saddle fit
This message is from: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com I had tried 8 or so saddles to fit my mare after she had matured. The saddles that used to fit, just didn't. We were going to get custom saddles for the horses and us when I found the Bob Marshal Treeless saddles. A friend at work let me borrow hers, and even though it was too small for me, it fit my mare beautifully. I do use a crouper and a breastplate, but only a thin wool pad, and it performs great. We do trails that are quite steep, both up and down, and I've never had it slip. I do normally use a step to get on, or rocks or fallen branches on the trail (bad knees) and it still stays on well. (Once I had to use a culvert - which was a laugh in itself) So look at the Bob Marshall saddles. They are 1/2 the price of custom saddles, and hold their value very well. I chose a saddle that was partially completed, in my size, and they had it to me in 3 weeks. Happy Trails to all. Mel Thomas Wenatchee, WA Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: saddle fit - pad
This message is from: divingduoandcor...@comcast.net I ended up with an extra wide crates western equitation saddle.  I love it.  I hauled her to a large saddlery in Colorado and tried them on til found one that fit.  Highly recommend this if you can.   Thru trial and error... we ONLY use a reinsman Tacky II saddle pad.  I too have mounted from anything I could find, but the thin pad with the tacky vented material keeps us from sliding around.  She is very wide and mutton withered.  I can't use a wool felt pad or I have to use a breast collar and keep centering the saddle. Beth, Bob, the Corgis and the Fjord - Original Message - From: DMTFarms FjordFarm dmtfa...@gmail.com I had tried 8 or so saddles to fit my mare after she had matured.  The saddles that used to fit, just didn't.  We were going to get custom saddles for the horses and us when I found the Bob Marshal Treeless saddles. A Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Saddle fit
This message is from: Kimberly Kinney [EMAIL PROTECTED] Good morning List! Thought I had the right saddle for both my very drafty mare and I, but now I'm not sure. We went on a two day (very easy) trail ride and finally she got sweaty under the saddle. Dry along spine (good, right?) but also palm sized dry spots right behind shoulder blades (bad?) If I remember correctly, that indicates saddle is too tight there. We are in a full Q/H bars roping saddle. I have another saddle, also full Q/H roping but slightly wider. Am I on the right track? I was riding with a Professional Choice Air saddle pad. Kind of a cordura backing with black furry stuff next to skin, but thin. Maybe different pad? I tried an Aussie, both my Fjords HATE it (unfortunately, I like it a lot!) I've sat briefly in a treeless and that would be an option if my other saddle doesn't fix the problem. But if I can fix it with saddles on hand that would be awesome :-) She went well the entire weekend, really seemed to be enjoying herself. But these were shorter, easy rides compared to what we've got coming up so I want to make sure we get the fit right for her! Thanks in advance for all suggestions and advice!! Happy trails from Southern Oregon!! V/R Kimberly The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] I don't think a person can just look at dry spots and conclude a saddle doesn't fit. I would also evaluate the rider's overall seat and balance, where the saddle is placed on the horse, the horse's overall condition and attitude, the type of terrain, etc. If a horse is overfed and/or under-exercised, she will muscle up and lose fat pads as she becomes better conditioned. That will change saddle fit. If a rider has an unbalanced seat, the rider may put excessive pressure on the front (or back) of the saddle. If a saddle is designed so it requires a back cinch for proper fit, the back cinch needs to be used -- and used properly. If the saddle is put too far forward or back on a horse's back, the saddle won't fit correctly. A saddle pad that is too thick can create pressure points. If the terrain is hilly, the saddle can slide out of proper position. A crupper or breast collar may be needed -- or simply stopping and readjusting the saddle occasionally may solve the problem. I'm sure there's more DeeAnna The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah [EMAIL PROTECTED] Kimberly Kinney [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thought I had the right saddle for both my very drafty mare and I, but now I'm not sure.� We went on a two day (very easy) trail ride and finally she got sweaty under the saddle.� Dry along spine (good, right?)� but also palm sized dry spots right behind shoulder blades (bad?)� If I remember correctly, that indicates saddle is too tight there. There are two kinds of dry spots. Cool-dry, especially along the spine, is good---that indicates that the saddle does not touch that sensitive area, i.e. there's enough air flow that sweat evaporates there. Hot-dry (often found right behind the shoulders) is bad, as it indicates that the skin is inflamed from too much pressure. Basically, the pressure cuts off circulation to the skin there; if it occurs for long enough, your horse will get sores, leaving white hair, or even bald spots there. The usual culprit on a Fjord is that the bars of the saddle do not flare enough at the front---there isn't room for those massive shoulders, so they keep running into the bars of the saddle on each stride. I ended up having OrthoFlex saddles custom-made to fit my Fjord geldings. Sometimes, the problem is that the saddle is being placed (or works its way) too far forward. Since Fjords don't have much in the way of withers, and do have rather (ahem) rounded rib cages, saddles tend to drift forward until they run into something, like shoulders. I found it necessary to put cruppers on my saddles, so that they didn't drift forward, especially on steep downhill trails. � We are in a full Q/H bars roping saddle.� I have another saddle, also full Q/H roping but�slightly wider.� Am I on the right track? I was riding with a Professional Choice Air saddle pad. Kind of a cordura backing with black furry stuff next to skin, but thin. Maybe different pad?� Despite what pad manufacturers would like everyone to believe, various veterinary researchers have shown that putting a special pad under a saddle that has issues about how it fits, usually tends to make the saddle fit WORSE! Think about it---if you're wearing a pair of hiking boots that pinch somewhere, thicker socks are not likely to help If the saddle fit is close, a saddle-maker might be able to take it apart, reshape the bars somewhat, then re-assemble the saddle. She went well the entire weekend, really seemed to be enjoying herself.�� But these were shorter, easy rides compared to what we've got coming up so I want to make sure we get the fit right for her! On long rides, saddle fit is very important. Fjords tend to be somewhat stoic---they can put up with a lot of little hurts that would drive a hotter-blooded horse nutty. In my mind, that just puts a higher responsibility on the owner, to make sure everything is right Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! 15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: jerrell friz [EMAIL PROTECTED] Kimberly, if you want the world's best pad, get a Supracor pad. I have been using them for over ten years. It seems like any saddle will fit when using one of these pads. Very easy to clean, I rinse mine at the end of the day. http://store.supracor.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=31 Look at the cool grip one, Western, and English Regards, Jerry Friz, Anderson, Ca. -- - Original Message - From: Kimberly Kinney [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 10:44 AM Subject: Saddle fit This message is from: Kimberly Kinney [EMAIL PROTECTED] Good morning List! Thought I had the right saddle for both my very drafty mare and I, but now I'm not sure. We went on a two day (very easy) trail ride and finally she got sweaty under the saddle. Dry along spine (good, right?) but also palm sized dry spots right behind shoulder blades (bad?) If I remember correctly, that indicates saddle is too tight there. We are in a full Q/H bars roping saddle. I have another saddle, also full Q/H roping but slightly wider. Am I on the right track? I was riding with a Professional Choice Air saddle pad. Kind of a cordura backing with black furry stuff next to skin, but thin. Maybe different pad? I tried an Aussie, both my Fjords HATE it (unfortunately, I like it a lot!) I've sat briefly in a treeless and that would be an option if my other saddle doesn't fix the problem. But if I can fix it with saddles on hand that would be awesome :-) She went well the entire weekend, really seemed to be enjoying herself. But these were shorter, easy rides compared to what we've got coming up so I want to make sure we get the fit right for her! Thanks in advance for all suggestions and advice!! Happy trails from Southern Oregon!! V/R Kimberly For your security this Message has been checked for Viruses as a courtesy of Com-Pair Services! The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
saddle fit
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] from Bonnie in OR, I know two saddle makers that say just pad them more then the saddle will fit I wanted to ask them if they put heavy socks on with a tight pair of boots. It is hard to get the saddles to fit all the time when horses, somewhat like their owners, gain and lose weight. The best we can do is get the best we can afford that fits the best for our purposes. I'll sure be glad when winter is over; I seem to have less tolerance this year Bonnie snow, snow, melt, snow The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
saddle fit
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: saddle fit?
This message is from: Lauren Sellars [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sorry that was suppose to go to another person with the most common first time fjord owners question. How to get a saddle that fits.( That send botton is to easy to hit) . Now For a true joke? here is the worst answer I ever heard. I was in a tack store just east of Spokane and the guy says. Ah any saddle in here will fit a fjord if you throw it in the driveway and run over it with your truck a few times. yuk I suppose he has seen to many overweight fjords. Lauren Jean Ernest wrote: This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] I thought THIS was the Fjorhorse list! There is a web group called the fjordhorse list if you check the archives you'l find tonnes of info on saddle fitting the fjord. Jean in Frigid Fairbanks, Alaska, grumpy at -40 degrees. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw __ NOD32 1963 (20070108) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: saddle fit?
This message is from: Lola Lahr [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sounds like he was suggesting a treeless saddle. On 1/9/07, Lauren Sellars [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: Lauren Sellars [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sorry that was suppose to go to another person with the most common first time fjord owners question. How to get a saddle that fits.( That send botton is to easy to hit) . Now For a true joke? here is the worst answer I ever heard. I was in a tack store just east of Spokane and the guy says. Ah any saddle in here will fit a fjord if you throw it in the driveway and run over it with your truck a few times. yuk I suppose he has seen to many overweight fjords. Lauren Jean Ernest wrote: This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] I thought THIS was the Fjorhorse list! There is a web group called the fjordhorse list if you check the archives you'l find tonnes of info on saddle fitting the fjord. Jean in Frigid Fairbanks, Alaska, grumpy at -40 degrees. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw __ NOD32 1963 (20070108) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: saddle fit
This message is from: Sue [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanksto those of you who supplied me with info as to why my pony might be stumbling. I did have the saddle too far forward on his withers and my saddle IS too tight. We visited two tack shops today and the second fellow actually rebuilds saddles. He suggested that we take a coat hanger, cut the bottom off and bend it to shape my horses whithers and body exactly. We did this and found our Wintec 1/2 quarter horse tree fits Storm just great but is too narrow for my Peppin. Then guy has a full quarter horse tree saddle in stock, however, and said he would take one of our other saddles in on a trade. So now all I have to do is take the wire form down and check it out with the Wintec he has in stock. Keep your fingers crossed for me that this saddle will fit. Anyone elso using Wintec western saddles? Well must get ready for bed. Thanks again for all the advice, Sue in N.B. (Storm and Peppins mom)
RE: Loki - saddle fit?
This message is from: Jeanine Rachau [EMAIL PROTECTED] It's a frustrating place to be in - more power to you that you care so much and are taking positive steps to find a resolution! I think it's a very courageous stand in doing what is best for the animal - kudos! Jeanine BLUE MOUNTAIN DONKEY FARM AMJR Registered American Mammoth Jackstock La Grande, Oregon, USA http://www.OregonVOS.net/~jrachau/ E-mail: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 1:11 PM To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: RE: Loki - saddle fit? This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Darn - that would have been an easy fix - good luck! Loki is lucky to have you!! Yeah, that would have been a nice simple quick fix (grin), Jeanine - but nope, not it. ;-P I spent a few years on the Fjord list before getting my own - to learn about what I'd heard were the saddle fitting problems. The theory :-) was when I got my own, would be able not to make Common Mistake # 1. As it was, this is Loki's # 3 saddle just in this fall - when the other two were clear did not fit him, I moved on, using what I'd learned from the other two. :-) Sher in CO
RE: Loki - saddle fit?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Darn - that would have been an easy fix - good luck! Loki is lucky to have you!! Yeah, that would have been a nice simple quick fix (grin), Jeanine - but nope, not it. ;-P I spent a few years on the Fjord list before getting my own - to learn about what I'd heard were the saddle fitting problems. The theory :-) was when I got my own, would be able not to make Common Mistake # 1. As it was, this is Loki's # 3 saddle just in this fall - when the other two were clear did not fit him, I moved on, using what I'd learned from the other two. :-) Sher in CO
RE: Loki - saddle fit?
This message is from: Jeanine Rachau [EMAIL PROTECTED] Darn - that would have been an easy fix - good luck! Loki is lucky to have you!! Jeanine BLUE MOUNTAIN DONKEY FARM AMJR Registered American Mammoth Jackstock La Grande, Oregon, USA http://www.OregonVOS.net/~jrachau/ E-mail: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 1:42 PM To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: RE: Loki - saddle fit? This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ...what about saddle fit?...sometimes you have to read between the lines... Nope, that's not it either, Jeanine :-) I went through great pains to be sure that his saddle was the correct fit. Plus, he's been ridden in this saddle by the trainer quit a bit, as well as myself - without the spooking. The spooking begins with an outside stimulous is introduce - tumble weed blows across his path, a person walks around from the trailer into sight (no saddle was on, btw). That's a good point to mention - this spooking at nothing happens wether he's saddled or not. ;-) No - good time with the trainer I am sure is the answer. Sher in CO
RE: Loki - saddle fit?
This message is from: Jeanine Rachau [EMAIL PROTECTED] Another thought - what about saddle fit? It he is uncomfortable - it can be expressed in different ways, sometimes you have to read between the lines. Jeanine BLUE MOUNTAIN DONKEY FARM AMJR Registered American Mammoth Jackstock La Grande, Oregon, USA http://www.OregonVOS.net/~jrachau/ E-mail: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, January 03, 2005 9:02 AM To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Loki - blinders This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ...I agree with Ruth, if you don't like the conditions, wind, etc, just stop... Hello, Valerie - Yep - as I wrote earlier - I was *trying* to get Loki to stop so that I could dismount. And he would not. We did tight circles, etc - he kept plowing forward. So :-)just stop was not as simple an option as one might think. And yes, that was what I was trying to do - of course, I know like anyone who's been riding for some time - you stop shen bad signs are beginning. :-) ...You had said he was a steady driving horse...but what about blinders? ... Just a thought, a trainer is the best idea... I mentioned to our trainer, who knows his background, if we should add blinders. I agree with her answer - he needs to learn to work without them, to give up that crutch, during his training. So, instead of encouraging the dependence on blinders, she will keep that in mind and work on building his confidence despooking instead. I wrote earlier, too, that yesterday (Sunday) I drove Loki up to our trainer's place. He will initially be there for the next month - he will be worked for 1 to 2 hours a day, 6 days a week, during that time. At the end of that time, we will resume the riding lessons, myself on Loki, under the trainer's eye. I'd wrote that we've being going one lesson at a time to the trainer's, for the last two months. So that will continue too. He just needs time - and good training - and hopefully will eventually become a safer trail horse. Likewise, with my own training, I will improve on my current riding skills. We both benefit going to the trainer! :-) Sher in CO
RE: Sher's Fjord and saddle fit.... archieves
This message is from: Teressa Kandianis [EMAIL PROTECTED] Speaking of archives. Can someone give me the directions again. I am needing a grazing muzzle and sources for them were identified a few weeks ago. Teressa
Re: Sher's Fjord and saddle fit.... archieves
This message is from: Ruth Bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] I think letting someone know that there are archieves for the digest that can be searched is great, but to suggest that since a question has been asked before that someone should not ask questions, but rather search the archieves, is doing that person as well as the rest of us a disservice. ... yes, she can go to the archieves but she should be able to get input from us on her questions and not be made to feel like she should go to the archieves before asking here. Jeanne +++ Well-well a disservice!? I-did-not-suggest that Sher not ask a question! I'm surprised that your take on my suggestion of the archives would be negative, which certainly did not in any way preclude the voluntary suggestions on saddles from others! I felt that her question INSPIRED me to think of having a FAQ! If I were a first time Lister I would love to know about the archives! I would love a FAQ feature too! I've noticed that in the summertime folks don't always have the time to respond to every individual inquiry in detail, and far better for them to receive canned material than none! A FAQ page could contain many ready links available for research, where a quick comment might not. You want to engender increased list participation? You can... we could probably see a marked increase in List participation if we could only eliminate critical supposition comments on contributing writers, like yours. Ruthie, nw mt
Re: Sher's Fjord and saddle fit.... archieves
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please remember, There is no foolish question asked on this list Only a fool would not ask a question. We gain our knowledge from others. Sometimes it fits us and sometimes not. Welcome all the new owners of the wonderful Fjords. Maybe if need be ask one question at a time . Then if one Knows the answer can chat about it off the list. I for one like to see the repeated questions as we learn something new in the answers, as we gain new people to this list . OMHO Tillie Dun Lookin' Fjords Bud,Tillie Amy Evers Redmond OR (541) 548-6018 http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge/8589
Sher's Fjord and saddle fit.... archieves
This message is from: Jeanne Zuker [EMAIL PROTECTED] Congratulations on getting your first Fjord, I have had Olaf for 2 yrs now and I still cannot believe it sometimes when I look out and see him chowing on his hay or the grass. I had to wait from March until August in 02 for him to get my place ready for him. You will love your Loki and he you. I have both an English saddle and a western saddle. I got the Wintec Isbell with the CAIR system, I have the wide gullet system in it and it fits Olaf great. The seat is full suede so I stick to it like glue and it has the added rolls in the front (which can be removed) so my legs stay in position. I got my Crates western saddle last fall, it has full quarterhorse tree and the short skirt so it fits Olaf's shorter back, it doesn't rub on his shoulders or back and it fits him wonderfully. I had to have the stirrups shortened to fit my short legs but the saddle as a whole fits Olaf and me to a T. I really love this saddle, I plan on doing trail riding for the most part, it does have some silver on it, so you could use it in shows, but you might want to add silver on it if you are getting a show saddle. I know anything with full skirt would not fit Olaf and would rub on him. I hope this helps. I have heard that some of the treeless saddles are great for the Fjords since they flex to the wider backs and are comfy for the rider as well but I have no first hand experience with them. The one thing that I was guilty of was putting the saddle too far forward, I did this more with the western saddle then the English but now I have got the position down. One more thing, please get yourself a helmet if you have not already done do, some of the new ones have added vents for better cooling, but alas, you will still have helmet hair.lol. I think letting someone know that there are archieves for the digest that can be searched is great, but to suggest that since a question has been asked before that someone should not ask questions, but rather search the archieves, is doing that person as well as the rest of us a disservice. We all learn by the exchange of ideas and what has worked and not worked for some of us. Sher came here excited about her first Fjord Loki and asked a question about saddles, yes, she can go to the archieves but she should be able to get input from us on her questions and not be made to feel like she should go to the archieves before asking here. I love reading what people are riding in and how they decided on the saddle they got and how it fits their horse and them, as well as some mistakes they made that might save me from the same mistake. JMHO but I think the digest is for information and questions, answers and the exchange of ideas and I hope that does not change. Jeanne and Olaf in MI where today is sunny :) but cooler, perfect to get Olaf out for a ride, yippee!!!
Re: Saddle fit?
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 5/19/2004 6:33:30 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: This is just a cautionary tale, and mostly refers to treeless saddles Hi Karen- As a treeless fan, I have to chime in here. Using treeless saddles has taught me the importance of proper padding. With my Bob Marshall western saddle I use the Skito pad, which is shaped to the horse's back (not just a square lump like the typical western pad) and raises the saddle off the spine. After rides with this setup the sweat marks are perfect, uniform everywhere except the spine which is dry. I had the opportunity to ride in an Ansur saddle and loved it. They aren't much to look at, but they are functional and comfortable. It was a short ride, so I didn't get a chance to examine sweat marks afterwards. The horse is a Friesian, just as hard to fit as a Fjord. Right now the owner just uses a quilted dressage type pad, but I think she'll need to upgrade as she rides more. For English I use the Thorowgood which is not treeless, but it's flexible and comes in many sizes (broadback extra wide for Big R)! For this I purchased a pad similar to the Skito, shaped to the horse's back with a pleat in the middle for spine clearance. You brought up another important point, proper placement. I imagine we have difficulty placing the saddle on a Fjord because of its short back. By trying to clear the loins, we end up with the saddle on top of the shoulders. I see this in other breeds, too, however. This is equally damaging with or without a tree. I have seen horses ridden in ill-fitting treed saddles with enormous dents on either side of the wither. Just horrid. Eventually the dents stop filling in as the muscle atrophies and the horse develops withers as they say. / )_~ /L/L Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA www.Brigid.Clickryder.com
Re: Saddle fit?
This message is from: Karen McCarthy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean, thanks for mentioning this, as I too used to be guilty of this when I rode non-fjordies (in my dark non-fjord past!) This is just a cautionary tale, and mostly refers to treeless saddlesRecently, I leased my Trakehner Tomas, to a really nice young woman who just moved out here from Vermont. She rides dressage w/ and Ansur saddle (treeless). When she rode him in the arena and asked him for a trot, he became very cranky, so I climbed aboard to see what the problem was. Well, the saddle was too far forward, and it was right over his wither, actually cranked down over his wither, by virtue of the way the treeless system works. As soon as I lifted it up and asked for a trot, it was ears forward. She is going to get a full cutback pad, and we'll see where he is with that, as i am still a bit dubious, as there are no panels to help establish a base @ each side of the spine to elevate the pommel over the wither. So, gentle readers, please take care that you have good clearance over the withers as well. Kmac Karen McCarthyGreat Basin Fjords :: Carson City, Nevadahttp://www.picturetrail.com/weegees Original Message Follows From: Jean Ernest One thing I've noticed (and I did it myself at first) is that many folks tend to put the saddles too far forward on their Fjords, maybe because of the lack of obvious withers. Best Restaurant Giveaway Ever! Vote for your favorites for a chance to win $1 million!
Re: Sher Fjord, at last! / Saddle fit?
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check out the Bighorn Haflingers saddles. Go to Google and enter Haflinger Saddle and you'll get a lot of hits. Here is one: http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/haflinger-saddle.html I use Ortho-flex saddles, but not all of them are wide enough! also tend to be expensive. You can often find them used on eBay. As far as English saddle, Wintec has come out with a WIDE model, with changeable gullets and Cair panels (with air). Also the Thorowgood Griffin comes in wide sizes and several folks on the list use them. Dover Saddlery carries them: http://www.doversaddlery.com One thing I've noticed (and I did it myself at first) is that many folks tend to put the saddles too far forward on their Fjords, maybe because of the lack of obvious withers. Then it is right over the shoulder and will be very uncomforable. Feel for the edge of the shoulderblade and keep the saddle behind the rear edge. Pmay be hard to do on a fat Fjord!) I hope this gets you started! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska still light rain..Farrier delayed, waiting to see if it stops Next question - saddle fit? Loki is about 100 lbs or so overweight (oink! spring grass - LOL) To put it bluntly, he aah has no withers - So - what sort of saddle tree do you folks use for these little round barreled, miniscule to zip withered boys? It's pretty clear that a semi quarter horse tree western saddle is NOT going to fit over my little chunky monkey's broad back! LOL Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Sher Fjord, at last! / Saddle fit?
This message is from: Karen Keith [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sher: You might want to contact Susie Fletcher-Baker at 303-774-1987. She is a master saddler and works up in the Brighton area. You're nearby there, aren't you? I had her come here to Parker to measure both my ponies for a saddle, and to see if my existing saddles would fit. (They didn't.) She did recommend the Duett saddles as being well made for their price, and the Duetts specialize in broad backs. There's a Duett dealer in Brighton as well. Also, consider contacting Ken McNabb and asking about the training of this horse. I met Ken once at Troyer's auction (he was selling a fjord), and he's advertised in Driving Digest magazine. Try his website www.kmcnabb.com. Good luck with your new fjordie! Glad to have another in the neighborhood. Cheers! Karen Keith _ FOXTEL Digital - Your ticket to cinema at home: http://ad.au.doubleclick.net/clk;7718915;9123289;x?http://www.foxtel.com.au/Campaign/channelchoice.html
Re: Sher Fjord, at last! / Saddle fit?
This message is from: Ruth Bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hey, that would be great Mike !! Bless you !! The first person I thought of for a FAQ resource person was Jean Ernest, who looks objectively down on Fjordom from her lofty perch in Fairbanks AK, and who has consistently and generously dispensed accumulated Fjord wisdom for some time now. We longtime listers owe her a debt of thanks for her faithfulness to the good of the Fjord and their owners. Hip, hip hooray!! She also has the somewhat rare ability to share knowledge without using the opportunity to promote herself ;))) Ruthie, nw mt This message is from: Mike May, Registrar NFHR [EMAIL PROTECTED] If someone is willing to write the questions answers I will put the FAQ section on the NFHR web site for all to refer to. This wouldn't have to be done all by one person either. Mike At 01:01 PM 5/17/2004, you wrote: This message is from: Ruth Bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] HAPPY for you Sher, A first Fjord is a grand experience! I don't have any outstanding saddle advice for you, sorry, (other than try it on a barrel first, giggle) but it occurs to me that the Fjord world really needs an online FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page! (covering such often asked questions as saddle, bit, diet, mane, colic, or what have you!) Even if it was only something made up by an individual which could be forwarded to the inquiry. Anyone game? Then there are the archives you can check into, but many don't seem to do this.. so maybe we need a refresher there too as per instructions for tapping into them. Good Luck with your Loki.. Ruthie, nw mt This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For those on the list that know me, I signed on about 3 years or so ago, to learn all I could about Fjords. I've had a couple setbacks in my savings the last two years - and had to put off getting my own fjord in favor of taking care of priorties (like replacing my business rig, so that the business could keep working, LOL!) Well, yesterday we drove 4 hours north for an appointment to see a pair of Fjords. The 14.1 hand, 16 yr old gelding Loki (aka Buddy) is all I could ask for! Handsome, well mannered, and gorgeous! (Of course, I speak with a prejudiced eye! ;-) We shook hands on it, and on June 8th (when the gentleman returns from an out of state trip) then I go to pick Loki up and bring him home. It's an out of state trip, so of course the usual Coggins Health Certif. (plus brand inspection) have to be done, but when he his wife get back (it's their son's Iron Man event.) Next question - saddle fit? Loki is about 100 lbs or so overweight (oink! spring grass - LOL) To put it bluntly, he aah has no withers - or maybe he does have some under the extra luggage (grin) ! He is well broke to cart but possibly not saddle - Ken McNabb up in Cody, WY taught him harness work. The seller said he's driven him (showed me many photos, he handled well while we were there) but not ridden him - said that Ken told him he'd been ridden a bit. So, I'll send Loki to a trainer for a refresher course, to help out -- I'll just be riding him most of the time as a mountain trail horse. *Might* invest in a cart harness later on, but undecided on that - right now, saddle is the main focus. So - what sort of saddle tree do you folks use for these little round barreled, miniscule to zip withered boys? It's pretty clear that a semi quarter horse tree western saddle is NOT going to fit over my little chunky monkey's broad back! LOL I know this is a many times asked question - but I appreciate any tips. Am thinking before he can go to a trainer, he's going to need a properly fitting saddle (LOL!) to say the least! Sher in Aurora, CO === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Executive Director Registrar PO Box 685 Webster, NY 14580-0685 Voice 585-872-4114 FAX 585-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Sher Fjord, at last! / Saddle fit?
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wow, Ruthie! What praise! (I know you are just trying to get me to do it.) I'll try to work on it ..Guess I could just go search for MY name in the archives? LOL Jean in Fairbanks, ALaska, light rain today...And Farrier is scheduled to come (but won't if it is raining too much) As for self promotion..Well I don't have anything to promote!...And lots of time in the WINTER to spend on the computer! At 08:32 AM 5/18/2004 -0700, you wrote: This message is from: Ruth Bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hey, that would be great Mike !! Bless you !! The first person I thought of for a FAQ resource person was Jean Ernest, who looks objectively down on Fjordom from her lofty perch in Fairbanks AK, and who has consistently and generously dispensed accumulated Fjord wisdom for some time now. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Sher Fjord, at last! / Saddle fit?
This message is from: Mike May, Registrar NFHR [EMAIL PROTECTED] If someone is willing to write the questions answers I will put the FAQ section on the NFHR web site for all to refer to. This wouldn't have to be done all by one person either. Mike At 01:01 PM 5/17/2004, you wrote: This message is from: Ruth Bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] HAPPY for you Sher, A first Fjord is a grand experience! I don't have any outstanding saddle advice for you, sorry, (other than try it on a barrel first, giggle) but it occurs to me that the Fjord world really needs an online FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page! (covering such often asked questions as saddle, bit, diet, mane, colic, or what have you!) Even if it was only something made up by an individual which could be forwarded to the inquiry. Anyone game? Then there are the archives you can check into, but many don't seem to do this.. so maybe we need a refresher there too as per instructions for tapping into them. Good Luck with your Loki.. Ruthie, nw mt This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For those on the list that know me, I signed on about 3 years or so ago, to learn all I could about Fjords. I've had a couple setbacks in my savings the last two years - and had to put off getting my own fjord in favor of taking care of priorties (like replacing my business rig, so that the business could keep working, LOL!) Well, yesterday we drove 4 hours north for an appointment to see a pair of Fjords. The 14.1 hand, 16 yr old gelding Loki (aka Buddy) is all I could ask for! Handsome, well mannered, and gorgeous! (Of course, I speak with a prejudiced eye! ;-) We shook hands on it, and on June 8th (when the gentleman returns from an out of state trip) then I go to pick Loki up and bring him home. It's an out of state trip, so of course the usual Coggins Health Certif. (plus brand inspection) have to be done, but when he his wife get back (it's their son's Iron Man event.) Next question - saddle fit? Loki is about 100 lbs or so overweight (oink! spring grass - LOL) To put it bluntly, he aah has no withers - or maybe he does have some under the extra luggage (grin) ! He is well broke to cart but possibly not saddle - Ken McNabb up in Cody, WY taught him harness work. The seller said he's driven him (showed me many photos, he handled well while we were there) but not ridden him - said that Ken told him he'd been ridden a bit. So, I'll send Loki to a trainer for a refresher course, to help out -- I'll just be riding him most of the time as a mountain trail horse. *Might* invest in a cart harness later on, but undecided on that - right now, saddle is the main focus. So - what sort of saddle tree do you folks use for these little round barreled, miniscule to zip withered boys? It's pretty clear that a semi quarter horse tree western saddle is NOT going to fit over my little chunky monkey's broad back! LOL I know this is a many times asked question - but I appreciate any tips. Am thinking before he can go to a trainer, he's going to need a properly fitting saddle (LOL!) to say the least! Sher in Aurora, CO === Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry Mike May, Executive Director Registrar PO Box 685 Webster, NY 14580-0685 Voice 585-872-4114 FAX 585-787-0497 http://www.nfhr.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: saddle fit for fjordies
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 1/5/2003 11:21:55 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I might have been the lone dissenter on the Wintec Isabell. It only fit 1 out of 4 fjords, marginally, and this was w/ the xtra wide gullet plate. It was a cool looking saddle, and I was willing to try to adapt to it, but when it fails the back test on the horses it's a no pass. But, don't despair, someone rides one of the fjords I bred in the same saddle, with a med wide gullet plate, so don't sell your saddle first! You might not want to sell your saddle too soon either. I've heard that they should be coming out soon with an even wider gullet. This was from my instructor who has worked closely with the people from Wintec (and she has one of my fjords in her barn too!). Pamela A HREF=http://hometown.aol.com/northhorse/index.html;Northern Holiday Horses/A
Saddle fit
This message is from: Nancy Hotovy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello - I also have a VERY old Circle Y saddle with the full quarter bars and it has fit every Fjord I've ridden in the 10 years or so. (Many) I bought a new Circle Y show saddle in the past 4 - 5 years, also with the full quarter bars and find it fits nicely also. I don't believe this saddle has any narrower tree than my old one but others could be different. My latest purchase was a Crates reining saddle with full quarter bars and it might be my imagination but I think this saddle might be just a little bit wider. It does fit nicely on the horse's back and they do very well with it. The new owners of the last two horses I sold this fall came with their own saddles which they thought were plenty wide enough but. . . . the first one saddled the horse and Bjorn started shaking his head up and down and when she cinched him up he stretched way out. After convincing her that this was not normal behavior, we put my saddle on him to which he stood perfectly still and never bobbed his head. The second one was very careful saddling Kelsey but he got very antsy, wouldn't stand still and fussed a lot. When I got on him, he was very hot and nervous. Again, put my saddle on him and he stood perfectly still, rode off great and taught the buyers 6 year old son to ride in the round pen. It was great to watch when we put the boy on to ride, Kelsey dropped his head and walked ever so gently with his young rider. Within 1/2 hour they were stopping, turning both ways and backing. Needless to say one of my husbands favorite horses has a new home. Both instances proved to me totally what a good saddle fit really does for a horse. Nancy The Upper Forty www.upperforty.com
Re: saddle fit
This message is from: Karen McCarthy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks for the suggeston Jean. Not to diss treeless saddles, but personally I haven't seen any that look OK to me: functionally aestheticlly.They seem (to me at least) too much like an elaborate bareback pad. I like the idea of a (saddle)tree distributing the weight evenly, over a larger area. I have been getting allot of private feedback about saddlefitting, and I really appreciate it. I think the first step in this adventure is getting the saddle I have re-flocked, so it opens the (channel?) behind the gullet fits thru the back better. I'll let you know if I have any sucess! Thanks, Karen Original Message Follows From: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: Re: Rye, saddle fit,etc. Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2002 14:00:31 -0800 This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Karen would a treeless saddle work on that broad lady? 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 _ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com
Re: Rye, saddle fit,etc.
This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean re the pressure points with the treeless. There are foam or composition pads that will distribute the weight more evenly. Some are narrow depth in front and thicker toward the rear, etc. 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
Re: Rye, saddle fit,etc.
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] comments on a treeless saddle. This was on another list: I fell into the marketing for a treeless saddle. This one is marketed for dressage purposes. It has been intersting to ride in it - and I truly think more comfortable for my horse than riding sans saddle - but I do not think it is the 'cureall' that it is purported to be. I notice that all my weight is in one small area - and it appears from looking at my saddle pad (clean prior to riding that all the wieght is at the back of the saddle, not evenly distributed. Over distance or longer times, it is uncomfortable for my horse. I do believe that some people notice a huge improvement intially for thier horse when they go treeless. I believe that improvement is a reflection of how poorly their previous treed saddle was fitting. By making a change to treeless, the sore, bruised areas of the horse are momentarily free of pain. Over time, the treeless saddle creates now pressure points that cause pain. So back to fine art of managing my horses comfort with a proper fitting tree, and appropriate padding due to the current shape of my horse (currently quite wide due to the Spring grass!). Jean in Sunny Fairbanks, Alaska, +25 F. Karen would a treeless saddle work on that broad lady? Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Rye, saddle fit,etc.
This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Karen would a treeless saddle work on that broad lady? 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
Re: Rye, saddle fit,etc.
This message is from: Karen McCarthy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List, First, Hope, I really want to say how very sorry I am for your loss...I know you really put allot of energy into caring for your boys, and to lose one, well, its a terrible shame. I feel for both of you Jon and BJ's buddy. About the palatability of grain hays, such as rye, oats, etc..it really hinges on when the stuff is cut. When horses love it, cleaning every scrap, if you yourself were to taste it, even the coarser stem parts, it has a very sweet taste. The sugar content rises as it matures, just like any fruit or vegetable. A good farmer will know exactly when to cut bale, just by taste. But unfortunately, they may be in a hurry, or cutting for what the consumer/horse owner percieves to be nice looking hay, or gambling against the weather etc. We used to seed our roadcuts w/ annual ryegrass. Guess where the horses migrated when the had access to it? You guessed it, the new ryegrass. And when the wild oat stands in our native pastures was growing, the horses would not touch it until the oat awns were almost over-ripe and falling from the stems. They are true connesuiers!(sp) I have used perennial rye as a feed, and they loved it; I bought it from a very good farm N. of Sacramento, Ca where the farm family had been putting it up for over 20 years.One thing I do notice w/ oat hay out here in the west at least, is that often it is cut too green. Looks good to humans, loaded w/ oats, but when fed, most of it ends up on the ground untouched, grain all. Reason? Its sour tasting. So, if we humans could be less cosmeticlly concerened towards our horses feedstuff, I think we would be better off. When in doubt about hay, taste it! Know what the good stuff tastes like go from there. I know, its a bit wierd... Jean, as far as fungus or endophytes, etc. being in hay, I think it is mostly some varieties of fescue grass that carries it.(I may be wrong, but this is what I have heard). There is certified grass seed that is free of this, and only hay from certified grown fescue hay s/b fed to broodmares. OK, here is my contribution to the travails of fitting saddles to fjords: had a County dressage saddle, it fit most of m fjords OK, then I started riding Alycia. She is H-U-G-E across the back, and is virtually witherless. So, I bought a Wintec Isabell synthetic w/ med wide gullet, which I just changed (with much cursin/swearing) to a extra wide gullet. Problem? It still perches on her back, plus does not fit her through the back. It fits the other fjords beautifully. So, what do all of you experts think? Anyone have success w/ some other manufacturer of moose-sized dressage saddles? Do I have to go the route of a custom saddle, or have this one re-flocked thru the panels (which I can do), or what?? What are some of the names of Ortoflex dressage models? I have no problem riding Alycia w/ my Ricotti western saddle to school in, as it has a wonderful seat, and my legs are in the 'correct' position, etc. but it wouldn't go over very well at a show, would it ?? ;~) Have a happy Easter all...and yes, it is indeed wonderful that the List is here for all of us. Thanks Steve! Karen McCarthy Carson City, nv _ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
saddle fit
This message is from: Janet McNally [EMAIL PROTECTED] I purchased an ortho flex when the company was relatively young. I am pleased with its construction, it is a tough, durable saddle. it has stood the test of many tough rides including packing out elk, and numerous abuses. However, for a saddle that was promoted as designed to be the best thing that ever sat on a horses back, it never lived up to that promise for me. First of all the gullet is too narrow for my wide horse even though it was custom built for that horse.Although the pannels are suppose to flex to adjust, they are limited to the width of the gullet. As a result the saddle slipped when mounted. It definitely does not fit my Fjord. The second problem is that the pannels are 'hinged' and at each hinge is a pressure point. Despite all the claims how you could use this saddle with out a blanket, mine required the booties and a 3/4 thick pad to prevent injury to the horse. I suspect not all horses would notice this pressure point, but mine did. I later discovered that a simple full quarter horse tree was all that was needed to fit. I just purchased a circle Y park and trail with full quarter horse bars for my Fjord, and it fits quite securely with good clearance at the withers. The saddle I purchased offers a 3 way rigging, which helps with fit. The saddle shop's expert explained that full QH bars are wider than the semi quarter horse tree, and that the circle Y draft tree was the same width as the full QH tree. I think the difference is only in the skirts and fittings. I'm not so sure that arabian trees are wider, they appeared to be the same width as semi QH bars, but I believe they are shorter in length and the skirts are always round.. Janet
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can regularly find older Ortho-flex saddles on eBay. right now there are about 6 ortho-flex saddles listed. to find them, under Equestrian equipment search for ortho-flex, orthoflex, ortho flex to catch all of them. They seem to be in demand and get surprizingly high bids! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, +15, but no more snow! The Alaska Range to the south keeps it out, while Anchorage gets dumped on! Shortest day with 3:43 hours sunlight, sun-up at 10:57, down at 2:40! tomorrow we start gaining daylight! (Everything is tinted pink and lavender, with long gorgeous sunrise and sunset colors!) THANKS very much Jean for that very comprehensive response. Sounds like the an older Ortho-Flex might be the way to go if you could find one available. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: ruth bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] THANKS very much Jean for that very comprehensive response. Sounds like the an older Ortho-Flex might be the way to go if you could find one available. GLAD you're having a heat wave up there! Bet the Fjordies are happy about that. Ruthie, nw mt 20*F Yes, Len Brown went into debt, I guess when he tried to mass produce the saddles, building a new factory, etc. The co. was sold finally, along with all the patents, factory and equipment in Little Rock, Arkansas. The new company is called Orthoflex Saddleworks (no hyphen). They claim to have better customer service, new quality standards, etc. Same website URL http://www.ortho-flex.com Meanwhile, a former Ortho-flex employee, Richard Watson, who made some of the original saddles, formed his own company, Rocking R saddlery and makes an excellent saddle, offering similar models to the Ortho-flex, bult his trees are better I guess, with more flare, etc. http://www.rocking-r.net/ (There is another Rocking R saddle co in Alabama which is not the same) The description from the American Saddle Co webiste of Rocking R: The Rocking R System is a hybrid of Ortho-Flex System I and II. The Rocking R saddle does not feature the System II mounting method but does offer the track system at the back of the panel. Like System I, the Rocking R is also built on one layer of Delrin in the panel. The method of tree build, close attention to panel/tree configuration and choice of thicker Delrin for the panel enables the Rocking R to perform almost as well as the Ortho-Flex System II. The Rocking R panels are also capable of sinking or rising the middle, although not to the degree that the Ortho-Flex System II panels offer. Due to the user-Friendly adjustable rigging, however, the saddle can be positioned to compensate for this difference and can be relatively fitted to a wide range of back types. The Delrin flexible panels are used in several brands of saddles now. For details and history of this system: http://www.american-saddles.de/dealer/system_functions/system_functions.html The American Saddle Company is a german company! They have the American-flex system which is supposed to be even better than the Ortho-Flex systems. Now, apparently theyl offer western saddles, also english saddles and endurance saddle. Check out the website (click on the american in the upper right corner for English language) http://www.american-saddles.de/index.html Well, just something to confuse people.. but do look at these websites and also check out Saddle-up trailriders who is a dealer for Rocking R to get an idea of prices. http://www.saddleupshop.com/ Everything you always wanted to know about saddles but were afriad to ask! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, where it has warmed up to ZERO! Hooray! this past summer I spoke with a saddle rep who claimed that Ortho-Flex has now changed considerably and is not the same product as originally... something about changing hands...?? has anyone else heard that too? Ruthie, nw mt Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yes, Len Brown went into debt, I guess when he tried to mass produce the saddles, building a new factory, etc. The co. was sold finally, along with all the patents, factory and equipment in Little Rock, Arkansas. The new company is called Orthoflex Saddleworks (no hyphen). They claim to have better customer service, new quality standards, etc. Same website URL http://www.ortho-flex.com Meanwhile, a former Ortho-flex employee, Richard Watson, who made some of the original saddles, formed his own company, Rocking R saddlery and makes an excellent saddle, offering similar models to the Ortho-flex, bult his trees are better I guess, with more flare, etc. http://www.rocking-r.net/ (There is another Rocking R saddle co in Alabama which is not the same) The description from the American Saddle Co webiste of Rocking R: The Rocking R System is a hybrid of Ortho-Flex System I and II. The Rocking R saddle does not feature the System II mounting method but does offer the track system at the back of the panel. Like System I, the Rocking R is also built on one layer of Delrin in the panel. The method of tree build, close attention to panel/tree configuration and choice of thicker Delrin for the panel enables the Rocking R to perform almost as well as the Ortho-Flex System II. The Rocking R panels are also capable of sinking or rising the middle, although not to the degree that the Ortho-Flex System II panels offer. Due to the user-Friendly adjustable rigging, however, the saddle can be positioned to compensate for this difference and can be relatively fitted to a wide range of back types. The Delrin flexible panels are used in several brands of saddles now. For details and history of this system: http://www.american-saddles.de/dealer/system_functions/system_functions.html The American Saddle Company is a german company! They have the American-flex system which is supposed to be even better than the Ortho-Flex systems. Now, apparently theyl offer western saddles, also english saddles and endurance saddle. Check out the website (click on the american in the upper right corner for English language) http://www.american-saddles.de/index.html Well, just something to confuse people.. but do look at these websites and also check out Saddle-up trailriders who is a dealer for Rocking R to get an idea of prices. http://www.saddleupshop.com/ Everything you always wanted to know about saddles but were afriad to ask! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, where it has warmed up to ZERO! Hooray! this past summer I spoke with a saddle rep who claimed that Ortho-Flex has now changed considerably and is not the same product as originally... something about changing hands...?? has anyone else heard that too? Ruthie, nw mt Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL [EMAIL PROTECTED] I bought one three years ago...the workmanship was terrible. Edges were not finished right (just sorta glued down) and vulnerable to separation. It was actually something to be ashamed of...and they had designed it that way. Jean, this past summer I spoke with a saddle rep who claimed that Ortho-Flex has now changed considerably and is not the same product as originally... something about changing hands...?? has anyone else heard that too? Ruthie, nw mt Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: ruth bushnell [EMAIL PROTECTED] I ordered one of the first Ortho-flex saddles that came out. ! No fuss, no problem, she was comfortable! What a difference! Jean Jean, this past summer I spoke with a saddle rep who claimed that Ortho-Flex has now changed considerably and is not the same product as originally... something about changing hands...?? has anyone else heard that too? Ruthie, nw mt
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] When I first got my mare Stella, I bought a Sharon Saare endurance saddle as this was recommended by the folks I rode with. To even get an approximation of a fit I had to set it over her shoulders (not knowing any better) and when I started out on a ride she was terrible, whirling to get back to the barn, grumpy, acting up, etc. After a bit she was a little better (because she got numbed to the pain) but the rides were just a battle and never pleasant. I then read an article on saddle fit (by Len Brown of Ortho-Flex)and realized that the saddle was bridging and sitting on top of her scapula. I ordered one of the first Ortho-flex saddles that came out. By the time it came, Stella was too big with her pregnancy to ride (or even fit the saddle) but I rode Bjarne who I had just gotten from Canada with the saddle. Later when Stella's foal was a couple months old I saddled her with the Ortho-Flex and, leaving her foal at home, rode her away from her baby for her first ride in months! No fuss, no problem, she was comfortable! What a difference! Now I often see pictures of Fjords with the saddles set too far forward, perhaps because they DON'T have prominent withers so the rider sets that saddle up there over the shoulders. This seems to be especially true of English saddles. I have Four Ortho-flex saddle at the moment (wanting to sell two) but am still looking for the perfect saddle! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, where it is steadily warming up...now only -10 F. really critical IMO where the front end of the tree seats itself. People have commented to me that when they ride, they place the saddle where they think it should be, only to fight it travelling backwards. They think a breatcollar or neck yoke will solve the problem. Nope, not really. It will probably just increase any problems the horse might experience having the saddle in the wrong place. Eventually, the more observant folks learn that this is just the true place the saddle s/b anyway, amd things get better. kmac Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: Karen McCarthy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yes Sandy! I think some folks don't really realise how critical the distance is between the top end of the scapula and where the centre of the withers is; on some of the QH's TB's, i.e. more typical horses, this distance is much greater, allowing a little more leeway. In many arabs, and fjords (the 2 breeds I am around most), this area is quite abbreviated, so it is really critical IMO where the front end of the tree seats itself. People have commented to me that when they ride, they place the saddle where they think it should be, only to fight it travelling backwards. They think a breatcollar or neck yoke will solve the problem. Nope, not really. It will probably just increase any problems the horse might experience having the saddle in the wrong place. Eventually, the more observant folks learn that this is just the true place the saddle s/b anyway, amd things get better. kmac Original Message Follows From: Sandy Sederstrom [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Saddle fit Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2001 05:03:46 -0600 ...the gullet hitting the horses wither if the saddle is to wide, and the shoulder area. On the heavier Fjords they seem to have bigger shoulders and I see alot of people put the saddle to far forward on the horses back... I put the saddle back more on him and he is much more comfortable to ride. Smoother gaits I noticed right away... _ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
Saddle fit
This message is from: Sandy Sederstrom [EMAIL PROTECTED] Just another note on saddle fit that Karen McCarthy brought up that is excellent advice about the gullet hitting the horses wither if the saddle is to wide, and the shoulder area. On the heavier Fjords they seem to have bigger shoulders and I see alot of people put the saddle to far forward on the horses back. When I ride my gelding I put the saddle back more on him and he is much more comfortable to ride. Smoother gaits I noticed right away when I tried this the first time and his attitude was, like he enjoyed his work more.
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Anneli I love that opens her mouth and inhales everything edible in the neighborhood. My warmblood and fjord are still gaining if I am not careful . Gunnar ripples and they are on drying pasture grass and last years grass hay . Yesterday I was sitting on the patio reading the paper and heard a loud crash and then the horses screamed and went berserk. I could not see Gunnar but the mare was standing in place bucking and kicking and staring out at the field. I finally saw Gun who was running across the field with the pasture small gate around his neck! A calamity, never planned. He finally stopped and shook his neck and the gate dropped off. He turned and tore back like a freight train, with the mare still kicking and bucking, and headed right for the now open gate area. Waving arms did not stop him, of course by now the dogs were barking frantically and I was yelling with the mare screaming. I was afraid the hot wire was still in place across the gate opening but he had already broken that loose. Through the gate he came at break neck speed, slid to a halt on the lawn and began eating. Cheez!!! Everything worked out well amazingly. I could replace the gate as it had lifted off its moorings, I found the hot wire was rusted and had broken but I never put more than thirty feet in each section so they do not run off with 100 feet or more to cut legs etc. That rusting also told me why the hot wire was not working. So, thankfully all was well The ferrier was just here and we had been watching a growing lump on the pastern of my big boy. The ferrier said it is side bone with growth toward ring bone. No lameness yet and he is not ridden. At nineteen the ferrier felt he would go off from something else before the ringbone got him. He suggested DMSO twice a week and then once a week. Anyone else had this problem? I use my old close contact dressage Passier on all my horses. I use a short thick western pad that I have sown loops in to attach to the girth leathers. The saddle has a regular tree. Might have some problems with Gunnar now as he is quite broad. 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
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I would have to agree with the e-mails recently concerning saddle fitting for younger horses. They do grow and therefore could need a different saddle size. Marsha Korose and I recently found a saddle that fits all Fjords very well. It is called an Ansur saddle. This saddle is tree-less, therefore, it does not pinch the horse like normal saddles. It is designed and made of certain materials so that it does not restrict the horses motion. It also gives the rider the feel of riding bareback. We tried the saddle on our very wide gelding, Caribo. He was more relaxed and had more action than normal when we use our ortho-flex saddle. The only problem we found was that it takes the rider a while to get use to the natural feeling of the horses movements. The saddle costs about the same as an ortho-flex. It is sized according to the riders size and comes in petite, small, and medium. Most riders fit the small size. Women seem to like this fact. For more information check out the web site: http://www.ansursaddle.com/. Just another option. Curt Pierce Bristow VA
Saddle fit
This message is from: Anneli Sundkvist [EMAIL PROTECTED] Saddles...sigh!:o) I've had my gelding since he was 5 months old and now, at 7 years of age, he's back is STILL changing! He grew out of my dressage saddle about 8 months ago, so I bought my present saddle which is something in between a Western, English and Spanish saddle. This has got a very wide tree, so I hope he won't outgrow this one ever. As a matter of fact, he's not even FAT!;o) My mare (15 yo) has also outgrown her saddle, but something tells me that it will be ok in a month or so - she's already loosing weight again. This horse would survive on air. She creates some kind of vacuum in her throat, opens her mouth and - everything that grows in the neighbourhod is gone! The Orhto-flex saddles seem great but they are extremly expensive here in Sweden. I, myself has become intrested in buying an Iberian saddle for dressage work. Does anyone have thought about Iberian saddles in general and Iberian saddles - Fjords in particular? Regards Anneli * Anneli Sundkvist Department of Archaeology Ancient History Uppsala University St. Eriks Torg 5 S-753 10 Uppsala Sweden Phone: +46-18-4712082 (dept.) +46-18-553627 (home)
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Mary, I still like my Ortho-Flex saddles (four of them) but they are not perfect either...still, they work better than anything else. but I am always looking for ways to make them fit better, or a better saddle. I understand this video gives some ideas on how to make the saddles you have work, even if they aren't a perfect fit! I'll let you know what I think of the videao...after all I Am a fan of the Ortho-Flex (brainwashed??) Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska Hi Jean: We got a chance to see this video at one of our saddle club meetings. To my way of thinking, this fellow is on to a good idea, but the concepts are much like Ortho-Flex's designs, only with a fixed tree. I'll be interested to see what you think after you've viewed the video. Still like my Ortho-Flex though, and have even got some other people interested in them. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Saddle fit
This message is from: Jon Mary Ofjord [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Jean: We got a chance to see this video at one of our saddle club meetings. To my way of thinking, this fellow is on to a good idea, but the concepts are much like Ortho-Flex's designs, only with a fixed tree. I'll be interested to see what you think after you've viewed the video. Still like my Ortho-Flex though, and have even got some other people interested in them. One fellow that boards here(and has an old-heavy style western saddle) wants to take my Caliente for a test ride. I just went on a ten mile ride last Saurday through all kinds of terrain, and my old knees didn't get stiff like they did before OF. Yea!!! Mary Ofjord North Coast Fjords See some of you in Blue Earth next weekend!!! At 09:52 AM 7/17/00 -0800, you wrote: This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Denise, Order David Genadek's video on Saddle fit, and maybe you can answer your own question. There is a great discussion on saddle fit going on on the forum on the Equine Studies Institute website, Q A forum http://www.equinestudies.org/ You can order the video at 1-800-449-7409Cost is $25. I am anxiously waiting for mine to arrive! (I am not connected with this company , just wanted to pass this along!) Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, rainy today after 80 degrees and sunny yesterday! At 10:37 AM 7/17/2000 -0700, you wrote: This message is from: Denise Delgado [EMAIL PROTECTED] dear listers, what is your opinion of the growth of the back of a fjord? i would like to get a new saddle. will a three year old's back change markedly from now to maturity? in otherwords will the saddle still fit in five years? of course, that is not accounting for any weight gain on a pudgy fjord. right now he is nice and trim, but not skinny. just right...denise in northern calif. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: wide-backed horses a problem? and Saddle fit
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Re: Wide backed horses. Maybe the problem with sore knees (besides old knee injuries) is that the rider is trying to grip with the knees rather than balance on the seat bones. If the pain goes away by lengthening the stirrups a bit, as another reader suggested, this might indicate that gripping is the problem. A good exercise to learn how to use the legs properly and to balance better is to two point which is riding the horse with your seat off the saddle, bearing your weight on the balls of your feet with knees slightly bent. You can use your hands to steady your upper body, but you should not use your hands to hold yourself upright -- the balance on the feet should do that. It's -really- awkward at first, since most riders want to fall forward when they first learn this skill. Keep trying, but don't rush it -- practice two-pointing at a walk for only a few strides at a time, then longer as you learn to balance properly. If you keep at it, you will eventually be able to two-point without using your hands to steady yourself. It's the same position that English riders take when they post correctly to the trot -- the bounce up is a two-point position. Another exercise that I was taught is to rotate the thigh muscles inward with my hands when I first mount a horse -- if I'm not careful, I tend to sit in the saddle much like I would sit in a chair, with more of the bottom/backside of my thighs touching the saddle and the horse's sides. But it's the inner muscles (touch your knees and thighs together -- those are the muscles I mean) that must be used to ride well. So I get on the horse, stand in two-point position with the horse standing quietly, and grab my thighs and rotate them inward. That also rotates the hips, knees, and calves inward to a better position for riding. Sounds silly to do this, but it helps me to quickly regain the feel of what it's like to sit properly in the saddle, balancing on my seat bones and inner thighs. Re: Saddle fit. I have a true Sports Saddle (not an Orthoflex) that I like to use on our Fjords. It has a gel pad in the middle rather than a fully rigid tree, which allows the saddle to adapt to a wide-backed horse and is very comfortable for the rider. It's really odd to feel the gel-pad in the saddle bend as the horse bends! A saddle with full Quarter horse bars (not semi-Quarterhorse bars) may also fit a Fjord well. The old style of Quarter horse had a chunky physique, unlike the Quarter horses of today, many of which have a lot of Thoroughbred blood in them. I have an old saddle with probably full-Quarter horse bars from the 40s which seems to fit Sissel fairly well. She has a round barrel but well-defined withers. It doesn't do as well on Tuopen, however, who has a rounder torso yet with less definition to his withers. DeeAnna
