Saddle fit - opinions please!

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Stephanne94

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Feb 14, 2017
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Hi everyone!
As of more recently I have been having more ridden issues with my gelding.(I have my vet coming on Thursday and a saddle fitter coming on Saturday)
He has started to increasingly buck more and refusing to go forward into a more relaxed trot (transition into canter is poor but canter is okay) very short tense neck, behind my leg and the more l kick him on he collects himself up to buck. I know these are signs of discomfort I'm just hoping its his saddle and nothing more sinister with his back or even ulcers.
To try and give myself some piece of mind before the vet/saddler come out I took some pictures of the saddle today to see if the angle of his shoulder matches with the saddles tree. I've attached a photo of what I think is right? To me it looks as though its a little too narrow? I could be completely wrong! Opinions on this would be greatly appreciated :) Thanks x

saddle 1

saddle 1

 
I think I'd probably get a vet physio to have a quick check before the vet/saddler, they can often help and/or point your in the direction of the person most likely to be able to help :)
From your pic I'm not sure your lines are as helpful as they could be ;) looking at the line of the stitching (just in front of the red line) and where I am guessing the line of the shoulder is (partially under the green line) the saddle could be good to possibly a little narrow but the green line obscures it a little. I would be more inclined to feel under the panels and see if it feels like its pinching anywhere once its done up :)
 
I tend to go with what it all looks and feels like when the rider is riding in it.
A horse standing doesn't tell you that much as it needs to fit you as well as them.
 
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Jessey said:
I think I'd probably get a vet physio to have a quick check before the vet/saddler, they can often help and/or point your in the direction of the person most likely to be able to help :)
From your pic I'm not sure your lines are as helpful as they could be ;) looking at the line of the stitching (just in front of the red line) and where I am guessing the line of the shoulder is (partially under the green line) the saddle could be good to possibly a little narrow but the green line obscures it a little. I would be more inclined to feel under the panels and see if it feels like its pinching anywhere once its done up :)
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The vet came out today and said there is definite back soreness/pain behind his withers where the front of the saddle sits! I've been told to give him anti inflammatories once the saddler has been and adjusted etc (thats if it is the saddle if not its x rays next for him :()
I've got a picture without the lines I'll attach that as well
 
I get that, but I would wait until he isn't sore before you get it fitted and checked.
If you have blisters on your feet the last thing you would want is to go shopping for shoes and walk about to see if they rub.
 
newforest said:
I get that, but I would wait until he isn't sore before you get it fitted and checked.
If you have blisters on your feet the last thing you would want is to go shopping for shoes and walk about to see if they rub.
Click to expand...

Oh no no sorry I should have specified the soreness is muscle related, there's no open wounds. He is just reactive to when pressure is applied to this certain spot
 
Frances144 said:
Tbh, I don't think a post with one photo is a good way to see if a saddle doesn't fit.
Click to expand...

I agree, there's so much more to saddle fit than width & one set of angles. Other things to consider - and I'm no fitter so this is a very brief list - are tree shape in relation to back conformation, saddle length, where the rider is sitting in the saddle, quality of flocking, how it fits the rider & about a hundred other things!
 
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