Anyone else got an equinelibrium hack-about?

[lexi]

I have had another lovely ride in mine, pony didn't want to turn round and come home - she was really enjoying herself :)!! I feel really safe in it too, much safer than in my treed saddle, and it is brilliant for not slipping, which is amazing on barrel-like pony. I've now got a banana-shaped girth, which is keeping it back, every saddle I've tried on her (and it is a LOT) has ended up over her withers. She has no wither, no shoulder, and the girth groove behind her elbow, I was losing hope saddle-wise.

It's really well-made and looks lovely on her, and best of all, she likes it!

Such a lovely feeling to finally have a saddle that we are both happy with - yay!!! :D

[Kerpug]

Sounds good - keep us posted as i'm interested in this one too but was looking at the leather one :D

[kaytenherponies]

Can any one post a pick on these and offer any fitting advice etc? Sorry to invade your thread :)

[Kerpug]

Here is a link for this one www.equinewhispers.co.uk

Don't know about fitting though i haven't looked into it that much yet :)

[kaytenherponies]

Here is a link for this one www.equinewhispers.co.uk

Don't know about fitting though i haven't looked into it that much yet :)

Thanks will take a look, have been looking at them for a while now. Might finally take the plunge. Trouble with me is i'd like to try before I buy lol

[lexi]

I'm still playing with mine, you have the choice of using the panels underneath or taking them off, I'm not sure which is best yet. Both rides left her with a beautifully smooth back, and I could get my hand under the front and the back when sitting on her.

The panels are very firm indeed, so should spread the pressure well, I was thinking I'd like a freeform as they are firm so distribute the pressure better, but they are so expensive. With the panels on there would be no pressure on the spine from the stirrups and you can have the gullet wherever you like, it used to annoy me that my treed was really wide at the front and narrow at the back. Without the panels it is still firm but flexible, it's not a soggy saddle by any means.

I expected it to feel really wide, but it didn't, even without the panels, although I did pad it underneath, with the panels I used a suberpad, and without an equitex and a suber. The stirrups hung just right, one treeless I tried they were set so far back I felt I was tipping forward all the time.

I love the suede-type stuff, it's nice and grippy to sit on, and I'm sure helps it not to slip on the horse, although obviously I've not tried the leather. I have tried the fleece lined treeless type and had major slippage. I hate it when saddles slip, two things moving is enough without the saddle joining in!!

Louise at Equine Whispers is really helpful, in fact I rang her intending to buy the treeless she sells that look like normal saddles, which is more expensive, but after I'd explained my mare's conformation she said that this one would work better, so she's not just trying to make money. She is really knowledgeable about treeless, so you can give her a ring, she doesn't do the hard sell at all, I didn't buy anything the first couple of times I rang her (takes me ages to make up my mind about anything!!) You can get one on trial too I think, HTH. Good luck anyway!!:)

[Kerpug]

Oh that sounds good about the trial too. The Saddle company might still be an option but think i'll ring and get somemore information on this too.

Thanks Lexi! Theres just too much choice!

Kaytenherponies - have you had trouble fitting saddles ?

[lexi]

Oh you're welcome, I know what a massive pain in the butt saddles can be!

I must thank Tasha (No Angel) as she has massively helped me pick through the endless treeless models, I don't think anyone can have tried out quite so many, and she definitely has saved me from a few mistakes!! Although she's never tried the hackabout, she has steered me away from various models that wouldn't have worked, and is a minefield of treeless information :D