Sigh. Im seriously considering selling my SBS and investigating Saddle Co saddles. Has anyone else done the same? I dont want this to turn in to an SBS-bashing thread, but Im just not happy with it.
I've had it since new (it was 24th off the production line) and yes I did notice some slight changes in Kal, but it certainly hasnt been a wonder saddle. Her strides are longer, she was generally more willing and her bascule improved (despite it being a dressage model!).
But in 2004 I came off and sprained an ankle and gave myself good enough concussion to stay in hospital overnight (I still have no memory of that day). This was because I lost control in canter, circled Kally and the saddle slipped round her belly. Admitted I was using a polypad and was having difficulties with lateral stability anyway. Changed to Hi Wither numnah and stability improved, but never great. A year later I was advised to try one of those cork filled pads (cant remember the name) to help stability and muscle damage.
Pad didnt make much difference and I eventually sold it last year as I was fed up of having to keep the cork damp all the time. Now I used a Prolite pad adjustable front riser as Kal has more muscle damage on one side than the other. Marginal improvement in muscle damage but I am fed up with trying to get the saddle in the correct place all the time.
I have to line it up at the wither and then check the gullet is over her spine at the cantle end. Its so easy to put it on skewif and I only realise after 10mins riding when I have a back ache from sitting unevenly. Even with a tight girth it can still shift from mounting unless I get on from the top of the fence.
The big thing is Kal will still buck in canter in the school. Admittedly it is not every time and I do believe my riding has a lot to do with it (complicated - but she is one of the most difficult horses to ride I have ever seen). But the SBS was never the wonder saddle I thought it would be.
I know that the chances are I will never be able to say Kal's bucking has completely stopped, whatvere saddle I ride her in. But Im getting tired of spending 5 mins making sure it is exactly in the right place and having to get off and readjust it when I fail. I guess the reasons I bought the saddle havent really been ticked off and Im finally realising that.
I still love lots of aspects of it - its so comfy, looks like new after about 5 years, puts me in a great position. And Im sure there are many people happy with theirs. But Im not sure its for me and Kally.
Cookies for reading - I cant believe this is so long!!
I've had it since new (it was 24th off the production line) and yes I did notice some slight changes in Kal, but it certainly hasnt been a wonder saddle. Her strides are longer, she was generally more willing and her bascule improved (despite it being a dressage model!).
But in 2004 I came off and sprained an ankle and gave myself good enough concussion to stay in hospital overnight (I still have no memory of that day). This was because I lost control in canter, circled Kally and the saddle slipped round her belly. Admitted I was using a polypad and was having difficulties with lateral stability anyway. Changed to Hi Wither numnah and stability improved, but never great. A year later I was advised to try one of those cork filled pads (cant remember the name) to help stability and muscle damage.
Pad didnt make much difference and I eventually sold it last year as I was fed up of having to keep the cork damp all the time. Now I used a Prolite pad adjustable front riser as Kal has more muscle damage on one side than the other. Marginal improvement in muscle damage but I am fed up with trying to get the saddle in the correct place all the time.
I have to line it up at the wither and then check the gullet is over her spine at the cantle end. Its so easy to put it on skewif and I only realise after 10mins riding when I have a back ache from sitting unevenly. Even with a tight girth it can still shift from mounting unless I get on from the top of the fence.
The big thing is Kal will still buck in canter in the school. Admittedly it is not every time and I do believe my riding has a lot to do with it (complicated - but she is one of the most difficult horses to ride I have ever seen). But the SBS was never the wonder saddle I thought it would be.
I know that the chances are I will never be able to say Kal's bucking has completely stopped, whatvere saddle I ride her in. But Im getting tired of spending 5 mins making sure it is exactly in the right place and having to get off and readjust it when I fail. I guess the reasons I bought the saddle havent really been ticked off and Im finally realising that.
I still love lots of aspects of it - its so comfy, looks like new after about 5 years, puts me in a great position. And Im sure there are many people happy with theirs. But Im not sure its for me and Kally.
Cookies for reading - I cant believe this is so long!!