Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit Morphs
hmmm. whats reallly weird, every icelandic in europe, every single one, the same exact sized small saddle fits them. maybe when they get on board a plane to go somewhere else their back goes splot like a womans waist does when she takes off her girdle. yeah. right. or no! i forget, us stupid americans, we bought all the slaughterhouse stock draft /meat inferior types while everyone else in europe has the lean mean show machines... the tony svelte iceies. yeah, thats it. and whats really weird, somehow all the first prize stallions and mares producing, when they produce a foal and it gets on a plane to somewhere else in europe, then IT somehow turns out to be a lean mean show machine needing a teeny saddle and a noseband dug two inches into the nose and loves it! never acts up at all! but somehow when these same first prize studs and mares have an offspring and it gets put on a plane to america, wow, somehow just flying over the ocean, it begins to spread and morph into a giant draft/meat horse inferior blop! Someone should do a study on how flying to america causes this... also, someone needs to figure out why icies in europe seem really happy with tight nosebands and tight saddles while in america, they act up!! It must not be the saddles and nosebands at all! it must be the water! or no! its the inferior american intelligence! we just dont know how to properly train a horse to love and adore a tight noseband and tight saddle like they do in europe! Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
On 5/16/08, Karen Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >>> the most comfortable saddles are > >>> often bad for the horse! Like a Tucker, my gosh I loved riding in that > >>> thing! And it almsot ruined my jaspars back. Then my orthoflex > >>> stitchdown, something about it just makes me sit correctly, so > >>> balanced, I ride so well in it, and it just plain wont work on my > >>> icelandics. My sensation hybrid works on some but not others. and it > >>> is very comfortable. but some horses have to have spinal clearance. > > > Janice, your horses for which the Hybrid doesn't work - they are TWH, right? > I think that's the reason that there are so many treeless fans on this > list - particularly Sensation fans. oh yeah yeah, i forget to mention that sometimes! They arent just twhs, they are twhs with very very prominent spines. actually what they call "roach back" where the spine arcs up above the muscle. My fox's didnt used to be that way but now is and I wonder if he is getting atrophy? And wonder how to prevent it? Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
On Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 10:04 AM, Renee Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >. . . If the least little thing bothers her, she will let you know!! > > You know Susan, I have come to have a great appreciation for a horse like > that (my Eitill). Eitill is the only icelandic I have ever ridden other than Tivar :) I adore him! He acts like a little boy, so hard to believe he is as old as he is? I forget his age. But he acts like Nasi, and is such a comical guy! his gait was identical feel to Stonewall. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
>. . . If the least little thing bothers her, she will let you know!! You know Susan, I have come to have a great appreciation for a horse like that (my Eitill).To me, these horses are so much easier to manage than the stoic, put-up and shut-up types (my Soley).You know right away with something isn't right before you have a big(ger) problem on your hands. Once, Eitill was acting all pissy on a ride, refusing to go forward, acting skitterish, etc. It was like Mr. Hyde had swooped in and replaced normally cooperative, sweet Dr. Jekyll. Come to find out, a wire bristle from a brush had become lodged in the saddle blanket I was using after I'd used it to comb off the accumulated hair. And it was poking him! Meanwhile, Soley went across the state in what I thought was a well-fitting, Cambell Endurance X-wide tree endurance saddle, never giving any indication otherwise.And then, a month later after that 10 day ride, the white hairs showed up on her shoulders! Gawd! Thankfully, they were temporary, but I wish she would have done SOMETHING to let me know all was not right. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
> >> Bless yourheart.<< > > Uh, oh, can't be a good thing... HAHAHA no, not a good thing, but not a bad thing either. Just very very special and shall we say... challenging. We were at the feed store last week and the little counter helper girl said her horse bit her the other day, and my husband sorta laughs and says "shoot, we have a horse that likes to take the top of your head in his mouth and slime you." and she was just bug eyed. She said HE BITES THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD?!?! and we tried to explain and we could tell that she, and others listening, could never get it. he is just very very much a guy who gaits to the beat of his own drummer haha. Like my friend sylvia says... most horses like to look around, but i have never seen a horse that looks around like stonewall. His head jumps around like a hummingbird cause he's trying to see it ALL! and I still laugh about that. The people from jeffers who came to take photos fell madly under his spell. and i swear he showed off for them!! I bent over to pick something up, i had been showing them his trick where i shove a cowboy hat in the back of my pants and walk off and he follows and pulls the hat out and holds it out for me. And when I bent over and there wasnt a hat he tried to grab the waist band of my underwear that was showing and they were just squealing laughing! Only he would try and give somebody a wedgie. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
--- Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >>she has a definite stonewall look in her eye...<< What does that mean? >> Bless yourheart.<< Uh, oh, can't be a good thing... Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
> Thank you - she is my prima donna. If she were human, > she would be the prissy cheerleader and some would > probably call her a "mean girl". If the least little > thing bothers her, she will let you know!! She is 1/2 > arab, 1/2 TWH, and has a saddle rack, smooth trot, > easy canter, and a flat out gallop of 22mph! well, now for the bad news... in the photo of her in her boot "Mary Janes" she has a definite stonewall look in her eye... Bless yourheart. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
--- Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > whgat kinda horse is Whisper?? in the pic in her > easy boots, it > almost looks like she is wearing mary Janes HAHa > she is very pretty Thank you - she is my prima donna. If she were human, she would be the prissy cheerleader and some would probably call her a "mean girl". If the least little thing bothers her, she will let you know!! She is 1/2 arab, 1/2 TWH, and has a saddle rack, smooth trot, easy canter, and a flat out gallop of 22mph! Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
--- Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I went to the site Susan! Its not really treeless, > right? I like the > booties. My Jas can't have anything on his spine... > Did you get a > pink one?? It IS A TREED SADDLE!!! Just adjusts to fit the horse exactly. This might work perfect on Jas, and with extra pads and shims, you could customize it for each and every horse. Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
whgat kinda horse is Whisper?? in the pic in her easy boots, it almost looks like she is wearing mary Janes HAHa she is very pretty Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
I went to the site Susan! Its not really treeless, right? I like the booties. My Jas can't have anything on his spine... Did you get a pink one?? Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
--- Kristen Mikula <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > The saddle looks good. < Oh, forgot to add, the company is having some growth issues, so wait time is approx. 12 weeks! But go thru a dealer. The absolute best dealer who will help with fitting and shimming is Carol Brand. Here is her website: http://www.lostjuniperranch.com/ Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
--- Kristen Mikula <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> Which model are you demo-ing? << This is the Interntionl. It has the endurance pommel, which will take some getting used to (but makes for a great "oh sh*t" handle), but is more like an English seat with the thigh/knee blocks which are movable. I am used to an english saddle, so this was more for me than the Trailmaster or the Eurolight. >> Is is fairly quick to switch pads for a different horse?<< May 2 minutes total to pull off one set and slap another on! Seriously, once you get the set up for a horse, which can take time and tweaking, it is done. Having said that, you should check for saddle fit every couple of months as the horse changes fitness, and tweak as necessary. I think that's where people run into trouble after a couple of months, is the horse changes shape, but the saddle remains the same. With this saddle, you CAN change the saddle to fit your horse as often as necessary! Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
> > Opinions? > Hi Susan, The saddle looks good. Which model are you demo-ing? I was pleased to see your demo doesn't look as hideous (in appearance) as some of the saddles on the website. Is is fairly quick to switch pads for a different horse? -Kristen in MI Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle fit story compiled
Hi Susan >>I rode Whisper in it yesterday, and had really nice sweat patterns. Great you can have a couple of more rides. What you did looked fine. And I think just keeping Andi quiet is a great thing - seems like the saddle has quite a bit of adjustability. Do look for the straightness - I have seen several saddles come from reputable saddlerys and have them be crooked. Robyn
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle fit story compiled
--- Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> Will be great to see how Whisper does after a couple of rides (can you do that)<< I rode Whisper in it yesterday, and had really nice sweat patterns. I posted it to my blog(which is below my signature). I get to keep the demo thru next weekend, so I will have more time to ride it on both horses. I don't want to sweat Andi up in it since I am working on calmness under saddle with him right now. But as long as it is not too long for him, I can tweak fit! Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
And at a longer endurance ride, my plan will be to swap saddles at the 1/2 way vet check to keep the horse's back from being sore. While this is a great plan, on some rides it isn't going to be very easy to accomplish. Limited Distance riders usually are only in camp at the start and finish in the NW. for instance, Saturday we had two out checks where we couldn't even get crew in. It's not all that hard to do LD without crew, but there certainly wasn't any way to switch saddles unless you sent your second saddle out on the truck with your crew bag. The 50's more commonly return to camp at least once, but not always. Nancy
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
Hi Susan >>I will continue to ride my horses in the treeless Sensation, but I will probably swap saddles back and forth on them. And at a longer endurance ride, my plan will be to swap saddles at the 1/2 way vet check to keep the horse's back from being sore. I think that is a good idea, to switch saddles. I am convinced that one reason so many school horses manage to stay sound is because the variety of riders means they are not getting the same habitual pressure points caused by the rider's habitual posture. One thing that Connected Riding has done for me is to change my posture on and off the horse which has pretty much eliminated my tendency to have a sore back. Robyn
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle fit story compiled
Hi Susan, Andi doesn't look bothered by it without a rider. It is a bit hard to tell if the back of the saddle moves but as Judy suggested you will want to feel under the back of the saddle with a ride and moving. Looks a bit like the concept of the Trapizius and the Reactor panel (without the 'pucks'). Will be great to see how Whisper does after a couple of rides (can you do that) sometimes a horse is good in a saddle the first or second time, but if the pressure points are different from another saddle it won't show up right away - a little like wearing new shoes. But it looks good so far. Keep us posted. Robyn
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit story compiled
Thanks...enjoyed your blog. Love the pink!! I was at Sportmen's Warehouse yesterday looking for a field vest (hunting type vest) to use for dog tracking (amazing all the stuff I have to carry). They had the cutest PINK fishing vest. I almost got it, but I really needed that huge back pocket in the duck hunting vests. So went with boring tan with hunter orange accents, HAHA! Not my style...at all. Raven Lucy & Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn & Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze http://www.myspace.com/iceponygoddess Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
--- Renee Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > From the pictures, I think it looks good so far > Susan. Will be waiting > (and checking your blog) to see what you think of it > undersaddle. << I rode Whisper in it today for a 6 mile ride with a lot of trotting, gaiting, and cantering. She had a beautiful, even sweat pattern, and was not sore anywhere with palpation. She trotted with her head down and rounded her back up into the saddle. She is a prima donna for sure, so if she didn't like the saddle, she would have slung her head back at me. That's what she does in the Sensation occasionally, and she is pissy when I saddle her up and mess with the pad at her withers, so that tells me that saddle has been hurting her! > Is that a black pad you have on Andi, or is that > part of the saddle itself?<< I think what you are seeing are the foam pads that attach to the tree directly with velcro. He and Whsiper both are in the 3/4" pads. There is a thinner pad, 1/2", which would make the saddle wider, but I don't need it at the moment, which is a good feeling knowing I can make the saddle wider in the future! Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
>From the pictures, I think it looks good so far Susan. Will be waiting (and checking your blog) to see what you think of it undersaddle.: ) Is that a black pad you have on Andi, or is that part of the saddle itself? -- Renee M. in Michigan > Here are some pics I took today of my first fitting of > the Specialized Saddle on Andi: >
[IceHorses] Saddle fit story compiled
I've updated my blog with my saddle fit trials: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
--- Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> When you are sitting in it, are you able to put your fingers under the bars in the back and move without the fingers being squished?<< The best thing about this saddle is that if it does squish my fingers, I can tweak it. With the different shims, I can adjust the angle's to match up with the horse. In the saddle fit instructions, it says excessive flair will put pressure elsewhere. I did see excessive flair, so I put a small shim at the shoulders. Then it felt a bit tight, so I moved the shim back, and it felt perfect. The other nice thing is I have a cut out seat on my demo (and will probably get this on mine, as well). With the cut out, you can see and feel the bars connect to the horse all along the spine channel. And speaking of spine channel, you can make it wider or narrower depending on your horse. I knew the biggest challenge with Andi was going to be length. And as I said, I can actually shorten the length of contact by about an inch by moving the pads. I am pleased that Andi does not need the thinnest pads at this time, because I know he is going to grow. They do make a wide tree, but I do not need it. And when he grows and gets fitter, I can adjust the pads/shims as needed. I will continue to ride my horses in the treeless Sensation, but I will probably swap saddles back and forth on them. And at a longer endurance ride, my plan will be to swap saddles at the 1/2 way vet check to keep the horse's back from being sore. Especially as I get sore and sloppy in my equitation. So a treed saddle for the second half of the ride would help protect the horse's back from less than perfect equitation. Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
I love sheepskin! Isn't that funny? I see so much sheepskin at endurance rides and I really hated it - send the sheepskin back. I felt like it perched me even farther from the horse. My daughter Abby quit using hers and found the chafeing she was experiencing disappeared. Most riders use them however. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
--- Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> how does it feel to you? I thought the one I sat on was not comfortable - REALLY not comfortable.<< I've only ridden in it briefly in the arena. It was OK in there. I will give it a good try tomorrow on the trail on Whisper. I can tell I will have to put my fanny pack to the side or rear, tho, as the endurance pommel is in the way of the pack. If I get it, I would also order the extra padded seat, and of course, get sheepskin over it as I love sheepskin! Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
--- Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Is this a demo? << Yes, it is a demo. >> When you are sitting in it, are you able to put your fingers under the bars in the back and move without the fingers being squished?<< Havn't sat in it, yet. That will happen tomorrow. Took some time to get it tweaked so the bars made even contact from front to back. > >I took some pictures last week of a Specialized that was WAY crooked. Have you checked that out?<< Wow! Was it warped? Did it get wet? What kind of conditions was it kept in? Did it come that way? How old is it? I guess any saddle with a wooden tree can be crooked. This one is not, and it certainly is something to check for any treed saddle, at any time in it's life. Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics(with a video now)
--- Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> If you place your flat hand between the front of the saddle and Andi (it will be just behind the shoulder I would hope) and lead him to see if the shoulder runs into it. << It looked and felt OK. He is so hairy, it is hard to see where his scapula is. I did take a video of him in it, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C74ljTmH0E >>how is the foam (or is it neoprene-like) fastened to the saddle. << It is the hard foam, and it attaches with velcro. There are different foam pad thicknesses. I have the 3/4" ones. I also have the 1/2" ones to try, but, believe it or not, it made the saddle too wide. It comes with different thickness shims, that I cut to fit to fill in for rock, and there was too much flair, so I shimmed it, and a small shim at the loins as well(the thinnest here, but it needed something.) >> The length looks okay as long as it is not interfering with the shoulder. << My biggest worry was the length. I could shorten it by about 1" by cutting down the pad, and I may consider that. >> Will you have a chance to have Sharon? Ride in it to see what Andi thinks?<< Tomorrow! We will go on a trail ride with Whisper in it first; I did ride her in it in the arena briefly, and she lowered her head and rounded up her back in it. So I am anxious to get her on the trail in it. Then Sharon will come over and we will play with Andi. Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
Acknowledging that the fit for your horses is paramount, how does it feel to you? I thought the one I sat on was not comfortable - REALLY not comfortable. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
>> http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=p6r53nm.7ej8pb02&Uy=18to7e&Ux=0&UV=192431508126_599448576306 Thanks for the pictures, Susan! Is this a demo? or did you buy it already? When you are sitting in it, are you able to put your fingers under the bars in the back and move without the fingers being squished? I took some pictures last week of a Specialized that was WAY crooked. Have you checked that out? Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
Hi Susan, >>>Here are some pics I took today of my first fitting of the Specialized Saddle on Andi: Looks interesting. If you place your flat hand between the front of the saddle and Andi (it will be just behind the shoulder I would hope) and lead him to see if the shoulder runs into it. Is it a bit like the reactor panel or how is the foam (or is it neoprene-like) fastened to the saddle. The length looks okay as long as it is not interfering with the shoulder. Will you have a chance to have Sharon? Ride in it to see what Andi thinks? Robyn
[IceHorses] Saddle fit pics
Here are some pics I took today of my first fitting of the Specialized Saddle on Andi: http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=p6r53nm.7ej8pb02&Uy=18to7e&Ux=0&UV=192431508126_599448576306 Opinions? Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] saddle fit
On Fri, Mar 21, 2008 at 10:24 AM, Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Now nobody is allowed to laugh. I just got an e-mail from my daughter > asking if she could borrow a saddle pad because the Skito she's using is > making a bald spot on Meridian's back and she hasn't had time to replace it. > She's a teacher and it's conference week. > > To me that sounds like an issue beyond a worn out pad. What do you think? > > Nancy > around here, in spring, when winter coat starts shedding, all the little fungi spots start showing. I didnt know Jas had a ringworm on his behind until I did him with the shedding comb last weekend. It was hidden under all the hair. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] saddle fit
On 21/03/2008, Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > To me that sounds like an issue beyond a worn out pad. What do you think? I'd say so. To me that would be like wearing a new pair of socks in a bad pair of shoes. Wanda
[IceHorses] saddle fit
Now nobody is allowed to laugh. I just got an e-mail from my daughter asking if she could borrow a saddle pad because the Skito she's using is making a bald spot on Meridian's back and she hasn't had time to replace it. She's a teacher and it's conference week. To me that sounds like an issue beyond a worn out pad. What do you think? Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] saddle fit
On Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:27:14 -, you wrote: > I wonder what you all think of these articles and the trapezius saddle. >Sue UK > >http://www.icelandichorses.co.uk/Trapezius.htm I had Trapezius saddles for many years and like them a lot. The only downside is that they are pretty long, and the twist is fairly narrow so some riders don't find them comfortable, but most horses seem to like them a lot. The ones that DON'T like them let you know immediately... Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen --- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk --- "Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes"
Re: [IceHorses] saddle fit
>>>I wonder what you all think of these articles and the trapezius saddle. http://www.icelandichorses.co.uk/Trapezius.htm http://www.icelandichorses.co.uk/saddle_fit.htm <<< Janice was on the list for several years. Did she touch on the length of the saddle and where it ends? Some Icelandics have very short backs, so there is limited room for the saddle and a rider's butt. It is what it is. Not all Icelandics will be able to have a treed saddle, and not all Icelandics will be able to carry bigger riders. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] saddle fit
I reread this article after watching those wonderful videos. It is on Janice'swebsite. Janice sold me Ofeig. I noticed that poor saddle fit a causes stumbling. When I noticed marks on Corries numnah I got the saddle fitter out and she fitted a wider gullet. I can't say there is an improvement yet. I think these articles are very informative. I have a couple of books about the horses back and saddle fit. I haven't been able to make sense of them yet but I might just have a reread of them now. I wonder what you all think of these articles and the trapezius saddle. Sue UK http://www.icelandichorses.co.uk/Trapezius.htm http://www.icelandichorses.co.uk/saddle_fit.htm
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
>>> http://iceryder.net/saddlefitting2.html Here's another set of pictures: http://iceryder.net/saddlefitting3.html Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit Videos (on-line)
Hi Judy, >>Did you see the third video and what he says about adding a pad? Dave Collins lives in Vernon and he is a really great guy and has a good massage school. What I take from that piece of his video is that the saddle didn't fit to start with - it had pressure in the front and back - so adding the pad is only going to make that bridging space more. Adding pads to an tight fitting saddle is not going to change it. Like everything there are different opinions about saddle fit. Like Dave Genadek, Dave Collins follows the school of using a rocker in the middle of the saddle to free the shoulders and hips. I have seen that work in western saddles pretty well. The English saddles that I have seen with this system work less well IMO. When a horse moves a hind leg forward, the back moves up; the more engagement from the back end, the more the back must have some space to move up. With the Balance saddles the tree is wide enough that the shoulders are free - there is usually a little bit of bridging in the middle of the saddle so that as a horse is asked to engage then there is room for the back to come up. The one that really knows how the saddle fits is your horse. Not just the first couple of times you use the saddle (remember that if one pair of shoes hurt your feet - changing to any other shoe will usually change the pressure point at least for a while) but look for the long term. Look for the attitude of your horse and not just for soreness in the back. Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit Videos (on-line)
> http://iceryder.net/videosaddlefit.html Did you see the third video and what he says about adding a pad? Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] Saddle Fit Videos (on-line)
Here are a few on-line saddle fit videos: http://iceryder.net/videosaddlefit.html Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
Here's Ljufur with an Astund saddle. He is not round or mutton-withered, but has some nice withers. As you can see, it does not fit him. He's very wary of it. But Ljufur was a fairly tall horse, wasn't he? How long was his back, relative to most Icelandic's - longer than some? Extremely short? Not only does that saddle appear high in front on him, which would tip the rider back, it looks to me like the panels would extend onto his loins. That would be a double-whammy, to throw the rider's weight too far back, onto his loins. This subject was just up on the treelesssaddles list. Do you have a picture of a horse's skeleton on your website, Judy? A lot of folks on the treeless list were surprised to see how far forward the horse's last rib is at his spine area. Seeing a skeleton of a horse sparked a lot of light bulbs to come on with that crowd - a lot of discussion has ensued. Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date: 12/31/2007 3:32 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
How about this saddle fit: http://www.eldey.smugmug.com/gallery/3886756#225985016 riding style? Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
> Dana, who makes the Sensation, has designed several saddles for > Therapeutic > riding centers so it may be worth just telling Kaaren what you need and > she > can ask Dana or you can contact Dana. > Thanks! That's one of the things we'll do. Nancy> > > >
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
Hi Nancy >>So that leaves me two Icelandics, one barely under saddle, one not started, a disabled rider and an experienced but aging rider. >>I'm thinking we may need two saddles. I know many of you love Sensations and others like treed saddles and flex panel saddles. Dana, who makes the Sensation, has designed several saddles for Therapeutic riding centers so it may be worth just telling Kaaren what you need and she can ask Dana or you can contact Dana. Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
I could use some saddle buying input, and I am going to talk with Kaaen Jordan before I go off half cocked (as my mother would say). Hunter seems to do very well in the Tucker saddle and I don't think I will mess with that. Probably we will either drive Twisty or do some lead line work, so he is probably okay as is, although I don't think the Tucker is a very good fit for him - very different back shape from Hunter. So that leaves me two Icelandics, one barely under saddle, one not started, a disabled rider and an experienced but aging rider. I'm thinking we may need two saddles. I know many of you love Sensations and others like treed saddles and flex panel saddles. I am open to all opinions as to how I should start with a historical leaning toward treed. Here's a link to a saddle designed for a disabled rider: http://www.freedomrider.com/saddlFR2.html?gclid=CLnNzI-1tY0CFQQ3OAodMR6FMQ I could see Stephanie flopping forward and landing head first on the handle bar goody, but what else to you all see? Nancy
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
Hi >>Not a chance.. Though the length of the saddle is probably good. I would agree but the saddle is too far forward and definitely looks perched on her back. Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
On 30/12/2007, Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Do you think this saddle fits this horse: > > http://www.islandpferde-vossbarg.de/wiki/index.php/Bild:W1708_8127.jpg Not a chance.. Though the length of the saddle is probably good. I should drag out those Icelandic saddles now and try them on Dagur and Solon. Seems to me they fit the boys when they were about two or three years old. Wanda
[IceHorses] Saddle Fit
Do you think this saddle fits this horse: http://www.islandpferde-vossbarg.de/wiki/index.php/Bild:W1708_8127.jpg Judy
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit and Lameness
Judy Ryder wrote: > >> Attached are pictures of the mare's back; separately, I will send a couple >> of additional photos. >> >> Do you think there is a connection between the saddle fit and her issues? >> > > Here are another two pictures. > > Any opinions or input? > > That is such a narrow saddle. It looks like its pulled up the pad at the cantle (a mini-wedgie?). The girth seems too far forward and pulled hard into her elbow. It looks like the mare is trying to stretch forward and find some relief. Trish
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit and Lameness
Oh gee. The saddle looks way too small. Her girth has slipped way up into the groove behind her elbow & probably is not very comfortable, but more than that she is standing is a very self-protective posture. If I went out in the field and found a horse standing like that, I'd think belly ache or some pain in the hind end. I was going to write "pain in the rear" but that's come to have other interpretations.. All this would be allowing for the fact that cameras stop action and this may be the only moment in her life when she ever stood in that posture. If that is her norm, I'd say she's in pain. Which of course, you already noted. Oh - question - does she seem uncomfortable when she is not saddled? Nancy
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit and Lameness
Hi Judy, >Here are another two pictures. >Any opinions or input? I would say that the tree is way too narrow and the wrong shape as well. Even by opening the gullet on this Wintec you would still have and A shaped tree instead of an arch or upside down U shape. It is perching on the mares back, too forward and because it is perching is sitting too high in front so where the ride is forced to sit puts more pressure on the back of the saddle. This mare has a wide back. Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit and Lameness
Here are another two pictures. Any opinions or input? Oooh my, that makes MY back hurt, just looking at it. No, that is NOT a "medium Wintec" mare. She certainly may have other issues I can't see, but I'd bet a lot of money that saddle is WAY too tight. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.9.14/880 - Release Date: 6/29/2007 2:15 PM
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit and Lameness
Attached are pictures of the mare's back; separately, I will send a couple of additional photos. ... Do you think there is a connection between the saddle fit and her issues? I'm terrible at looking at backs from that angle in pictures, but that back doesn't look very narrow to me, and a medium Wintec is VERY narrow, despite the name. Even when Svertla came here, probably a 1.5-2 on the 1-10 body condition score scale, she needed at least a "wide". And Svertla is one of my smallest Icelandics, fairly refined, and possibly a little stunted. As a test once, my friend and I put the Wintec gullet-gauge on a 12-ish-H Welsh-type pony, thinking she might be one of the rare ones who might need a "narrow" or "medium narrow." Even she measured in the medium-wide-to-wide range. If that pony measured that wide, then I can't imagine any horse needing less than a medium - most of my Icelandic's are way off the normal Wintec scale. I'd certainly be looking at trying a wider gullet in her saddle, if not trying alternate saddles. It might not be the root cause of her lameness, but I'd bet there's a good chance it's not helping anything. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.9.14/880 - Release Date: 6/29/2007 2:15 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit and Lameness
The disclaimer: I am not an expert on saddle fit. Does she react to your hand when you gently palpate her back? Horses (like people) have varying degrees of ticklishness, but usually the endurance horses we see with sore backs will flinch to touch. Don't dig your fingertips in. Most horses will react to that, sore or not. Just run your flat hand over the back with a small ( I know that's a relative term) amount of pressure. Nancy
RE: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
>>> Needless to say...I was boarding at a barn full of people who had already thougth I was crazy...and this was the icing on the cake...Even my Vet told Cake that he sure had me where he wanted meSheesh! While I think it's quite possible, even often, that horses "tell" us their preferences, I'd be hesitant to make snap judgments without considering all the possibilities. I've had cases where I suspected that a new bit, saddle, whatever, was working well (or poorly), only to realize later that what I assumed was merely coincidence. Horses DO have other things going on in their lives all the time, so a simple stomp of the foot could simply mean that ANY saddle would hurt the horse today - possibly he's just sore today from playing with his buddies. And complaints aren't always from tack - sometimes the horse may be distracted by what's going on back in the pasture with his buddies. Skjoni recently started having some of the same symptoms he had when the FnE saddle stopped working for him, and when we switched him to the Sensation. I was QUITE worried. I'm so happy to have Cary riding with me on a horse that he adores, but if the Sensation was no longer working...well, we're running low on saddle options. I quickly call the chiropractor out and was VERY relieved to find out that his soreness was mostly in his hips and his back and saddle area were in good shape. And of course, thinking back, this started within a couple of weeks of our putting Falki and Skjoni in the pasture to babysit the two yearling colts. The colts had upped the play ante even above what the rowdy Icelandic geldings are used to, so Skjoni had probably "butt-shoved" his rear end out of kilter. I'm very glad I didn't put his Sensation up for sale and go looking for another saddle...or another horse for Cary. And don't forget that horses have good memories. If they are used to having uncomfortable saddles, it may take a ride or two (or longer?) for some horses to accept that THIS new saddle is different. And sometimes the pain will linger for a while after the offending tack is removed. Some horses seem to accept new tack/new changes easily and happily while some take a little longer - just like people do. I'd say always listen to the horse, but make sure you listen to the whole story. Karen Thomas, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.0/818 - Release Date: 5/25/2007 12:32 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle Fit
>From Nancy: I once had a Lady Wade sent to me from Brighton Feed and saddlery. I put it on my gelding's back...cinched it downI stepped back to admire the cowboy looks of a wade tree saddle and the sweetest gelding in the world looked at me deep into my eyes and stomped front right foot...First thought was it might have been a fly...so it was ignored as I stepped next to him to make sure the other side of his saddle was cinched comparably to the other side...and as I reached for the saddle he stomped again...I stood back and looked at him and all was right so I started to mount and he stomped even harder again. I immediately got down uncinched and took the saddle off and that nice sweet gelding appeared once more. It was obvious by that time the stomping had to do with that saddle. I thought maybe too heavy, big and bulky. I took it to a local saddle dealer who really had some elcheepo saddles...and I wasn't buying any so he asked me why...and I told him I was just wondering if he had a wade tree saddle that was a different size that I could try on my gelding...He said too bad you didn't bring that saddle...so I went out to the car a brought it if for him to look atand, of course, he was cutting it down aesthetically as much as he could wanting me to buy one of his saddlesHe then got down on the floor with it...and I was sort of dozing off...knowing that he had no real idea of what he was looking for except a sale of one of his saddles to mewhen he found that the tree was very crooked...He showed me from the very front of it. one bar was way off from the other I sent it back immediately to Brighton and they appologized and credited me all my shipping as well as the price of the saddle. That was the first time I was really super sure of what Cake, my gelding had found a way to tell me. His stomp was a "Heads up" not at all rude in the way he did it...but urgent, that I should pay attention. Needless to say...I was boarding at a barn full of people who had already thougth I was crazy...and this was the icing on the cake...Even my Vet told Cake that he sure had me where he wanted meSheesh! I enjoyed the story of Eira's marecause all my horses tell me if they don't like the saddle...except one who was used to being ridden in tack that didn't fit before I got him. I doubt the thought crossed his mind to tell me that he couldn't turn after that cow because the saddle was too tight on his wither with double pads for cow working. What told me about that...was the white spot the size of the orange he developed immediately after the four 8 hour days of the clinic where we learned to rope and work with cattle. sigh. Once they start talking to you...They don't shut up!!! Nancy<^>
[IceHorses] Saddle Fit
>From Eira on the horseman list: Thank you for the nice storys! Horses do try to tell us, but sometimes we are not able to listen... About 10 years ago I had a horse for lease, who tought me a great many things. She was a very special horse and a good, clear teacher, but I did not become very good at fitting saddles, because she did it for me! I can still remember that day, when she told me she could pick out her own saddles. I had a friend over to help me with choosing a saddle. I had already tried them on by my self, I just wanted to be sure. So I had my friend stand outside with the horse as I went in the saddle room to get the first candidate, which I already thought was not very good for her. As I came out with that saddle, the horse pinned her ears and gave me such a bad look, that it felt like she was going to murder me! And I was not even close to her yet! I stopped right there and told my friend, (who was looking at my horse with disbelief), that I thougt this saddle was not fitting for her... I turned on my heels and went back to the saddle room to get the other saddle. This time the horse looked at me again as I came back, but with a totally different look on her face. Ears up, she was happily standing there as I put the saddle on and let my friend check it out. "This one is good" she told me - but ofcourse I already knew it. Never needed help with saddle fitting again with this horse -she would tell me, loud and clear! Yours, Eira (from Finland)
