Weird saddle

[Maisie]

There's this horse at the stables where I ride, who is a bit slow until you get him going, but the main problem is his saddle (either that or his back). When I sit on him, I feel as if his back is sloping downwards, and it's awfully uncomfortable like this, not to mention insecure. His saddle is a GP, and it only happens on him, not the other horses. I've tried sitting in different ways, but it doesn't help. It's worst when you have to jump him and he's still plodding along, and your seatbones are all over the place with that crazy contraption on his back. The other riders seem to do fine.

[clip-clop-oops-crash]

its sounds like this is an ill-fitting saddle but if the horse doesnt seem in any discomfort then maybe there is a reason for the strange position, try casually commenting that you feel a bit like u r being tipped forward on the horse + ask ure instructor if it is 2 do with your position, this shoukd provoke an explanation!! :D

[Jodie]

I dont know I could be wrong and its hard to say with out seeing it but it could possibly be a conformation fault in that the horses croup (the high part of his hindquarters basically) could be higher than his whithers in which its supposed to feel like you are riding down hill (dunno myself never ridden a horse like that but it could be why)

[fionahogg]

Take a look at the saddle when it's sat on the horse's back. Does it sit straight? Ask your instructor to tell you if you are sitting straight. I would ask your instructor to take a look at your position and see if you are tipping forwards or backwards. Also look at the horse to see if he has particularly high withers or is very croup high. Also if he has a low set neck or just works on his forehand this could create a downwards feeling.

[JumperGirl]

If the horse has high withers, matbe try a riser, which goes under the back of the saddle to raise the back. Or if the horse has low withers, or high croup or sumpin, try a withers pad, which goes on top of our regular saddle pad, that has a plastic/rubber thingy at the front which raises the front a bit.

I dont knwo if it will work for u, but its worth a try.

Hope it helps!