Re: [IceHorses] Saddle dilemma
>>> I also like the Smari Clover saddle which is a flex-panel saddle with >>> airbags etc. I don't like airbags or flex-panels for saddles or saddle pads. The flex-panels seem like a good idea, but they don't seem to work in practice nearly as well as they sound. We had one for a while, and the horse (Skjoni) developed an aversion to being ridden, that went away when Cary switched to the Sensation. We then lost a lot of money when we sold that saddle, more than I've ever lost on selling one. I don't like air in panels - if there's not quite enough air, the panels will bottom out and be worthless. If there's enough air to offer protection, then the panel is hard - ever seen someone who has had an automobile airbag explode in their face? They may save lives but they are hardly like landing on a pillow. My daughter had bruises and a black eye for three weeks after she was in a wreck once. (She's alive, so we aren't complaining - but I wouldn't want to use air as a cushion on a daily basis...) Air panels aren't breathable either - if they were, the air wouldn't stay where it's supposed to be, so they are prone to heat build-up. Has anyone seen that video clip that Liz and Dave made about the flex-tree saddle? I think Judy posted the link here once before.That was an eye-opener. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle dilemma
>>> Ofeig is now backed and being ridden on the lead rein for 5 mins at a >>> time. The problem is she is so wide that Corrie's saddle (Wintec >>> adjustable) is still too narrow with the new extra wide gullet. I need to get an inexpensive saddle that can be adjusted as she grows and will allow her to move. I've been there and sooo done that! I went throught the Wintec gullets - the standard gullets are all too narrow for any of my Icelandics except some of the youngest ones. The Wintec Wide has a spinal channel for warmbloods or drafts - too wide and just not shaped right for any except the very largest ones. The Balance Saddles are nice, but pricey (very good quality though) and many of them were too long for Sina's short back - but I liked them. The Heather Moffet Fhoenix was just ok, but very pricey...but it's wy too thick for a person with a long torso, putting their center of gravity too high above the horse. (That killed it for Cary.) My experience is that a 4-5 year-old Icelandic will still widen by several cm, making most treed saddles that fit at five worthless by age 6 or 7. The best answer I've found for Icelandic's is the Sensation. They are stable for the rider, so comfy for horse and rider, and they have no rigid parts to dig in.I know there are dealers in the UK, so see if you can get a demo. I hope you don't have to go through the pain (and expense) that I did to find a saddle! My 6'2", 235-pound husband and I (5'0" 138 pounds) both ride in them, so they can accommodate a variety of rider sizes. We sometimes put a treed saddle on our young horses intially, but basically we start them in treeless saddles, usually the Sensations. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle dilemma
On Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:36:30 -, you wrote: >Has anyone tried the trapezius saddle? I've had several Trapzius saddles and like them a lot. There's a couple for sale on the IHS website at the moment, www.ihsgb.co.uk , on the items for sale page. I also like the Smari Clover saddle which is a flex-panel saddle with airbags etc. Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen --- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk ---
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle dilemma
Why not a sensation?? SO much cheaper than a moffett. There was one on ebay recently. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
[IceHorses] Saddle dilemma
Ofeig is now backed and being ridden on the lead rein for 5 mins at a time. The problem is she is so wide that Corrie's saddle (Wintec adjustable) is still too narrow with the new extra wide gullet. I need to get an inexpensive saddle that can be adjusted as she grows and will allow her to move. I can't beleive how much movement there is in her spine. It is so lovely. I would describe it as like a dance partner who is supple and rhythmic compared with Corrie who is more like a tailors dummy. She responds very well to seat aids which I don't want to lose by a badly fitting saddle. There is a wintec wide with 3 even wider gullets than the one I have. The larger two gullets would fit that too giving 5 sizes over all. I would love a balance saddle but not too soon at that price. It's a lot of money to ditch because she has changed shape. There is no point in getting Carol Brett to fit Corrie as she won't be ridden very much now. Only enough so she isn't left out. I have arranged for a master saddler to come out locally. He is highly recommended. All the same I hope I have done enough 'homework' to know that what I am buying is right.I might make a check list before the man comes. I don't have to buy right away. I can think about it. Then there is the heather moffat saddle. That appeals to me because the stirrup bars are in the right place and the shoulders are freed up. I didn't find I had the rising trot as good in the wintec as some saddles I have ridden in. My feet felt pushed forward so I couldn't maintain vertical balance. A treeless sounds ideal except most of them say not for novice riders on green horses. I need something that will stay in place. I know no-one can help me decide. I'll see if I can balance in this new saddle. (I should have tried it on the stand in the shop). While he is here I will get him to check Corries saddle wth the extra wide gullet I am sure it is a better fit for her. Her wither etc has filled out a lot with not being ridden in the saddle. She is actually up 3 gullet sizes. That medium gullet was doing damage big time. My head is whizzing with all the possibilities. Especially the one of spending a lot of money several times over. When her shape is stable I will get Carol Brett to see her. Has anyone tried the trapezius saddle? What saddle do you start youngsters in? Sue Coombes
