Re: [IceHorses] OT(kind of): Saddle fit
I know I've seen a couple of other models that also have a gullet, although I can't remember the brands -- maybe someone can help there?(I have been rather disappointed that more treeless saddles do not build a gullet into their designs for some unknown reason.) Personally, I don't particularly like the idea of a wider, treed-saddle-like built-in channel in a treeless saddle. Part of the beauty of a treeless saddle is that it can be tweaked for such a range of horses. By putting a wide channel in the saddle itself, you are creating more of a "mold" such that the angles may or may not be right for the given horse's back. It's just as easy and cost-effective, actually easier to me, to make any minor adjustments to a good Skito-type channel pad (shims, changing to a laminated foam or thicker foam) than to modify panels built into the saddle itself. I will clarify that I don't have any horses at the moment that have prominent spines though, but I do have a range of Icelandic anatomies to deal with. The Sensations do have a small gullet down the center, with the panels on each side being slightly beveled away. I wouldn't use one for extended periods without a channel pad, but there are many people feel they aren't absolutely necessary for horses with well padded backs and "inny" spines, especially for shorter rides - most people agree they are necessary for horses with prominent spines. And remember, humans tend to have somewhat of a "channel" built in to their anatomy - the human seatbones are generally, what? Three-and-a-half to four inches apart, or even wider? If you ride very centered in the saddle most of the time (and many people don't) most people probably won't be putting much if any weight on the horse's spine anyway. One of the biggest advantage the Sensations offer in my opinion over the ones like Freeform, BMSS, and the variations of Torsion/Barefoot/Trekker models is that the Sensations have two independent panels on each side of the saddle. To me, this is more important than literally having a built-in channel. If you ride one-sided, or if a spook or whatever puts your weight mostly in one stirrup, a saddle with a single-piece structure across the back will tend to pull down on the withers and spine. With independent panels, the Sensation is much less likely to do that - the pressure will tend to stay to the stressed side, not directly down onto the spine and withers. >>> Skito is one, and I like the Saddleright pads myself My husband also uses a Saddleright pad with his Sensation, and has had good results with it. However, it's not a channel pad, and really wasn't designed for treeless saddles. It works well for them, but his horse has a well-muscled and padded back. I don't think the two type pads can be used interchangeably for all horses. Except for him and Skjoni, we use Skito pads almost exclusively. There are some other pads that get good reviews, but for my money, you can't beat a Skito for protection, longevity, and the ability to customize them. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] OT(kind of): Saddle fit
JR <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I have looked at treeless but am a > little worried. Wouldn't you just be "bouncing" on thier spine? Isn't > that why saddles have gullets? I can't find any treeless that do. Hi JR, There are some models that DO incorporate a gullet.I picked up one off Ebay recently that has this feature built in. I guess the ones this gal is going to be carrying have the panels stitched on, but I really wanted this proto-type one with the moveable, velcro on/off panels. I haven't been able to try it out yet though: http://tinyurl.com/5v825d I know I've seen a couple of other models that also have a gullet, although I can't remember the brands -- maybe someone can help there?(I have been rather disappointed that more treeless saddles do not build a gullet into their designs for some unknown reason.) However, you can also buy special pads with a spine channel to go under the treeless saddles that make up for this. Skito is one, and I like the Saddleright pads myself -- I use one under a plain bareback pad as well. The Sensation is a lovely, stable, treeless saddle but you will need to have a channel pad under it as it doesn't have a gullet built-in. > What is the difference between a bareback pad and a treeless? Depends on the models of each you are taking about. Some treeless are barely distinguishable from a regular saddle and have a lot of "substance" and structure to them. Others, are very much a glorified bareback pad. > I know if you ride bareback to much your horse will get a sore back. I don't know about that. IMHO, a balanced rider on a horse without a prominent spine (for example) would be alright I think. I think that's a horse/rider case by case "thing". > Anyone have a saddle with CAIR panils and gullet > change? How well does that work? I have a Wintec Wide with the three very wide gullet plates and the CAIR. It's a good saddle for the money, but I'm not sure it isn't too long for my very short-backed mare (I need the 18" seat).Changing the gullets isn't hard. As for the CAIR. . . I don't know. . . I think I prefer old fashioned wool. The CAIR panels just seem harder to me and not as willing to "mold" to the horse's back. > > I just figured Icelandics are very hard to fit horses and thought you > guys would have a lot of experience with saddle problems. Ha ha -- oh yes, that's definitely the truth for some of us. : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] OT(kind of): Saddle fit
> My courbette saddle, when put on > her, slants terribly down hill. I can use a wither builder but it > might not build it up enough. I have looked at treeless but am a > little worried. Wouldn't you just be "bouncing" on thier spine? No, not necessarily. Have you been able to read the thread on Equine Studies about saddle fit, saddle design, and rider position? If you can, give it a read and let me know if that gives you any input on the dilemma with the Appy: http://esiforum.mywowbb.com/forum1/188.html Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] OT(kind of): Saddle fit
I have a three year old appy filly. My courbette saddle, when put on her, slants terribly down hill. I can use a wither builder but it might not build it up enough. I have looked at treeless but am a little worried. Wouldn't you just be "bouncing" on thier spine? Isn't that why saddles have gullets? I can't find any treeless that do. What is the difference between a bareback pad and a treeless? I know if you ride bareback to much your horse will get a sore back. Couldn't it be the same with a treeless? She has a very short back and is still growing and changing. Anyone have a saddle with CAIR panils and gullet change? How well does that work? I just figured Icelandics are very hard to fit horses and thought you guys would have a lot of experience with saddle problems. JR PS. My courbette has a flex tree. It fits my Icelandic-look-a-like.
