Re: large rider issues
This message is from: "Steve Sessoms" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Brigid Wasson wrote: I cringe every time I hear of weight limits, certain saddles, etc. for "large" riders. `` I think the main reason for the weight limit on the really soft treeless saddles is because the saddle will literally roll onto the horses belly if you are too heavy and try to mount with the stirrup, or if you get badly unbalanced while riding. They really are just fancy bareback pads with stirrups and a little support for mounting in the cantle. They will teach you balance quicker than a saddle with a tree. I fluctuate between 145-160 and I have to tighten the girth more than I would for a western saddle. I would have to tighten it until poor Dorina's eyes bulged out for my portly husband. If you are 200+ and use a mounting block and a really secure seat, I too say, "Go for it!". And I love my blue Barefoot Treeless! The Startrekk looks like it would act the same way as a saddle with a tree since the pads sit along the backbone the same way as a regular saddletree does. I would love to ride in one! Meredith Sessoms Moulton Alabama USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] ~ Dorina, NFR Aagot, TK Anjanette, TK Arlo and Pepper the black one ~ I will not change my horse with any that treads but on four pasterns When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk; he trots the air. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: large rider issues...Thank Heaven!!!
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I don't think there is such a problem with "Flex-Tree" saddles like the Circle Y, but with the Treeless saddles, which do not have enough clearance for the spine and also let the weight concentrate in two spots: your seat bones. Like a bareback pad, or actually bareback, the treeless saddles don't spread the weight. My tall gelding, Bjorken, is a slimmer type and his back bone actually is a raised line, which would be getting the pressure from a saddle without a gullet. Of course when he is too chubby, it isn't so prominent. But he never has a "groove" down the center like some other horses so a treeless saddle would put too much pressure on his spine. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, clear and cold tonight, down to -25. Still not enough snow! Hi Brigid and other Sumptuous Sisters of the Saddle! I, too, was alarmed to hear about the weight limit on the flex-tree saddle models since I just bought one...nothing fancy - just a trail model Circle Y stock saddle. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: large rider issues...Thank Heaven!!!
This message is from: "shawna smith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have a 16" Circle Y flex-tree and really like it. I've owned it for almost 2 years and have used it on a variety of fjords, from med to wide build. Has been a great saddle for all, and will get another just like it if/when the need arises. Shawna in nw OR This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Brigid and other Sumptuous Sisters of the Saddle! I, too, was alarmed to hear about the weight limit on the flex-tree saddle models since I just bought one...nothing fancy - just a trail model Circle Y stock saddle. I got it for guests The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: large rider issues...Thank Heaven!!!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Brigid and other Sumptuous Sisters of the Saddle! I, too, was alarmed to hear about the weight limit on the flex-tree saddle models since I just bought one...nothing fancy - just a trail model Circle Y stock saddle. I got it for guests (so I could take someone riding without one of us riding bareback) and for every-day so I could keep the Billy Joe Rogers for shows. Anyhow, although I'm working on it, I still exceed the "recommended" weight cited but the saleslady did NOT look at me and say, "I don't think so, girl." I'm really glad to hear that yours is holding up 'cause I like both the look and feel of mine and it weighs considerably less than my show saddle. I got it off the rack with a 17" seat which I find amazing...and comfy too. Does anyone remember when most stock saddles had 15" seats and you had to special order a 16"? Maybe the refusal of the more Juno-esque among us to hang up our chaps has caught the attention of saddle makers. Good. Kay @Yellow Pony Farm and Braveheart who thinks the new saddle is much lighter and goes like a dream with his stripes and Bogie whose personal plumpitude keeps him from commenting about weight issues The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
large rider issues
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 12/15/2006 7:39:45 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: i had also considered a treeless and looked at some. i was told, however, that there is a 200 lb. weight limit on a treeless, and though i am not that heavy right now, i have been at one time. Laurie, and other voluptuous list members, I cringe every time I hear of weight limits, certain saddles, etc. for "large" riders. I think we women are self conscious about our bodies a) just because we are and b) because we look "fatter" than men of the same weight. Many men weight 200-250lbs, and they ride just fine. It's about riding ability and balance, not size. If you're yanking on the horse's mouth and bouncing all over, even if you weight 105lbs you're going to make the horse miserable. I weight 160-170lbs (probably on the high side at the moment due to the never-ending supply of holiday See's candy at work!) and ride in a Bob Marshall treeless saddle. I've had it for years, feel very comfortable and secure in it, and my horses have never had back problems. People told me I was too big for this saddle -- rubbish. Buy the saddle that suits you and your horse, and forget about your weight. / )_~ /L/L Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA www.eponahorsemanship.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
