I've noticed for a while that my saddle doesn't seem to stay where I put it when tacking up. Sophie doesn't act as if she minds it, but it bothers me. I know that the saddle fits because from everything I've read, slipping forward means the saddle is too narrow, which this saddle definitely isn't too narrow. So I did some searching on internet messageboards and discovered that quite a few people have a problem with slipping saddles on horses with far forward girth grooves, especially on breeds like Arabians and Morgans.
The first plan of attack seems to be using a non-slip pad. Many people seem to use Thinline pads, so I'm going to try that since I have one. Then I'll try the non-slip material you can line cabinents/drawers with. If those don't help I'll try a crupper. It seems like a lot of people have good luck with non-slip pads, so I'm hoping it works for me too. Many people use a foregirth, which looks kind of like a medieval torture device. I've read that it can pinch withers, but I've read that some horses have trouble adjusting to a crupper, so we'll see.
I'm also going to try my Wintec girth because it's grippier than the one that came with the saddle. I like the girth it came with, but I like the Wintec better overall. It's also much easier to clean and I feel that it has more give and I don't have to tighten the saddle as much either. So, I'll try both at once and see if it helps, and if it does, I'll try them individually to determine which one did the helping!
I'm also going to try my Wintec girth because it's grippier than the one that came with the saddle. I like the girth it came with, but I like the Wintec better overall. It's also much easier to clean and I feel that it has more give and I don't have to tighten the saddle as much either. So, I'll try both at once and see if it helps, and if it does, I'll try them individually to determine which one did the helping!
It'll be interesting to see if Sophie reacts to the Thinline pad too. When I tried it with Jessie I saw no difference (though he did start reacting better to my seat when I took it off!). It'd be cool to see a big reaction like what everyone says they see with their horses when they try a Thinline pad. Plus, I have this pricey piece of equipment that I have and haven't used in a year but don't want to sell because as soon as I do I'll need it, lol.
6 comments:
It's really interesting that you'd say this because I JUST talked to a saddle fitter the day before yesterday about that EXACT problem. She also said that nearly always the cause is a very forward girth on the horse. She said that using a jumping girth usually fixes this problem ( so long as the saddle is fitted correctly) because it does a better job holding the saddle in place because it's attatched so much higher. You could try putting on a jumping girth and see if it helps...
I use the Nun-Finer nonslip pads.
Oh how I dislike saddle troubles...lol!!! I hope that you find a girth and a pad that correct this problem for both you and Sophie.
To let you know about my dream camera...I really would like to invest in one of Canon's, or a comparable brand/camera, Power Shot cameras. I want something that can ZOOM in on objects that are far away, mainly because of sports and horse shows...no one is ever really that close.
My good friend has one and things that look like a speck on my camera, look like what they really are on hers. I still want to keep my cheapie camera for impromtu things, but I sure could use a zoom...lol!!
I hope you figure it out, there is nothing worse than a slipping saddle, it's so distracting. Good luck.
I have the same problem with the saddle slipping forward. And, I just bought a very expensive new saddle this spring, so I don't want to think it's a saddle problem! My mare blows herself up when I tighten the girth, so I've been attributing the problem to a loose girth.
Hello there!
Knutson fam got me over here..
I am going to attempt to ride in the arena again today after our buckfest last time, 2 weeks ago.
I have the mare's therapy for her body and her teeth checked out...saddler fits=but slips, and she being an-all-sensitive-to-any-change-Thoroughbred-MARE.... The saddle slipping into her wither pocket and shoulder really seemed to piss her off and cause pain.
I will go back to the "Mattes Correction Pad" with the "Ultra Thinline" saddle fitter incerts. It does the trick for the fit and filling in gaps...and maybe I will put the "Professioanls Choice" girth on this time too= heck with the "Look" for Dressage! I want my safety and her comfort or I won't be in the saddle!
Let you know how it all goes!
You too!
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