!) However both my husband and I find the seat of the saddle to be mildly uncomfortable---it has "corners" over the tree, and gives me the impression that the saddle tree wasn't perfectly upright, when it was shimmed underneath to fit the casting we made of the horse's back. The 1991 saddle came with neoprene shims, to be put into the saddle's "booties" (fake fleece fitted half-pads), to "adjust" the fit. I never did find a combination that I thought was a really GOOD fit, although without any shims, the fit is certainly adequate. I have had a problem with the rear edges of the "flex panels" wearing the hair off of my horse's loins. (I hear that endurance vets have named this the OrthoFlex rub!) On the short rides that we do (did?), it never got to the point of causing sores, probably because Fjords have lots of hair to spare. ;-) I find the seat of this saddle to be quite comfortable. BTW, neither of our horses can use the other's saddle, which would lead me to disbelieve any "one size fits all" claims that the company makes. As with all things equine, YMMV Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! 15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon
Re: Saddles
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have been using Ortho-flex saddles on my fjords for 15 years, starting with one of the first models. They work very well. Some of the models are better for wide backs..The Trail Partner and the Tempe have wider gullets and fit wider fjords as well as Fjords with less wide backs. I think the Baron also has a wider gullet. I have at present the "Stitchdown" English style, a trail pardner, Brazos and the Patriot. I have been very happy with them, but they must be girthed firmly, and used in the correct position on the back. Some will cause rubbing on the loins when use with the attached "booties" on some horses. My big gelding has too much motion in his back for the use of the booties, so I use a thin pad under the saddle. The Western models that work best for Fjords are thos with the wider gullets and shorter trees: the Tempe, and the Trail Partner. There are always Ortho-Flex on eBay..Right now there is a Trail Partner http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1814169080 and a Western Trail, which has the wide gullet but has a square skirt instead of the round skirt. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1814367610 I hope this helps. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, sunny and will be +40 today, with 12 1/2 hours sunlight >Does anyone have an opinion on Orthaflex saddles for Fjords. > Do they fit? Do they cause soreness? Any input concerning >Orthaflex would be appreciated. Thanks. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Saddles
This message is from: "Richard Stewart" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Does anyone have an opinion on Orthaflex saddles for Fjords. Do they fit? Do they cause soreness? Any input concerning Orthaflex would be appreciated. Thanks. RJ Stewart
Brain Trauma and Riding also Saddles that fit
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hey Debbie, I work with a lot of Brain Trauma Injuries on horseback and one thing to tell everyone is you need to ride because there are nerve endings in your butt that stimulate your brain when you ride. And no all parents out there if you spank your children it does not make them smarter. One of my clients is a young man who rode and competed a lot before his injury -- he's 19 physically now but mentally toddler of two maybe. Tuesday evening with me leading, big guys for sidewalkers and a vaulting surcingle for him to hold onto, he trotted on Nina for the first time since his accident 2 years ago. Now granted sitting on Nina is like sitting on a wide couch (I tell people you really have to try to fall off of her) and we only trotted maybe 25 steps at a time but boy was it worth it. This client broke out in the biggest grin ever (usually reserved for when cute girls are around) and laughed the whole time. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see how much he liked it. And the tears of joy in his grandmother's eyes said it all. All of his other Rehab staff are amazed at how far he has come and attribute a lot of it to his riding. We've kept muscles working, his posture is getting better (I tell him I don't teach frogs), he's more vocal and is finally processing some directions. Just a little trivia for those non horsey Doctors and family members who don't realize all the benefits of riding. On a serious note good luck with your surgery I'm sure you are in good hands. Also I've found a few new places for purchasing all purpose English saddles that fit those wide table backs. First and easiest is Miller's Catalog is now offering Thorowgood Saddles which have the Griffin AP Broad which comes in 17, 171/2 and 18 inch seat and either wide or extra wide tree. They are specifically designed for the broad shouldered, flat backed horse which means the whole saddle not just the gullet is designed for those widths and the price isn't bad at $395.00 and it's synthetic. They also offer the AP Thelwell for the very round, barrel shape pony who has low withers. These come in extra wide and 15 or 16 inch seat and again reasonably priced at $350.00. They can both be ordered directly from Miller's whose website address is WWW.MillerHarness.com. The other saddle I've found is on Ebay through a tack store Frontier Tack and they offer a Draft English Saddle. I just purchased an 18" extra wide tree, bridle and all saddle fittings for $370.00 includes shipping. Hasn't come yet but I will let the list know how it fits. Besides Nina and Frodo(half Arab/ half Fjord), I am trying to fit a half Arab, half Belgian/Quarter Horse (Maggie) and her Mom the Belgian/Quarter Horse (Apple Dumpling) , a grade pony (Cookie) and Bubba one of our rescue cases who is part draft part something else very big. He is so big and yet so terrified of people, it's taken a year to get him to where he's not quaking anytime a person is near him. Sorry I've rambled. Robyn in MD where Mother Nature has NO idea what she's doing. where Nina (a definite Drafty Fjord) is only one of our horse therapists.
Saddles
This message is from: "Pat Ambrosiano" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Has anyone out there tried the Ansur Treeless saddle? I just saw it at an equine expo in NJ and it was interesting. Any pros or cons? Thanks Pat
SADDLES
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message is from: Linda Syverson Kerr, [EMAIL PROTECTED] I recently rode in a Fallis Saddle that the trainer had. I loved it. I have had 6 surgries to my right knee. Since my first surgery in 1985, riding in either a Circle Y, Billy Cook, etc.. has been painful. I rode in the Fallis saddle this fall for an hour, got off and felt great. I have been prior to this looking to purchase a saddle for my Fjord. After that pain free riding experienced, I was sold. I ordered mine in December. I was able to order it for my animal. I was able to shorten the "jockey" by an inch, for the Fjords short back. I was able to order a saddle with a low fork. It will take 9 months to make, as it is hand made. The other downfall, they are expensive. However, riding pain free, and a saddle that is good for my horse is worth every cent. if interested, type in John Fallis Custom Saddlery. He is located out of Wyarno,WY. This was once his fathers business. The other saddle I rode in was the Aussie, liked that. But nothing like the Fallis Saddle. Linda Syverson kerr
saddles
This message is from: "Stephen Nasby" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have a question re. knowing what size saddle is best for the human. The saddle I use right is comfortable for me, but I've only ridden in a few saddles my whole life. Is there some standard for height weight, leg length etc that would let me know approximately what size I need? I am looking at some australian saddles, but to be honest I have no clue what size I need :<). Anybody out there with an aussie saddle that can help me?? Thank you Heather _ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx
saddles and Dave
This message is from: "Knutsen Fjord Farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi all ~ Dave, what a great picture! But what color of Fjord is that one...? I'm not an expert, of course, but it really does not look like a very good representative of the breed. Maybe you should have it Evaluated Yuck, yuck, chuckle, snicker... Have a great time with your new adventures. By the way, is there such a thing as "mudjoring?" Robyn in MD ~ I have a Thorogood synthetic western. It's pretty stiff, and I use a very thick pad. The AP model should be fine, I would guess. I like my Wintec 2000 AP, with a Saddle Rite pad and a cotton pad under, also. For "good", I use my Crosby Soft-seat [that makes 2 of us...], and my Bob Marshall Western Treeless Sport Saddle. My only complaint is that my Western saddles have a tendency to shrink a bit just after the Christmas holidays... Here in Central Washington it's a bright, sunny, day, and the inch of snow is becoming one with the mud below. Fortunately the arena drains beautifully. Not only can I ride, but I can let the colts out to rip-snort around for a while and get some exercise. I prefer to let everyone but Mr. Testosterone out together, but they would tear up any of the pastures right now. The birds are coming to the feeders outside the kitchen window, much to the delight and frustration of the cats inside. The Finches catch on quickly and stick their little bird tongues out at the cats. That's neener-neener in Bird. Last night I dreamed there was a Hummingbird in the house, so I guess it's time to put out those feeders too. Bye now ~ Peg Peg Knutsen - Ellensburg, WA http://www.eburg.com/~kffjord/
Re: more wide saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Has anyone tried the Thorowgood Saddles? They have a great ad which shows the Griffin AP Broad for extra wide, low withered horses ($395) and the Griffin AP Thelwell Pony for the very round, very broad, low withered pony ($350). Available through Miller's at www.millerharness.com/thorowgood. Robyn in MD still looking for a saddle wide enough for Nina Bean
Re: more wide saddles
This message is from: "ruth bushnell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Jean did you feel that earthquake? How did the horses react? Jean > WHAT earthquake!? Are you talking about AK?. the Fjords probably just thought it was of them snoring =)) Ruthie
Re: more wide saddles
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean did you feel that earthquake? How did the horses react? Jean Jean Walters Gayle [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 To 1949 ] http://users.techline.com/jgayle Send $20 Three Horses Press PO Box 104 Montesano, WA 98563
more wide saddles
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ad on Endurance net, saddles for those wide Fjords! 2/1/2002: I buy a lot of saddles (mostly used, mostly German, some other European brands) for resale and am concentrating on getting wide, wide trees. Mostly they are all purpose and VSD models. Reasonable prices, good brands, different sizes. I have saddles for those WIDE backs, and anything may be taken on trial. Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] with what you`re looking for, and I`ll see if I can match you with a saddle. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: bit pulling, saddles, Randys illness and broken ankle
This message is from: Vivian Creigh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> GAIL RUSSELL1/4/02 1:01 [EMAIL PROTECTED] > I have VERY wide feet and am unused to having my feet squished into too > small shoes. I can get my feet into cowboy boots...but then can think of > nothing else but getting them off!! The best-fitting riding boots I have > found are Blundstone boots...the pull on waterproof type. They are for > sale at many tack stores. However, they still may not be big enough. I also have wide feet and bunions which make most footwear into a torture device in minutes Blundstone boots are the best thing I have ever owned for general all purpose barn work and riding, however they are very expensive if you buy them in the US. My friends and I all buy them from this site Down Under and they are not only cheap but these people are incredibly helpful and shipping is not expensive and they can get them to you in under a week! These boots are incredibly long wearing and amazingly comfortable. I wear the classic style which seems to be wide enough even for me. Here is their link. Good Luck > http://www.paradisefootwear.com/blundstone/brown.htm Vivian Creigh
Re: bit pulling, saddles, Randys illness and broken ankle
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have VERY wide feet and am unused to having my feet squished into too small shoes. I can get my feet into cowboy boots...but then can think of nothing else but getting them off!! The best-fitting riding boots I have found are Blundstone boots...the pull on waterproof type. They are for sale at many tack stores. However, they still may not be big enough. Another alternative might be motorcycle boots. Years ago I bought a very small men's pair of Italian zip up motorcycle boots. They were actually too big (I wear a women's size 6 1/2 to 7)...and the smallest men's sizes are always too big. Anyway...they have a side zipper that allows one to get them on without struggle. These are not the really heavy "engineer's boots" that are sometimes used for motorcycle riding. Motorcycle boots have a heel on them, similar to a cowboy boot...though not as high. Anyone have any suggestions what kind of riding boot I can >get?...one that will go over a very thick foot and ankle? >Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm's mom) Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: bit pulling, saddles, Randys illness and broken ankle
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sue sorry you and your husband are having so many problems. Just hope you have some help with the chores and a lot of patience. Jean Jean Walters Gayle [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 To 1949 ] http://users.techline.com/jgayle Send $20 Three Horses Press PO Box 104 Montesano, WA 98563
bit pulling, saddles, Randys illness and broken ankle
This message is from: "Sue" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Hello Fjord Friends- >Thanks to my dear Husband, I have a wonderful Western Saddle! I'm >determined to learn to ride with confidence and joy this year! I rode on my >8 year old gelding, Patrick, today with my new saddle When he spooked at >some ice falling off the roof I was glad I had my new saddle. I was firm in >my seat. My question is, Patrick has this habit of pulling against me on the >bit. I feel as if my arms are often struggling against him. He brings his >head as far down as he can, although I resist him as much as possible, and >pulls I have been told to give a direct and quick jerk upwards with my >rein. Is this the best method to stop him from doing this irritating thing? Dear PatCongrats on the new saddle. Does it have the curved front like a roping saddle? My old saddle does and I have never come out of it! (knock on wood)...however, my new wintec has a rounded front and in the summer, that durned arab mare of mine spooked, jumped forward and I nearly came out of it. Also my name was mud as the mare spooked Randy's horse and he almost came off. Now that I have my injured ankle to contend with (broke and dislocated it the last of Oct.), I am strongly considering getting" forward facing stirrups" that automatically release my foot if I come unseated, put them on my old saddle...and say to heck with the western wintec. As far as your horse pulling on the bit, I had a Morgan that did that constantly. End result...my wrist, elbow and shoulder had to be operated on from all the fighting. I sure hope someone in here can help you with this problem before you end up as I didselling the horse and going through surgery. Well hubby has had one session of Chemo for his Lymphoma and is to have another on the 11th of January...with 4 more to follow every 3 weeks. Thank goodness his pain is under control and he is feeling better. I was to the orthpedic surgeon who operated on my busted ankle, and it seems that I am looking at 4 to 6 months recovery time (I have two months in so far) and was told I may never get my cowboy boot back on my foot! I not only broke a couple of bones, but the worst injury was I totally dislocated my ankle severing the main ligament and tendons as well. They have grown together, but my ankle and lower leg is terribly swollen. I am walking however, though limping badly. I still have not made it to the barn. I am taking physio therapy, and the therapist is in hopes the swelling will go down with time. Anyone have any suggestions what kind of riding boot I can get?...one that will go over a very thick foot and ankle? Well gotta get to bed, take care everyone. Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm's mom)
Re: Saddles and Randys illness
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sue: OE and I send our best wishes for Randy and you. I pray that you both will weather this illness and have positive results. Merry Christmas and hopefully a healthful New Years. pat ttfn > This message is from: "Sue" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > >A question on western saddles...Isn't the semi-quarter >bars the narrowest > tree? I > >thought that the sizes went from Arab tree (widest), to >Quarter Horse, to > Semi- (for > >narrower horses). But folks are finding the narrowest >one fits the > Fjords? > > Well I have a semi -quarter bar in the western Wintec saddle that I bought > this past summerand it does appear to fit Storm...Yet! Although he is > only 2 1/2 years old and we have of course just set it on him and lightly > cinched him upbut I do have my fingers crossed that it will continue to > fit him. > > Well my hubby and I have had a rough fall. As I mentioned in a previous > letter, I broke my ankle. I am getting around now (7 weeks later) by > wearing a Breg splint boot. Randy took sick a couple of months ago and > after being misdiagnosed and given medicines that did not work, finally got > in so much pain that he was hospitilized 3 weeks ago. C.T. scans were taken > and various tests. It turns out he has a non Hodgkins type of Lymphoma. > This is very scary but according to the cancer specialist his prognosis is > good. He had his first Chemo treatment today and if all goes well he will > be released tomorrow. He will have 5 more treatments spaced 3 weeks apart. > When I spoke with him tonight, he was very nauseated and had just been given > a gravol needle. Apparently, his immune system will be comprimised by the > chemo...so we hope and pray he does not pick up a flu or cold. What a fall > this has been! But in spite of all this, I have managed to go on line and > order gifts from Sears so hopefully Santa will come after all. My prayers > were answered when Randy's illness turned out to be treatable and hopefully > curable. Keep us in your thoughts everyone, and have a Merry Christmas. > Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm's mom)
Saddles and Randys illness
This message is from: "Sue" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >A question on western saddles...Isn't the semi-quarter >bars the narrowest tree? I >thought that the sizes went from Arab tree (widest), to >Quarter Horse, to Semi- (for >narrower horses). But folks are finding the narrowest >one fits the Fjords? Well I have a semi -quarter bar in the western Wintec saddle that I bought this past summerand it does appear to fit Storm...Yet! Although he is only 2 1/2 years old and we have of course just set it on him and lightly cinched him upbut I do have my fingers crossed that it will continue to fit him. Well my hubby and I have had a rough fall. As I mentioned in a previous letter, I broke my ankle. I am getting around now (7 weeks later) by wearing a Breg splint boot. Randy took sick a couple of months ago and after being misdiagnosed and given medicines that did not work, finally got in so much pain that he was hospitilized 3 weeks ago. C.T. scans were taken and various tests. It turns out he has a non Hodgkins type of Lymphoma. This is very scary but according to the cancer specialist his prognosis is good. He had his first Chemo treatment today and if all goes well he will be released tomorrow. He will have 5 more treatments spaced 3 weeks apart. When I spoke with him tonight, he was very nauseated and had just been given a gravol needle. Apparently, his immune system will be comprimised by the chemo...so we hope and pray he does not pick up a flu or cold. What a fall this has been! But in spite of all this, I have managed to go on line and order gifts from Sears so hopefully Santa will come after all. My prayers were answered when Randy's illness turned out to be treatable and hopefully curable. Keep us in your thoughts everyone, and have a Merry Christmas. Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm's mom)
Re: wide trees, Wintec saddles
This message is from: Eileen Perry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> My Fjord filly isn't of riding age yet, but I have a lot of experience with wide bodies. I just wanted to mention that I bought a new Wintec 2000 All Purpose this year, and put the X-wide gullet in it. My English sport horse Appy's are quite wide, but have withers too! What I found was that as the flocking settled over a few months, the tree became effectively wider. So it fits one of my geldings, who is too wide for my wide tree Stubben saddle, but is actually too wide for the other gelding. The panels also seem to have flattened a bit (the channel is wide to start with), which is really good for wide bodies. I agree with Karen that you have to be deligent about checking the pommel clearance. I like to check out on a ride up/down hills, to make sure there's no interference. From what I can tell, I think the X-wide gullet on the 2000 will work on my filly (of course, in another 2 years, who knows???). Anyway, I've been very happy with the Wintec, which I use primarily for trail riding. A question on western saddles...Isn't the semi-quarter bars the narrowest tree? I thought that the sizes went from Arab tree (widest), to Quarter Horse, to Semi- (for narrower horses). But folks are finding the narrowest one fits the Fjords? Eileen Perry in West Richland WA, not much snow yet...
Re: wide saddles ?
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 12:46 AM 12/19/2001 +, you wrote: >This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Thanks for mentioning 'flare' Jean, as this is how the tree on my saddle was >modified before the leather was ever a part of the picture.. The bars, at >each end are flared out, so they "roll away" and avoid the shoulder and >kidney areas. It also fits THROUGH the back, not "bridging" it as many of >the regular off the rack saddles might do. I have a custom made endurance saddle (made for an Arab)...Judd is the maker I believe. It has that flare...but I have always felt a little uneasy about these saddles because they appear to have less area in contact with the horse's back. It think what is ACTUALLY happening though...is that the saddles that seem like they have a lot of contact are just bridging on the shoulders...and not touching in the middle where I cannot see what is happening. Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: wide saddles ?
This message is from: Mary Thurman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> --- Karen McCarthy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Anyway, if you are gonna plunk down a wad of cash on > an important investment > like a saddle, english or western, always insist on > trying it out first, if > at all possible. Most good tacksellers worth their > salt will allw this > for a deposit against the saddle I guess we are lucky out here - we have a tack shop in nearby Olympia where you can take your horse TO the shop(by appointment) and their saddlemaker will fit a saddle to the horse. We did this with our Fjord geldings several years ago. Mine was an easy fit: the first saddle we tried on him(an old 'beartrap' or 'ranch saddle' handmade in Idaho) fit him perfectly AND fit me also. The other horse was a real challenge! I lost count of how many saddles they tried on him before they found one which fit. After my husband rode in the saddle a few times it became obvious that the saddle was NOT a fit for HIM. The store took saddle back(in good condition, of course) and refunded our money. We later found a saddle which fit both my husband and the horse. These saddles are NOT all handmade saddles. The ones we were trying on our horses were 'off the rack' saddles - just looking for one that fit. As my husband's horse grew, he eventually needed a regular roping saddle with semi-QH bars - he's a BIG horse, over 15 hands and around 1400 pounds, with a huge stride and lots of 'body energy'. Maybe you can find a tack shop in your area, or a local saddle maker, that will offer the same service of fitting saddles to horses. It was a great help to us, as we had always driven our horses and were not used to fitting saddles. Mary = Mary Thurman Raintree Farms [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your unique holiday gifts! Buy at http://shopping.yahoo.com or bid at http://auctions.yahoo.com
Re: wide saddles ?
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Thanks for mentioning 'flare' Jean, as this is how the tree on my saddle was >modified before the leather was ever a part of the picture.. The bars, at >each end are flared out, so they "roll away" and avoid the shoulder and >kidney areas. It also fits THROUGH the back, not "bridging" it as many of >the regular off the rack saddles might do. Another saddle maker, David Genadek, makes saddles with trees that have more flare. Check out his website: http://www.aboutthehorse.com/ He also has an excellent video on saddle fit, only $24.95 and gives clinics on saddle fitting. His "Black Rhino" saddle has some special features and he makes one model especially designed for the well padded female figure! I haven't tried one, but I think I would cinsider it if I already didn't have six saddles! m( I'v e gotta sell a couple so I can buy more!) Features and Benefits of Black Rhino Saddles: 1. Wider bars -- Fewer back problems 2. More flare to the bars in front -- Free shoulders 3. Skirt attachment -- Doesn't constrict the horse 4. Molded skirts -- Skirts don't rub horse 5. Molded fenders -- Allows easy access to stirrups 6. Quality materials -- Saddle lasts 7. Fifth generation tree maker -- Backed by experience 8. Fourth generation leather tanner -- Backed by experience 9. Real Wool -- Allows the horse greater comfort 10. Seats designed for a human pelvis -- Comfort 11. Special triangle plate rigging -- Frees the horse's movement He has written articles on saddle fitting for "Western Horseman" and "Horse and Rider Mgazines" Hey, I don't have any connetion to his company, but it sure seems he might be able to fit fjords! He lives in Minnesota. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, still -20F, no more snow and dark already at 4:00 ( sunset at 2:40 PM, only 3:40 hours daylight, but the shortest day is coming) Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: wide saddles ?
This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks for mentioning 'flare' Jean, as this is how the tree on my saddle was modified before the leather was ever a part of the picture.. The bars, at each end are flared out, so they "roll away" and avoid the shoulder and kidney areas. It also fits THROUGH the back, not "bridging" it as many of the regular off the rack saddles might do. I'll keep my eye out for this kind of saddle; we have a TW here at the barn & she is in a local TW group..maybe they use one? kmac Original Message Follows From: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: Re: wide saddles ? Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 13:49:56 -0900 This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I keep thinking that the TENNESSEAN saddles sold by the Nation Bridle Shop might fit Fjords, especially those with big shoulders. The trees were especially designed for gaited horses and made by the Steele Equi-fit saddle tree Co. The saddles are shorter in lenghth, also to fit a shorter back, with a wider gullet and more flare to the bars. The leather saddles are made by Crates and the Cordura Tennessean saddles ( with leather seat, etc.) are made by Fabtron. Check them out: http://www.nationalbridleshop.com Has anybody tried one of these? Does anybody live near the National Bridel shop in Tennessee where they can get one to try and report back to us? Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, -20F today, warmed up from -35F yesterday.We STILL need snow! >I think by far the best tree you can use (if it is avail) in a ready-made >saddle, is a Wade tree w/ semi QH bars. >Some of the full QH bar saddles do work on some, but not all of the fjords I >have to "test" on, (5, ages ranging from 3 to 23 years.) Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.
Re: wide saddles ?
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I keep thinking that the TENNESSEAN saddles sold by the Nation Bridle Shop might fit Fjords, especially those with big shoulders. The trees were especially designed for gaited horses and made by the Steele Equi-fit saddle tree Co. The saddles are shorter in lenghth, also to fit a shorter back, with a wider gullet and more flare to the bars. The leather saddles are made by Crates and the Cordura Tennessean saddles ( with leather seat, etc.) are made by Fabtron. Check them out: http://www.nationalbridleshop.com Has anybody tried one of these? Does anybody live near the National Bridel shop in Tennessee where they can get one to try and report back to us? Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, -20F today, warmed up from -35F yesterday.We STILL need snow! >I think by far the best tree you can use (if it is avail) in a ready-made >saddle, is a Wade tree w/ semi QH bars. >Some of the full QH bar saddles do work on some, but not all of the fjords I >have to "test" on, (5, ages ranging from 3 to 23 years.) Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: wide saddles ?
This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Just a word of caution on some of these really wide trees on Fjord Horses. Just because (some) fjords have minimal or almost no real withers, please know that some of these wide trees can be TOO wide at the gullet, and actually sink down in front w/ the weight of the rider in the saddle, and if the bars extend too far forward in front of the swells, your sadle is going to be interfering w/ the top end of the shoulder (scapula?) Because I know that fjords can be very unique to fit a saddle to, I am always curious about how different saddles work on them. I have the good oppurtunity to try out a variety of saddles, both custom & factory made, as I help caretake a small ranch where we board horses. I think by far the best tree you can use (if it is avail) in a ready-made saddle, is a Wade tree w/ semi QH bars. Some of the full QH bar saddles do work on some, but not all of the fjords I have to "test" on, (5, ages ranging from 3 to 23 years.) On my biggest fjord, Alycia who is just a smidge over 14.3hh w/ NO withers, the Wade tree works the best. I put a saddle on her w/ an extra wide tree, and she had very little clearance, and the front bars really were too close into the scapula area. Anyway, if you are gonna plunk down a wad of cash on an important investment like a saddle, english or western, always insist on trying it out first, if at all possible. Most good tacksellers worth their salt will allw this for a deposit against the saddle, and the undersatnding that you must return it w/in a certain time, usually 3 days to a week. IMO, you wouldn't buy a bra w/o trying it on first before paying for it would you?? And you could buy allot of bras for the price of one saddle. ;~) Sandy, I really agree in using a single thickness WOOL pad under a saddle on the real "chubettes". If I use my Woolback "fluffier" pad, the saddle does seem to slip more! Karen McCarthy Grat Basin Fjords Carson City, Nv Original Message Follows From: "Sandy Sederstrom" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Circle Y saddle Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 05:22:39 -0600 Has anyone checked out the new Circle Y Draft Horse Trail Saddle? I thought this might be worth a look. _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.
Re: Australian Saddles
This message is from: Diana Calder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Tuesday, November 20, 2001, 2:54:32 PM, Deb wrote: DT> This message is from: "D T" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> DT> Does anyone here ride with an Aussie saddle? If so I have got to DT> ask you some questions. I think I must be missing a very important DT> piece to mine :-) I use an Aussie saddle - and boy, do I ever love it after the Western ones I used growing up! If you think you're missing a piece, I'm guessing that you only have one girth instead of the two, right? If so, that (the overgirth) is a REALLY important piece! Feel free to e-mail me directly with your questions - I'm not an expert, but I did a lot of research before I bought my used saddle. -- Best regards, Dianamailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Australian Saddles
This message is from: "D T" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Does anyone here ride with an Aussie saddle? If so I have got to ask you some questions. I think I must be missing a very important piece to mine :-) Deb _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
Re: saddles & ambassadors
This message is from: "Hope Carlson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ebay has some saddles listed under haflinger and icelandic for pretty reasonable, look interesting. Took the ponies to the church picnic. They were big hits with the kids, gave tons of pony back rides. Very proud of them. Had lots of inquiries about sales, referred them to the local breeder. Lots of activity, noise, windy, rainy yet they stayed very calm and good with the kids. Love my boys, BJ and Thor Hope N IL
Re: Saddles
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> One idea might be to try a saddle with a tree designed for gaited horses, to accomodate big shoulders. I would be curious to try one of these myself, I suspect they might have more "sway" in the bars, also. See one at: http://www.bufordsaddle.com/bighorn/saddles.htm scroll down until you come to the "Gaited Horse Saddle By Big Horn" Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, where we did have frost this morning when the sun came up. high of 55 degrees today. At 10:36 AM 9/29/2001 EDT, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >hi sue > >number for big horn is 1-800-251-6284 - good luck! - will let you know as >soon as we try an extra-wide on our fjords > >mary harvey > > > Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] hi sue number for big horn is 1-800-251-6284 - good luck! - will let you know as soon as we try an extra-wide on our fjords mary harvey
Re: Saddles
This message is from: Storme Lee <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jordans saddle was the Big Horn Synthetic, brown in color...it worked great on him...sold it with him...it was a good price too around $300 or $350.extra wide tree. Storme [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > hi > > i have been told by our local saddle shop that Big Horn makes a synthetic > western saddle that comes in semi, full and extra-wide quarter horse bars > (another word for tree) - our saddle shop owner thinks our fjords will take > an extra-wide bar - i can't, however, substantiate that for these saddles are > on back order and we've yet to try them out on our fjord - i do have an 800 > number for big horn if you would like to locate a dealer near you > > the mornings are cool in the virginia mountains > mary harvey
Saddles & Trees
This message is from: "Frank & Sally Higgins" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi, Listers! Decided to stop "lurking" and add a little to your List. On the subject of Wintec western saddles: I have one that fit all our Fjords (each built differently) as well as our Morgan. However, one gelding was so rotund that hardly any saddle stayed put right unless you kept your balance, but it fit. Oh, yes, and our Fjords loved bark! We considered loaning them to the local saw mill for debarking! They used to pull our firewood out of the woodshed and debark it all! Every Spring, we must have picked up 1/4 cord of wood in the paddock! This was all hard wood, of course. We had fantastic Sugar Maples in our yard, and tapped them in the Spring. Our primary gelding used to watch us, then decided to tap his own tree! The other three would watch him, then line up for their turn at the tree when he was done! I didn't have the heart to fence them off from it, either; they enjoyed it so! It was their morning ritual, after breakfast. I am enjoying the List and all the comments! Sally Higgins in Maine where the leaves are turning and it's getting cooler (and who misses her Fjords)
Saddles
This message is from: "Sue Harrison" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >i have been told by our local saddle shop that Big Horn makes a synthetic >western saddle that comes in semi, full and extra-wide quarter horse bars >(another word for tree) - our saddle shop owner thinks our fjords will take >an extra-wide bar - i can't, however, substantiate that for these saddles are >on back order and we've yet to try them out on our fjord - i do have an 800 >number for big horn if you would like to locate a dealer near you Here is the link for a saddle like mine. http://www.congressleather.com/clwintecws.htm It says it has a semi quarter horse tree. That sounds narrow to me yet it still seems to fit Storm...yet. It also fits our arab and the company says they are designed for a Thoroughbred so .go figure The company told me they only come in this size tree. Sure send me the 800 number, although hubby will have a fit if I even mention buying another saddle so soon after the wintec. *grin* (I will keep the number on hand in case Storm outgrows the wintec and I have to sell it.) Hubby says if I sell the Arab he will consider buying another Fjord. Not that sounds like a plan to me! Thanks for the help, Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm's mom)
Re: Saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] hi i have been told by our local saddle shop that Big Horn makes a synthetic western saddle that comes in semi, full and extra-wide quarter horse bars (another word for tree) - our saddle shop owner thinks our fjords will take an extra-wide bar - i can't, however, substantiate that for these saddles are on back order and we've yet to try them out on our fjord - i do have an 800 number for big horn if you would like to locate a dealer near you the mornings are cool in the virginia mountains mary harvey
Saddles
This message is from: "Sue Harrison" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have sent two messages in to the digest in the past two weeks and for some reason they have not been in the list. I have them in format plainIs something else wrong? Here is the last letter I sent in..... Subject: Saddles Hi allI have a questionhave any of you ever used a synthetic Wintec western saddle on your Fjords? I bought one this past summer for my Arab. Shortly thereafter, I emailed the company and was told that these saddles are made for thoroughbreds and might not fit an arab. However, it does seem to fit her ...now my question is could it be possible for it to fit her as well as a thoroughbred (not that I have one) and a Fjord? These breeds do not seem to me to have anything in common in their build. What do most of you use for saddles? Our varieties seem to be limited around here. No major saddle shops in the area. I have put the Wintec on Storm and cinched him up. It seems to fit his withers (or lack of withers) *grin* very well. He is 2 and 1/2 now and is a lovely boy. I sure hope I can use this saddle. Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm's mom) Regarding horses eating cedar...we have always used cedar fence posts and yes the horses have always stripped off the bark and chewed on itno ill effects what-so-ever. They have also completely stripped off the bark from our old apple trees. It gave them something to do and did not hurt anyone at all. Well I hope this message gets through. The list comes to me so I can't imagine what is wrong that my posts are not being published. Have a great day everyone, Sue
Saddles
Hi allI have a questionhave any of you ever used a synthetic Wintec western saddle on your Fjords? I bought one this past summer for my Arab. Shortly thereafter, I emailed the company and was told that these saddles are made for thoroughbreds and might not fit an arab. However, it does seem to fit her ...now my question is could it be possible for it to fit her as well as a thoroughbred (not that I have one) and a Fjord? These breeds do not seem to me to have anything in common in their build. What do most of you use for saddles? Our varieties seem to be limited around here. No major saddle shops in the area. I have put the Wintec on Storm and cinched him up. It seems to fit his withers (or lack of withers) *grin* very well. He is 2 and 1/2 now and is a lovely boy. I sure hope I can use this saddle. Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm's mom)
Re: Preference of Saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 6/7/01 9:44:26 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << My treeless saddle is a dream come true. I can trail ride for hours with no discomfort >> HI THERE, I HAD TO ADD MY OPINION TO THIS SUBJECT. I SAW A BIG DIFFERENCE IN BRIGID'S HORSE THE MOMENT SHE STRAPPED THE TREELESS SADDLE ON HIM. HE WAS TOTALLY AT EASE, HE SEEMED LIKE SOMEONE WHO GOT RID OF THEIR CRAMPED SMALL CAR AND GOT A CADDY OR SOMETHING. HIS DEMEANOR WAS DRASTICALLY CHANGED. HE LOOKED AS THOUGH HE ACTUALLY ENJOYED HAVING SOMEONE ON HIS BACK. AFTER WITNESSING THIS BIG CHANGE, I HAD TO TRY IT OUT FOR MYSELF. I TOO RIDE WESTERN AND I MUST SAY IT WAS AS THOUGH I HADN'T RIDDEN AT ALL. WHEN I GOT OFF THE HORSE, I FELT LIKE I COULD RIDE THE REST OF THE EVENING. BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT PIECE OF TACK, I URGE YOU TO AT LEAST GIVE IT A TRY. ONCE YOU GET ON ONE, YOU WILL WANT ONE. I'M NOW IN THE MARKET FOR ONE MYSELF. HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU, JACK
Re: Preference of Saddles
This message is from: "Denise Delgado" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> welcome on board, sharon! i prefer and love my "synergist" frank bell saddle. it's custom measured for my fjord primarily, but also there is a fudge factor built in for my broad-backed mft/morgan. i always use it. it is much more comfortable than my old western saddle. it is sort of a cross between an english and western and is a "close contact" saddle. denise
Re: Preference of Saddles
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Welcome to the Fjord clan Sharon. I am no saddle expert, preferring my Passier English dressage saddle, wide that works for my warm bloods and fjord. But as I do not show I use a thick western pad for it and have made keepers for the girth. Jean Jean Walters Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://users.techline.com/jgayle Amazon.com to order
Re: Preference of Saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 6/7/01 9:44:26 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > It's my opinion that a good > rider rides his horse, not a saddle (flame suit on) and should not rely on > a > No flames here. You SHOULD be able to ride any horse, any saddle. But having a good horse and a good saddle is so much more wonderful than riding a jack hammer and sitting on an iron bar. I tell you, I was tempted to keep my other dressage saddle cause I didn't want to switch gullets back and forth and the "other" saddle still fits Nikki. But when I put it on her it was NOT comfortable. It was definitely work to stay in the right position. I did it, but with gratitude in my heart, was deliriously happy that I now own the Isabelle.
Re: Preference of Saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 6/6/01 10:09:15 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << My preference runs to the Western Saddle but it would seem that an English Saddle might work better as our mare is quite broad across the back. I would appreciate any input from other Fjord owners. >> Hi Sharon- Welcome to the Fjord world! You will soon learn that nothing in a standard size fits Fjords : ) I tried several Western saddles and had problems with all. Both my horse & I got uncomfortable quickly. My normally placid Tommes refused to canter and even bucked me off! This prompted me to search for a better option. I discovered "treeless" saddles and liked the idea. Folks seem to either love or hate them, it's just personal preference. It's my opinion that a good rider rides his horse, not a saddle (flame suit on) and should not rely on a rigid tree for stability. I rode bareback for the first year simply because I couldn't afford a saddle at the time, so I learned good balance. So the saddle for me is insurance: if the horse veers to one side or other or must go up or down a steep incline, I have stirrups and a horn to catch me from falling. My treeless saddle is a dream come true. I can trail ride for hours with no discomfort and yes, we can canter (in a straight line, on the road, always on the left lead, but hey it's a start!). After the ride, the sweat marks tell the story. Perfectly even contact over the entire saddle area, with a small dry line above the spine indicating no pressure. To learn more about this type of tack, visit http://www.sportsaddle.com/";>First Choice Sports Saddle - Riding Comfort Starts Here and http://search.aol.com/redirect.adp?appname=QBP&query=%fa%cb%ba%60%ef%c9% f7%68%89%d2%cd%4a%11%23%a8%f6%2f%4e%2a%5f%32%a8%67%fa%0a%59%6b%16%a4%11%db%20% c6%3c%83%2d%10%48%98%80%02%4e%4c%d9%36%6c%1f%ee%b1%a5%61%af%de%8d%b3%19%2e%7a% f8%1f%e8%e5%f1%64%47%d4%84%b7%0b%fc%cd%c1">You've Found the Ans|r! . Whether you choose English or Western depends on what type of riding you will do most often. Either will work for fun/trail riding. Brigid M Wasson San Francisco Bay Area, CA http://ourfjords.freeservers.com/fjord1/Our_Fjordsx.html";>Our Fjords
Re: Preference of Saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 6/6/01 10:09:15 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > . My preference > runs to the Western Saddle but it would seem that an English Saddle might > work better as our mare is quite broad across the back. I would appreciate > any input from other Fjord owners. > I love my Isabelle Wintec. First time I sat in my trainer's I noticed that my seat was s much easier to maintain. And I bought my own. Now riding in the close contact, the western and the aussie doesn't feel RIGHT. A good thing about the new Wintec's, you can adapt it to fit your horse. I've got a horse wearing a medium gullet (QH) and the two fjord mares are in wide and extra wide. Pamela
Re: Preference of Saddles
This message is from: "Shareknot" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Having recently become a proud Fjord owner I am wondering what preferences there are for saddles. I have a 10 year old mare and her 1 year old filly. The mare has been ridden, however, I don't have a saddle. My preference runs to the Western Saddle but it would seem that an English Saddle might work better as our mare is quite broad across the back. I would appreciate any input from other Fjord owners. I am really enjoying the pictures of all the new babies. I am expecting our first Fjord Baby next Apr-May. I can't begin to tell you all how much I am enjoying the "Fjord Experience" Sharon Knipe Calgary Canada
Re: Camargue saddles
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Anneli. would like to hear how you did at the clinic. Jean Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes & Noble Book Stores
Camargue saddles
This message is from: "Anneli Sundkvist" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi list! Me and Cider went to a classical dressage clinic the last weekend. The clinic was held by the Danish/German trainer Bent Branderup and took place outside Stockholm. This was my 5th clinic with this trainer and Cider's 2nd. I got the opportunity to bring my horse for the first time in october last year and was lucky enough to be able to bring him two clincis this year: the last weekend and in october. Anyway, in these clinics you always meet a lot of horsey people with interest in classical dressage and other stuff. I remember that SOMEBODY on the fjord-list wrote about her trying to get hold of a camargue saddle some time ago. During the weekend, I got an booklet from the Spanish saddlery Zaldi. This saddlery is well-known in Sweden for their English saddles, but appearently they also make Iberian/Sout-French saddles in various models and they have a camargue model! A Swedish company will start selling their Spanish saddles and the prices will be around $1000-1500. So, if the list-member who was intrested in camargue saddles (or anyone else for the matter) still is, I can write down the address to Zaldi. Regards Anneli * Anneli Sundkvist Department of Archaeology & Ancient History Uppsala University St. Eriks Torg 5 S-753 10 Uppsala Sweden Phone: +46-18-4712082
Re: Saddles for Sale
This message is from: "Mike May, Registrar NFHR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 02:04 PM 3/28/01 -0800, you wrote: Also > could you link this to www.nfhr.com? I found your site off someone elses > web site. Thanks Becky Hope, Pleasant Hill OR The www.fjordsusa.com/ site is linked from the nfhr "links" page already. === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Registrar Voice 716-872-4114 FAX 716-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Saddles... Ha
This message is from: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> That shows how tired I am... Back from the Expo and driving in pouring rain and getting soaked to the sink to being blind to getting use to the computer again... "uffda" I think is the correct word. ... I had 102 emails and tried to scan through them asap this one was read wrong... oh heck... OK..people you read it she is looking for saddles... do answer... if you have suggestions... BTW Gayle and Dusty did their wonderful show at the Expo... A credit to the Fjord Breed She showed them AQHA horses how to rein again Our guy, Blaamann (I'll leave the Norwegian letter alone on the computer..) did well... He had 30 days under cart and he stood well with all the "stallion" types in the section of the barn he was in He was the only one that was "just" there when the crowd became loud in the arena All the other stallions on stallion row (Dusty was far from us..) were crazy! He performed twice a day, Friday and Saturday and once on Sunday. I thought he did well... Overall the Fjords with Gayle Ware and Dusty, Becky Vorpagel and Granne and Blaamann and myself ... with help from Jack the Barn Manager, Amy Evers from Dun Looking Fjords ... we did well. Maybe more will join us next year??? Many thanks to Amy for her help and hanging in there when we were soaking in the rain and bitchy from being freezing and cold. (ha.. show business) Catherine Lassesen
Re: Saddles for Sale
This message is from: "Nancy Haas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com To: Subject: Saddles for Sale Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 14:04:20 -0800 This message is from: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello All... A message from a trail rider she has saddles that fit fjords for sale... Please contact her directly at [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Below was her message to me. Catherine Lassesen - Original Message - From: "Becky Hope" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 12:22 PM Subject: Saddles > Catherine: Just found you new Web site [EMAIL PROTECTED] > I was looking for a place to advertise Looking for Two Saddles wide > enough for Fjords I have a new horse that is overweight and though I am > working on fixing this problem. I have him and another fjord that have a > flatter back. I have lucked into Saddles in the past that have been wide > enough, but don't think my luck is going to be that good this time. > Where on your web site do you think I could advertise this need? Also > could you link this to www.nfhr.com? I found your site off someone elses > web site. Thanks Becky Hope, Pleasant Hill OR Hello...What is the proper name of the fjordusa website...I did a search and it came back...no server found"...Thanks...Nancy _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
Re: Saddles for Sale
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Catherine, reading her message, it seems she is LOOKING FOR saddles that fit fjords, not selling any? Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska >From: "Becky Hope" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Catherine: Just found you new Web site [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> I was looking for a place to advertise Looking for Two Saddles wide >> enough for Fjords I have a new horse that is overweight and though I am >> working on fixing this problem. I have him and another fjord that have a >> flatter back. I have lucked into Saddles in the past that have been wide >> enough, but don't think my luck is going to be that good this time. > Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Saddles for Sale
This message is from: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello All... A message from a trail rider she has saddles that fit fjords for sale... Please contact her directly at [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Below was her message to me. Catherine Lassesen - Original Message - From: "Becky Hope" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 12:22 PM Subject: Saddles > Catherine: Just found you new Web site [EMAIL PROTECTED] > I was looking for a place to advertise Looking for Two Saddles wide > enough for Fjords I have a new horse that is overweight and though I am > working on fixing this problem. I have him and another fjord that have a > flatter back. I have lucked into Saddles in the past that have been wide > enough, but don't think my luck is going to be that good this time. > Where on your web site do you think I could advertise this need? Also > could you link this to www.nfhr.com? I found your site off someone elses > web site. Thanks Becky Hope, Pleasant Hill OR
Re: Saddles for Fjords
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Brigid the treeless I saw was an English one with no pommel or cantle, just flat and it looked about two inches thick. The trainer was small and easily threw it over the different backs. She "loved" it. Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes & Noble Book Stores
Re: Saddles for Fjords
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks Curt for the info on various saddles. I have seen the Ansur's web site. Interesting how the Orthoflex was one of the first "different" saddles to consider the horse's comfort, yet it is still stuck in "tree" mode. I really prefer riding bareback, but don't feel safe doing this on the road or trail. So the treeless should suit me just fine. Call it "bareback with insurance." Brigid in CA
Saddles for Fjords
This message is from: Curtis Pierce <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> This isn't in direct response to the "Bob Marshall treeless saddles" discussion, but it is related. Recently, Marsha and I purchased a tree-less saddle called "Ansur." The results have been amazing! Both of the Fjord horses that we have under saddle are performing much better when we use the Ansur saddle. The differences are very easy to see. The shoulders move very free and with a lot of range. The horses back is very free and flexible, and the horse can easily feel changes in your seat. The horses seem very happy with the Ansur saddle! Now the rider is a different story. I do not recommend the Ansur saddle for beginners and riders without a firm seat. The saddle does not have a narrow twist, so it may take you a few times to get use to it. It is like riding bareback. I enjoy the saddle very much, but I do not recommend it for everyone. If you need more info, you can contact Peter at http://www.ansursaddle.com/. You can also e-mail me privately. (I'm not a dealer.) Now for other saddles that we use with the Fjords. We also have an Orthoflex saddle. This saddle also works well for the Fjord horse because the skirts cause it to spread the weight over the entire horse's back. They don't move as free as with the Ansur saddle. I don't like it as much because I can not feel the horse as well as a regular saddle. The horse can not feel changes in my seat as well either. We also have a Crosby Sofit dressage saddle with extra wide tree. This saddle just barely fits the Fjords. When I use this saddle, you can tell that there is some restriction at the shoulders. The Crosby saddle has a good seat, so it works the best with beginner riders. Because of the restrictions at the shoulder, we use it only for short periods of time. This is the experience that we have had fitting saddles for Fjords. I would be interested in other experiences and comments. I am always looking for a better saddle. Curt Pierce Bristow VA
Re: Bob Marshall treeless saddles--need info
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks Tamara! Gerri Rini is the rep named on the web site, and I do find her to be very helpful. I'll keep you all opsted on my search for a saddle! Brigid in CA
Re: Bob Marshall treeless saddles--need info
This message is from: "Tamara Jane Habberley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I dont have a fjord , but I do have a very wide backed welsh cob. I would be cautiouse of the sports saddle if as I suspect your fjord has a wide back. Mine caused me incredible hip pains if I rode for longer than 25 miles in it to the extent of my collapsing after 1 ride. I had my stirrups set 1/2 inch back and have been told that they should be left set forward for a wide horse. It suited my horse well though, and I have a friend with a sports saddle for her arab who loves it. We are both in the Uk but she bought her sports saddle of Geri Rini who was excellent and allowed her to trial the saddle whilst on holiday in the states. I belive she allows free trials to US purchasers. I bought mine of saddle Up ( karen Chattan ) and was very disapointed with her lack of after sales assistance. I now use a free and easy for my cob. - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, December 29, 2000 1:10 AM Subject: Bob Marshall treeless saddles--need info > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Same question from me, and please do email privately! Anyone use the Bob > Marshall Circle Y treeless Sport Saddle? How do you like it and how does it > fit your FJORD? > > Brigid in CA >
Re: Bob Marshall treeless saddles--need info
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 12/28/00 7:44:02 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << I too was interested in the marshall saddle, but have seen a few brand new ones that are not made well--just yesterday I saw one in a tack store that had the cantle part on crooked by about an inch. Be sure you personally inspect the actual saddle you buy if you decide to purchase one. I do like the idea. >> Thanks Margaret! I will definitely do so. The saddles can be purchased directly from the manufacturer, custom made, for top dollar. Or you can purchase a sort of all-purpose Western style saddle from Valley Vet catalog, with a lower price (presumably because they're mass-produced). Both have a money-back guarantee. Brigid Wasson San Francisco Bay Area, CA http://members.nbci.com/mrgnpetsit/fjord1";>Our Fjords
Re: Bob Marshall treeless saddles--need info
This message is from: "Margaret Strachan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Brigid-- I too was interested in the marshall saddle, but have seen a few brand new ones that are not made well--just yesterday I saw one in a tack store that had the cantle part on crooked by about an inch. Be sure you personally inspect the actual saddle you buy if you decide to purchase one. I do like the idea. Margaret Strachan - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2000 5:10 PM Subject: Bob Marshall treeless saddles--need info > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Same question from me, and please do email privately! Anyone use the Bob > Marshall Circle Y treeless Sport Saddle? How do you like it and how does it > fit your FJORD? > > Brigid in CA >
Bob Marshall treeless saddles--need info
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Same question from me, and please do email privately! Anyone use the Bob Marshall Circle Y treeless Sport Saddle? How do you like it and how does it fit your FJORD? Brigid in CA
Ortho-flex saddles--need info
This message is from: "Margaret Strachan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I know this subject has been talked to death, but would very much appreciate it if the people on the list who have Ortho-flex saddles would contact me privately and let me know what models they have and what features they like (or don't like) about them. I am particularly interested in english saddles. Thanks. Margaret Strachan In picture perfect, dry, warm, Southern California--I'm really trying hard to feel for all of you in cold places.
Re: Saddles and heat bumps and colic
This message is from: "Ralph Delgado" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> you guys should look into synergist saddles. i got one and both i and my horses loveit! they fit it to your horse. denise delgado _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
Re: Saddles and heat bumps and colic
This message is from: Don & Jane Brackett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ortho flex saddles. Yes they do fit the Fjords well if the trees are made by ortho flex. I found that some of the english saddles (UK series) do not fit like the others. I have an endurance ortho flex that fits alot like the western and stitchdown etc. and fits my Fjords well. However, the UK saddles are saddles made in England on a regular tree with ortho flex panels screwed on to the tree. I found that on my Fjords, the panels were pushed to the largest possible up against the wooden tree above. This made the panels, stiff and hard points that pinched, without being able to flex. The ortho flex co. confirmed this when I sent pictures into them to look at. The ortho flex rep. said that the UK series were originally built to fit the Thoroughbred etc. and would fit wider but not as wide as my horses. He also said that they have a new line of english saddles in the works. So the best rule of thumb is to try any saddle out and get advice on fit if you're not sure, BEFORE you buy it!! Jane in snowy Maine, but not for long it's supposed to warm up into the 40s and rain tomorrow. :(
Re: Saddles and heat bumps and colic
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yes, Karen, I do like the Ortho-Felx, but they aren't perfect either! If you do find an older used one, be careful that the flexible panels aren't too long for your fjord's back. They now have shortened their panels, really improved them. You can send an older saddle in for an upgrade, but it will cost. I have, at the moment, four Ortho-flex: two western style and two Stitchdown English. (I couldn't resist bidding on another Stitchdown on eBay and got it for a good price!) Now the Ortho-Flex on eBay invariably bring a high price, the word is out and people snatch them up, but it is a good place to check. One of the OF dealers that has a bunch of saddles in stock has a list of used ones also. Hill View Farms, Phone 1-507-723-5937 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] They also may give you a discount on new models. Also, may actually let you TRY the saddles and return it if you don't like it, something the Company no longer does. And if you get the synthetic "soft steel" models You can save a bunch. The Ortho-flex company often has special models for a more reasonable price also.Check their website: http://www.ortho-flex.com/ SADDLE PLACEMENT! This is a personal gripe! So many times I see pictures of Fjords with the saddles set too far forward, right over their shoulder blades! I know about this..I did it myself when I first got Stella. I got a Sharon Saare endurance saddle, and to even approximate a fit I set it way up on her shoulders and even then it bridged! She was the most stubborn, difficult and grouchy ride, for this novice, whirling around to bolt back home, fighting the reins, etc. until some time into the ride, when her shoulders got numb to the pain, I guess. Lucky for me she was nice enough not to buck! I didn't think about it being the saddle, but I knew the saddle didn't fit well. I saw an ad about the new Ortho-flex saddles and ordered one. When it came, Stella was huge in foal and it didn't fit, but it did fit the new Fjord gelding, Bjarne, that had just arrived, so I rode him with it, no problems. Later, when Stella's foal was a couple months old and the saddle fit her, I saddled her up for the first time in six months and rode her AWAY from her foal for the first time, with no fuss or problems from her. SADDLE FIT! So if your Fjord wants to bolt back home, refuses to leave the barn, stumbles, is short strided, etc, Check where you have placed the saddle! Is it too far forward over their shoulders? Does it bridge? One saddle maker that I would like to check out, Dave Genadek, has addressed this issue of flare at the shoulders and dip in the bars, etc. He has also put out a good basic video on saddle fit, showing you how to check the fit and how to remedy bad fit with proper padding. If I didn't already have so many saddles I would be tempted to have him make a saddle, or at least try some of his trees. His saddles, basic price, are about $1200 and his website is http://www.aboutthehorse.com/ I am particularly intrigued by his new Ladies Trail saddle: "What really sets Davids work apart is his keen pursuit of both equine and human anatomy. About the Horse, Inc., has recently introduced its "Ladies Trail Saddle," with an absolutely wonderful seat designed by a full-bodied woman for full-bodied women." I have no affiliation with this company, just think the ideas sound great! Well, I'd better end this long discourse and go out and give my fjords their midmorning snack...It is -25F this morning, still dark at 9:00 AM with clear skies and no wind. Winter is here after all! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska However>Yes, Alison, I agree that Orthoflex is a really good choice if you can >afford them. ***Jean Ernest is a BIG fan and can >clue you in more about them. it is really hard to fit a >fjord due to: >a) the shortness of the back. They need a shorter saddle, usually a semi or >round skirted saddle. >b) a little more 'dip" ( I didn't say sway!) in the back. Needs more "rock' >in the bars, preferably if you get a tree made, FIT it to several fjords... >and >c) those darned shoulders! If you shorten the ends of the front bars, and >make them flare away from the shoulder, your horse will be happier.Also >flare the ends of the bars. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Saddles and heat bumps and colic
This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> From: Alison Bakken <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Sue, It sounds to me, like your saddle is too narrow for the horse. Fitting saddles to Fjords is a challenge. The best fit that I have been able to find is an Orthoflex saddle. Yes, Alison, I agree that Orthoflex is a really good choice if you can afford them. If you are lucky, and find a used one, great! They really fit a variety of backs. All my endurance friends use them and swear by them. They used to be quite ugly, (IMO) but in the last few years they are making more conventional models...Jean Ernest is a BIG fan and can clue you in more about them. I have posted about this before, (saddle fitting fjords) and it may be in the archives, but to put it briefly, I think it is really hard to fit a fjord due to: a) the shortness of the back. They need a shorter saddle, usually a semi or round skirted saddle. b) a little more 'dip" ( I didn't say sway!) in the back. Needs more "rock' in the bars, preferably if you get a tree made, FIT it to several fjords... and c) those darned shoulders! If you shorten the ends of the front bars, and make them flare away from the shoulder, your horse will be happier.Also flare the ends of the bars. Look at most bare trees - most are designed to lie almost flat on the back, end to end, with very little dip in the centre. If you are presently using a western saddle with conventional QH bars, these tend to be overly long, and will "bridge" over the lower part of the back, contacting mostly on the area just behind the withers, (or where they should be), and in front of the loins, over the kidneys. Usually due to saddle placement & rider, there is more weight up forward, hence the typical galling/sores there. The horse can also be "tender" in the back area as well. A far as pads go, I think a good Woolback pad made by Toklat can't be beat. Spendy, at about $80.00/USD, but still cheaper than the Professionals Choice & similar type pads with all the foam etc. I use these for everyday, as well as a good all wool blanket that I can re-fold as necessary. Hope this helps...sorry if I got to overly detailed, but I had a great search to come up with a (western) saddle that would work on my critters. Merry merry ho-ho-ho! Karen McCarthy Great Basin Fjords Carson City, NV _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
Re: Saddles and heat bumps and colic
This message is from: Alison Bakken <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Sue, It sounds to me, like your saddle is too narrow for the horse. Fitting saddles to Fjords is a challenge. The best fit that I have been able to find is an Orthflex saddle. Alison Bakken in deep freeze Alberta
roman saddles / sort of
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I believe it is B & D Enterprises, of Lincoln, Calif., that have the Spanish and Portuguese saddles. I have seen them at the Turlock Draft Horse sale where they have a booth and easy entry carts and harness and books, etc.gorgeous, and VERY comfortable looking, and they come in a variety of absolutely lovely colors! Almost a war horse type saddle, but cushy, not armored. I hope this helps. Carole Sweet / Modesto, CA ps...frantically baking for our Christmas party tomorrow, but with enough time to check the day's posting to the Fjord Horse List
Re: Saddles and heat bumps and colic
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Where are these white patches located? Obviously there was more pressure at these points. if it was just the pad there would be a larger area of white if pressure was even under the saddle. While the plastic bubble "air ride' thing in the PC pad might cause heat, you could use a thin Synfelt or airvent pad under it. Putting a thicker pad under the pressure points only adds more pressure...padding the withers with a thicker pad will cause the saddle to bridge more. If the white patches are at the withers, then less padding there and more under the middle of the saddle. A good saddle fitting video is the one from Dave Genedek: check his website: http://www.aboutthehorse.com/ "For the very modest price of $25, we have a 50-minute videotape entitled "About Saddle Fit" which clearly illustrates the principles of saddle design and saddle fit. To order call 1-800-449-7409." Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, with moonlight on the snow and +15 F here at home (-5 F at the Airport) >Hi everyone...I have a question...are any of you familiar with >Professionals choice saddle blankets?...The ones that rattle as if >there is that bubble plastic insulation inside? My husband has one and >used it under his western saddle while doing a 100 mile trip. The >horse now has two hand size patches of white hair on an otherwise >chestnut body. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Saddles and heat bumps and colic
This message is from: "Sue Harrison" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi everyone...I have a question...are any of you familiar with Professionals choice saddle blankets?...The ones that rattle as if there is that bubble plastic insulation inside? My husband has one and used it under his western saddle while doing a 100 mile trip. The horse now has two hand size patches of white hair on an otherwise chestnut body. I say there is plastic in that saddle blanket and it caused him to overheat? Either that or the saddle is too narrow. The horse is a 15.1 hand solid Appaloosa weighing about 1000-1100 pounds. The saddle is fairly wide...a nice big rugged saddle. Do you guys think thick saddle blankets or thinner ones are better? What about felt? or the professionals choice? Sandy you mentioned a waffle gripper pad...well our tack shop has never heard tell of them. I am wondering what to do ....if our saddles are too narrow for Sundance what will I ever fit on Storm? A bareback pad (just kidding I wouldn't stay on as long as "Paddy stayed in Heaven." LOL...). If one uses a thick pad to protect the shoulders...then one risks the saddle rolling. What a dilema. Any suggestions? Re storms recent bout with colic it turns out he had worms. We had wormed in August but apparently he was reinfested. This time we used Eqvalen as opposed to Strongid T. Apparently worms and cold water do not mix. We are having another stool sample tested in January. Hope we can keep this worm thing under control. Thank goodness he is feeling fine now. >He produces alot of smegma (sp?) in his sheath. Alot. He will >tolerate me cleaning his sheath just fine, but will not let down. >Bergen has constant dirty black legs from the smegma My Storm is of the Bergen line. Yours and mine must be related? My colts name is Red Bank Desert Storm. What is Bergens complete name? Well it is bedtime and I am getting sleepy. Goodnite everyone, Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm's mom)
Re: Adjustable tree saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 11/25/00 11:14:16 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Thanks Marcy. I had a trainer, a Col. Beale, who was making his own adjustable saddle try it on my Trakehner and the horse ended up with a sore back. I think I would still like to try the treeless saddle that fits all. Jean >> I've heard pretty good things about the "new" Isabell saddle. Guess there are two versions: one leather made by Bates, the other synthetic, made by Wintec. My new trainer has both and she's a pretty good saddle fitter. So we'll be trying them on my two mares and seeing what we think. In the meantime I'll be using my Dover Pro-Ride. Not the best saddle as far as my position, but seems to do just well for both mares. Pamela
Re: Adjustable tree saddles
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks Marcy. I had a trainer, a Col. Beale, who was making his own adjustable saddle try it on my Trakehner and the horse ended up with a sore back. I think I would still like to try the treeless saddle that fits all. Jean Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes & Noble Book Stores -Original Message- From: briar hill farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Date: Saturday, November 25, 2000 7:06 AM Subject: Adjustable tree saddles >This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >> This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Has anyone tried the saddles where you have a key and can widen or narrow >> down the tree? > >I have a Rembrant with the adjustable Wellup tree. It gets a lot of use as >I ride several different breeds of horses in various sizes and shapes. I do >not recommend it if you have one horse or a few horses of similar size. I >think of it as a kind of vegematic - it can do a lot of things, but none of >them particularly well. It can be an acceptable solution for several >horses, but it is seldom an ideal fit. >Marcy Baer >
Adjustable tree saddles
This message is from: "briar hill farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Has anyone tried the saddles where you have a key and can widen or narrow > down the tree? I have a Rembrant with the adjustable Wellup tree. It gets a lot of use as I ride several different breeds of horses in various sizes and shapes. I do not recommend it if you have one horse or a few horses of similar size. I think of it as a kind of vegematic - it can do a lot of things, but none of them particularly well. It can be an acceptable solution for several horses, but it is seldom an ideal fit. Marcy Baer
Re: Saddles for roly poly fjords
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 10/30/00 6:11:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > One mare got bad > girth sores, so we used a fuzzy girth cover. I use a "synthetic" girth that has a fuzzy padding thing attached to it. I toss the thing in the washer when it gets gross. It even has double sided elastics to fit B when he gets blimpy from grass. Kate in CT Owned by Baldur Grad B pony clubber from Mystic ARIA certified instructor Mystic Pony Club egroups moderator
Saddles for roly poly fjords
This message is from: "katy/liz/bill/cha/afa/eda" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Here's my input: We used Wintecs at Fjord Camp and they fit the horses really well. They are available with wide and extra wide trees. I liked riding in them, although they are only all-purpose, not close contact. One mare got bad girth sores, so we used a fuzzy girth cover. I read in Practical Horseman that there is a new type of girth made by County that is shaped so the leather doesn't interfere with the horse's elbow and the saddle won't slip when mounting from the ground. Hm. It's just a bit pricy for me! Jon better not get any sores... Katy
RE:Aussie Saddles with horns
This message is from: "Cheryl Gioia" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi everyone, I went to "The Outback"in Denver also for an aussie saddle with a horn.I told them I needed a wide tree and they asked how tall my horse was and her weight.They couldn,t believe I was asking for a wide.They told me to bring her in and we fit her with a great saddle in the parking lot!T!hese guys are great and very accommodating.(yes,she needed a wide).They have e-mail also Cheryl In Colorado
Re: saddles for Fjords
This message is from: "Nancy Newport" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Regarding the saddle I bought for Pauline, I was looking for a synthetic child's saddle with a wide tree and wide gullet. I bought the Wintec 500 (English all purpose) which is available at many websites and catalogs. It runs from about $320-$340 as I recall. I bought mine from Horsin'Around and I think my total bill was $389 including the change out of the gullet to extra wide and leathers, etc. I was unable to find a child's synthetic western saddle anywhere that had a wide tree and gullet. Some people advised me to get the full quarter horse bars for a Fjord, but I only found synthetic saddles with semi quarter horse bars. I think you can get nice leather children's show saddles that would fit, but they are expensive and mold quickly in Florida. For myself I have an OrthoFlex that I have had for at least 10 years and it fits Pauline, but again it's leather and they are also expensive. I would be very interested if anyone has found a child's synthetic western saddle (13" or so) for broad backed horses or ponies. Regards, Nancy Newport P.S. It's cooling off here in Florida and I have 3 horses to drive and a new Fjord 2 year old (Tamara from the Wichs) to get started. And now that all the horses are growing coat, I need to trace clip them all as it still can get very warm during the winter! Too much to do!
Re: Full Qtr Tree for Fjord Saddles?
This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sher, you can access the Fjord-List archives and read ALLOT about saddlefitting. These are the observations I have made re. saddles and fjord backs: They are short backed They usually are not "flat backed" but have a swale (NOT swaybacked!) Withers can be "muttony", i.e. almost non-existant, but not always Shoulder scapula comes far back, so area behind shoulder and where saddle sits @ front of bars , is really critical as far as fitting goes. I had a wood tree made from a composite of 2 fjord backs: a 4 yo gelding and a 15 yo stallion.THe major alteration we made ids to severely "rock back" the front of the bars, at the fork. It makes all the difference in the world. This saddle fits like a dream, but it was a pretty hefty investment. People report great things abpout Orthoflex saddles, and the wide tree Wintecs. Good luck in your search! Karen _ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com.
Re: kids western saddles
This message is from: Don & Jane Brackett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Michele, It sounds as if we'll need to buy a full size saddle with full quarter horse tree, for our boys and then refit it with custom(shorter) stirrup leathers. The barrel racing saddles come in as small as 14" seats. Also, I just signed up on the ortho flex site (www.ortho-flex.com) for their free saddle drawing, winner can choose a softsteel trail partner or a wombat (endurance type). Maybe one of us will get lucky and win it!! :) Thank you everyone for your info. Jane - I just returned from a great fall trail ride!
Full Qtr Tree for Fjord Saddles?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Does anyone know if a full quarter horse tree (western saddle) fits a fjord correctly? I'm wondering if my half draft's saddle would fit "my future fjord". I'm trying to learn about fjords before getting my own next year. Have heard a little bit something about their withers being low, narrow, or somehow different than other horses - is this something like a mule's that usually require special saddles? (Bear with me - so much to learn!) "...Or do the western ones come in various tree sizes?..." I have a half Belgian (not yet a Fjord, but heading there!) and when getting him a saddle to fit properly, I learned about saddle trees - that's the frame inside the western saddles. In western saddles, the tree comes in these sizes: Arabian, Semi Quarter Horse, Full Quarter Horse (if there are other sizes in western saddles, I did not hear about them. TinyTim's back is broad, ribs attached high on the spine as is typical of the big drafts - so a semi quarter horse tree road him like an adult on a kids' tricycle! Most western tack or ranch supply stores carry the full quarter horse tree -- in fact, to learn Tiny's size needed, they should me how to measure him with a wire coat hanger, as I could not bring him in (no horse trailer!) for a saddle fitting. This worked out perfectly! We took the wire "outline" of his back into the store, held it up under the saddles with store's "saddle pro" helping us to do it right, and his cordura western trail saddle fits him like a glove! Sher in Colorado
Aussie Saddles with horns
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] "...I do have an aussie saddle but never occured to me to change the stirrups to english ones...and...it doesn't have a horn!..." Back when I was researching saddles for my hard to fit half draft Tiny - went to a saddle shop called The Outback just a couple of miles from where I live (Denver, CO). They do a ton of mail order all over the states, but also welcome walk ins. Bought a neat video from them that explains how to place the saddle correctly on the horse. How to sit correctly in it (as the leg does not position quit the same as it does in a western saddle, when used right.) How they are made at the manufacturer's - this was really neat as it allowed me to compare what I'd learned about in interior frames of western saddles to what I was learning about Aussie saddles. Then it went on about that brands' warranties, restuffing the pading, etc. Well, it also covered their different saddle options. You can easily get a basic Aussie saddle with a western horn - this store has 'em for $250 price range as standard price. Jane - if you'd like, I'd be happy to post this store's contact info. Sher in Colorado
Re: kids western saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jane, Me too!! I am currently looking for a 13-14 inch saddle for my boys, that will fit the Fjords. I just sold a 15 inch and am still selling a 14 1/2 that won't fit the Fjords. I'll be keeping an eye on the replies for this one Michele Noonan STevensville, Montana
Re: kids western saddles
This message is from: Don & Jane Brackett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I just looked on line at different saddle sites and I guess you were talking about a english saddle Teresa? Or do the western ones come in various tree sizes? I do have an aussie saddle but never occured to me to change the stirrups to english ones, the aussie ones don't shorten enough for Ian's short legs, and unfortunately (so the boys feel) it doesn't have a horn! Jane
Re: kids western saddles/helmets
This message is from: Don & Jane Brackett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thank you Mary and Teresa for the saddle tips. The kids are having lots of fun looking at all the catalogs :) The light weight of the wintec sounds very appealing to me. I keep telling my husband that buying tack and other stuff is a good thing. Keeps me from looking a horses! Jane
