FAO Galadriel, ect-Am I saddling up alright?

[dophi_arno]

With all the recent talk about saddles being too forward, too far back, ect I thought I would ask you guys if I'm saddling up ok. The picture's probably not the best to judge from, I took some quick happy snaps yesturday for no real purpose, and then realised today that perhaps I should ask you about saddling... so if need be I can take a closer picture when I see him next.

I know people say the saddle should just slip back into the right place, but how do you know where that place is? In the past I think I've been guilty of having the saddle too far forward. Please let me know what you think, as I'd like to make sure he's comfortable when we're riding.

Thanks!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/dophi_arno/SV400020.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/dophi_arno/SV4000202.jpg

[galadriel]

There's actually a way to check, not to just "feel" it slide to the right position. After you settle the saddle in place, it should be at least 2 fingers behind the shoulderblade.

You can find the shoulderblade by touching the highest part of the wither, then sliding your hand down toward the foreleg; within about an inch you should encounter the top of a bony semicircle. Follow that bone around toward the ribs, and you'll find the back of the shoulderblade. Again, the front of the saddle should be at least 2 fingers behind that.

When the saddle is in place, the rigging should set the girth about a hand behind the elbow. The girth should go straight down and around the barrel, not pulled forward to directly behind the elbow. Pulling the girth forward puts more pressure at the front of the saddle, and can even make the saddle slide forward if it's a little insecure.

[dophi_arno]

There's actually a way to check, not to just "feel" it slide to the right position. After you settle the saddle in place, it should be at least 2 fingers behind the shoulderblade.

Just wanted to double check, do you mean 2 fingers placed vertically?

I guess that means I'm still putting the saddle too far forward, not allowing full movement of the shoulder.
Never knew about the where the girth should sit. Thanks for that! While I'm at it, is there a specific level the girth should be tightened to? The riding school where I was taught said to go as tight as you could, but allow for two fingers... is that right? I dont want to be suffocating him, but everyone I see seem to pull their horses girths quite tight.

Thanks for you help again :)

[colouredcrazy]

With the girth, it depends. For instance, when I'm going cross country, Foxy's girth is as tight as possibly, because he loses weight on the journey. However, when I'm doing flatwork, I follow the 2 fingers rule because his saddle fits well.

[dophi_arno]

Thanks for that colouredcrazy, so two fingers is ok then? I'm buying an AP saddle soon, thinking I might purchase Galadriels book first though :p
Thanks for the help :)

[galadriel]

I like to be able to slide the flat of my hand under the girth. I want to be able to turn it a little, but not all the way horizontal. Remember that's your horse's ribcage under there; he needs some room so he can expand the ribcage as he breathes in.

Getting it as tight as possible is more likely to make him learn to "blow up" or brace against the girth, since otherwise he will spend the whole ride unable to really breathe in.

[galadriel]

Just wanted to double check, do you mean 2 fingers placed vertically?

Yes, exactly :)

[Sarah1710]

I guess that means I'm still putting the saddle too far forward, not allowing full movement of the shoulder.

Hmmm...the place you've put your saddle is where I've always been told to put it. :confused:

[Willingbe]

I agree with Galadriel's post, if you need extra information amd diagrams try:

http://www.saddle-fitting.com/source/

This is the best site I've found about saddle fitting, it shows the appropriate position to place the saddle in. Although the saddle shown on the site is a GP the explanations hold true for a dressage saddle.

[galadriel]

if you need extra information amd diagrams

You can also find more information and explanatory graphics in my book. Saddle and girth explanations are in chapter 1.

[dophi_arno]

Thanks for the help guys. Willingbe that site is very interesting, thankyou.
If I remember I'll take another photo when I ride next to make sure I've got it sorted.

Galadriel, I'm thinking I'll be buying a copy of your book soon, I'll PM you when I've managed to save up some money... will you post to Australia?
I think it would be a good idea to have a read before I buy my next saddle.

[galadriel]

Yes, it can be easily shipped to Australia. You can PM me, but it may be easier to buy it directly from cafepress where it's listed (they take credit cards etc). The link is at my site, or it's: http://www.cafepress.com/lorienpress. Books can be purchased directly from me if you need to write a check or otherwise can't go through cafepress :)

I do hope it's of assistance in buying a saddle. That's pretty much why I wrote it: to help evaluate the saddle you've got, or pick a new one. Even if you're not a horse professional or you don't have access to a saddle fitter, hopefully the book can help you determine what you need to know.