Short legs + forward stirrups = :(

[laura jeanne]

The shorter your leg is with a forward stirrup, the more difficult it is to bring your leg back. Anyway, I rode on a saddle last night with a very forward stirrup bar and it was almost impossible to ride correctly. Oh well, I will have to speak up next time. Someone was already using the saddle I usually have my lesson in.

[Nazdaq]

The saddle has to fit the horse though not just the rider....so the horse you ride should have its own saddle, and you have to just fit in around that really. I would say ride as many different horses as possible at your riding school, and then when you find the right horse stick with them! :D

[greymane]

Where I ride one of the horses has a saddle where the stirrup bars are so far forward its almost impossible to get your leg in the right position. It was pointed out to me because I've had a real problem with keeping my legs in the correct position recently.

I find it much easier when I'm riding a horse with the dressage saddle or in a western saddle.

[laura jeanne]

Geometry will show that the shorter the leg, the harder it will be to get the stirrup strap back far enough. I love a western saddle - everything feels just right.

[Blair Witch]

The seat of the saddle may be too big for you, or the saddle is poorly made. I see that problem often with small students.