my new saddle came

[Tiffany01]

aaaand boy is it ever nice!!! The leather is soft and it came with a saddle cover

[Pirateer]

aaaand boy is it ever nice!!! The leather is soft and it came with a saddle cover

What kind of saddle did you get?
You just got a Circuit, right? And it didn't fit?

[*Teddy*]

she got a hdr. im soo glad you like it tiff!!

[Tiffany01]

does anyone have an HDR?

[cranky]

does anyone have an HDR?

I don't have one, but used to ride in one with the horse I was half-leasing. I liked it well enough. Enjoy!

[Tiffany01]

http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Random/005-1.jpg

http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Random/004-2.jpg

[Tiffany01]

bump.

[Tiffany01]

It's and HDR Pro CC and it's a reg/med tree 18 inch seat size .
Im so glad it came before my 2 day show.

[PinkPonies]

Congrats on the new saddle. Just my little advice, you may want to break it in before showing it it. It looks lovely, but slick! They are usually pretty slippery until you get it broken in and oiled and cleaned a few times.

[Mallard]

I do hope you had a qualified saddler come and fit it to your horse!
His back doesn't really care if the seat is soft or that it has a cover.

[spaghetti legs]

Hope this one actually fits you and Beautiful.

[vxf111]

Wow, I am surprised you need an 18! What size was the other saddle, it looked tiny, like maybe a 16/16.5? An 18 is large, I don't know anyone who needs that size other than men. But each brand is different and some run large/small. Make sure you get someone knowledgeable to check the fit of the saddle to you and Beautiful. It's a lot less hassle to send back to the tack shop than to resell a few months later!

[Tiffany01]

the other one was a 17 1/2 inch.

[vxf111]

Really? Wow, it sure ran small. Out of curiosity, what brand was the last one? Just so I know. I usually need a 17/17.5 and it's good to know what brands run big/small. I had a demo 17.5 Tad Coffin and it was tiny-- but I ride in a friend's 17 Custom and it actually feels sort of biggish to me.

[Tiffany01]

a circut

[Tiffany01]

I already sat in the new one and could fit a hand in back.

[vxf111]

A circuit? Interesting. I have only sat on them in the Dover store, never on a horse. They seemed to run "true to size" to me, but everyone is different.

I would say that the saddle being a little big is probably better than it being a little small, if you're between sizes. How was your knee on the flap when you put on a stirrup leather and had it adjusted to the correct length? Good?

The HDR seems to be a nice saddle for the price point, I've heard good things about the Circuit too. In the end, the only saddle that is really a value is one that fits!

[RedTahoe]

http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Random/005-1.jpg

http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Random/004-2.jpg


Please wipe my [virtual] drool off your saddle before riding in it.

That is all.


;)

[furlong47]

An 18 is large, I don't know anyone who needs that size other than men.

Really? I know lots of people who do. I think many people tend to ride in saddles that are too small. I'm 5'10" with a long thigh and ride in an 18"... I would really like to get something a tad larger but 18.5" and 19" are not so easy to find.

[Milocalwinnings]

Really? I know lots of people who do. I think many people tend to ride in saddles that are too small. I'm 5'10" with a long thigh and ride in an 18"... I would really like to get something a tad larger but 18.5" and 19" are not so easy to find.

Ditto... I'm a 5'10 female, and am by no means large. I have extremely long legs and while I can fit comfortable in a 17.5" seat, my knees hang off the flap if I have my stirrups jumping length. I bought an 18" which I am also comfortable in and the flap fits my leg much better than my 17.5" saddles. If you can't afford a custom saddle, sometimes you just have to compromise. To me, the extra .5" seat size wasn't that big of a difference, but I needed the bigger seat to get the bigger flap to fit my leg.

[Tiffany01]

http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Lost%20My%20Sock/005-1.jpg
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Lost%20My%20Sock/006-1.jpg
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Lost%20My%20Sock/004-1.jpg
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Lost%20My%20Sock/002-4.jpg
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Lost%20My%20Sock/001-2.jpg

[AppendixQHLover]

I am in a 18" no matter how small I am. I have a long thighbone that hangs off a saddle. My Berne is a 18" and fits both of us. I could use a 19" in a close contact saddle.

[Hunter Mom]

Wow, I am surprised you need an 18! What size was the other saddle, it looked tiny, like maybe a 16/16.5? An 18 is large, I don't know anyone who needs that size other than men. But each brand is different and some run large/small. Make sure you get someone knowledgeable to check the fit of the saddle to you and Beautiful. It's a lot less hassle to send back to the tack shop than to resell a few months later!


I ride in an 18". I tried the 17.5 and the 18 in several models, and really liked the way the 18" sat me the best. I'm not that tall (5'7") but am fluffy in the tush and have very long legs. I normally find 17.5 saddles too small.

According to the guy who fit me, lots of mostly-grown people ride in saddles that are not big enough, and lots of kids ride in saddles that are too big.

[vxf111]

I guess I was less surprised that ANYONE needs an 18 and more surprised that Tiffany does. I think Beautiful is in the 15.0-2ish range and looking at Tiff on her, I doubt Tiff is 5'10! Plus she's not a big girl or unusually long in the thigh, looking at those pictures. I would guess she's about my size, 5'6?

I do agree, this saddle looks WAY better than the last one. How did it feel?

In the picture of the saddle sans rider, it looks like it's not quite positioned in the "sweet spot" on Beautiful's bad. Is that pic before or after the ride? Does it slip back after it's been ridden in?

[Hazelnut]

Tiffany! I love the photos. In the first one it really shows how hard you've been working on your position! You look great in boots, breeches, and your new saddle. Minne Telde from Sweden rode in brown tack at the dressage world cup. It was a lovely look for her and it is for you. Of course you jump, don't you?

[Tiffany01]

Thanks im 5ft and pony is 15.1hh

[Tiffany01]

I guess I was less surprised that ANYONE needs an 18 and more surprised that Tiffany does. I think Beautiful is in the 15.0-2ish range and looking at Tiff on her, I doubt Tiff is 5'10! Plus she's not a big girl or unusually long in the thigh, looking at those pictures. I would guess she's about my size, 5'6?

I do agree, this saddle looks WAY better than the last one. How did it feel?

In the picture of the saddle sans rider, it looks like it's not quite positioned in the "sweet spot" on Beautiful's bad. Is that pic before or after the ride? Does it slip back after it's been ridden in?


It fits pony just fine and also me :) *yay*

[Dispatcher]

Really? I know lots of people who do. I think many people tend to ride in saddles that are too small. I'm 5'10" with a long thigh and ride in an 18"... I would really like to get something a tad larger but 18.5" and 19" are not so easy to find.

I agree. Seems to me a lot of folks nowadays are sitting in saddles way too small--as if they are trying to fit them like a pair of pants. An 18in saddle is for an adult rider. I'm 5'7 and average weight and use an 18in Stubben. A 17.5 would probably be OK

[Tiffany01]

I LOVE my saddle.....I put my nameplate on it.

[HuntJumpSC]

I'm 5'6" and ride in a 17.5 Pessoa. It fits me nicely and I'm quite comfortable in it. My other saddle is a 16.5" Crosby PDN, much flatter and less padding- it fits me as well. You have to take into consideration how deep the seat is, there's an inch difference between my two, but they both fit me.
HDR's are pretty decent saddles for the money. I've had a couple: a Showjumper, which was too forward for my liking, and a Pro-Oriflame, which I really liked, but sold because I had too many saddles. But remember, just because the saddle is comfy to you doesn't mean it necessarily fits your pony. Be sure to check for rubs and dry spots when you untack. Also check down the gullet of the saddle as well, to make sure the tree isn't twisted. I ordered a brand new saddle one time for my riding program that was completely warped. It took an act of congressto get my money back. Just make sure the saddle fits your pony too- it will save you money that will be spent on vet & chiro bills.

[amastrike]

I'm 5'6" and fluffy and ride in a 17.5". My dressage saddle could probably be a half inch bigger, but oh well.

[Tiffany01]

hahahaha Im 5ft 5'1ft or somewhere around there and fluffy and my 18 inch fits me perfectly.

[Tiffany01]

I'm 5'6" and ride in a 17.5 Pessoa. It fits me nicely and I'm quite comfortable in it. My other saddle is a 16.5" Crosby PDN, much flatter and less padding- it fits me as well. You have to take into consideration how deep the seat is, there's an inch difference between my two, but they both fit me.
HDR's are pretty decent saddles for the money. I've had a couple: a Showjumper, which was too forward for my liking, and a Pro-Oriflame, which I really liked, but sold because I had too many saddles. But remember, just because the saddle is comfy to you doesn't mean it necessarily fits your pony. Be sure to check for rubs and dry spots when you untack. Also check down the gullet of the saddle as well, to make sure the tree isn't twisted. I ordered a brand new saddle one time for my riding program that was completely warped. It took an act of congressto get my money back. Just make sure the saddle fits your pony too- it will save you money that will be spent on vet & chiro bills.

I'll have my trainer look at it tonight. Lastnight she was all sweaty and I didnt see any marks on her. I did the spine test and she didnnt flich.

[luise]

I think the flap doesn't fit your leg properly. It looks too long. Do you have any more pics from the side showing how your leg is on the flap?

[vxf111]

At 5'1, I worry a bit about the flat too with an 18 inch saddle.

I feel your pain. I am 5'6 but all torso and fluffy enough ;) quite a few saddles I tried were fine in the seat in a 17.5 but less than ideal in the flap.

In some of those pictures you've got a little bit of a chair seat phenomenon going on. To truly evaluate the saddle and flap fit, you have to get your leg in the right place first. Also the saddle needs to be in the right part of Beautiful's back. I can't see in the riding photos but in the one photo of just the saddle on her, it looks like it's slipped back and is a titch narrow, at least where it's sitting in the photo.

[Dispatcher]

Tiffany, you may want to see what those giving you this advice look like in their saddles. Why not ask for their pictures? Frankly, I think some folks are nit-picking!

[Tiffany01]

My saddle is FINE end of storey and song and dance.

[luise]

Tiffany, you may want to see what those giving you this advice look like in their saddles. Why not ask for their pictures? Frankly, I think some folks are nit-picking!

In this photo the flap looks like it doesn't fit her leg well: http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Lost%20My%20Sock/002-4.jpg
It looks like she is reaching for the stirrup (no weight in her heels here), so if she shortens the stirrup her knee might be in front of the flap. The bottom of the flap is just a couple of inches above her ankle.
She shouldn't post asking what we think of the new saddle if she doesn't want to hear it. I figure if you're spending the money on a new saddle, at least try to get one that fits pretty well (hey, that's why I'm looking for a new jump saddle, to find one that fits my leg better).

[AppendixQHLover]

That is the problem that I had with the HDR. My knees were over the top when I was in the right stirrup length. The Berne puts me in the right position and it fits my horse. It does have a round cantle but if it is good enough for the people in Ireland it is fine with me.

[chaltagor]

Tiffany, you may want to see what those giving you this advice look like in their saddles. Why not ask for their pictures? Frankly, I think some folks are nit-picking!

How will that affect how Tiffany looks in her saddle?

[spaghetti legs]

i think they're nit picking as well. I don't see them putting up pics of how they fit their saddles. *eye roll*

The fact of this matter is this saddle fits 200% better than her last one.

BTW I'm 5'6 or 5'7 and ride in an 18" for dressage and a 17'5 for jumping.

[ExJumper]

In this photo the flap looks like it doesn't fit her leg well: http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww138/TMA572/Lost%20My%20Sock/002-4.jpg
It looks like she is reaching for the stirrup (no weight in her heals here), so if she shortens the stirrup her knee might be in front of the flap. The bottom of the flap is just a couple of inches above her ankle.
She shouldn't post asking what we think of the new saddle if she doesn't want to hear it. I figure if you're spending the money on a new saddle, at least try to get one that fits pretty well (hey, that's why I'm looking for a new jump saddle, to find one that fits my leg better).

I agree with this assessment. Tiff's stirrups are too long, but the flap is already practically at her ankle. If her stirrups were the correct length, her foot would be practically on top of the flap, and her knee would be forward of it.

And for those who were concerned, I have a County fitted to my horse. And my saddles are a 17.5 and an 18.

[vxf111]

I'm not exactly hiding picture of my saddles (there must be zillions in the photobucket album linked in my signature) but what does it matter? My saddle isn't new and potentially return/exchangeable right now. Tiff's is. I would like her to get the very best saddle that fits her and Beautiful, to have the post possible success with her nice horse.

I have never been ANYTHING but polite to Tiffany in the years she's been posting on this board. When she asks a question, I try to answer it politely but honestly. My honest opinion is that this saddle is an improvement and better in the seat (which I posted earlier) but that I am worried the flap on an 18 is too long for her... and she posted pictures... and it looks like it IS too long for her!

I don't understand why posting that is out of line on a thread where someone is posting about their new saddle. Better to determine whether it fits NOW while it's returnable, then 6 months later when it's worn and would have to be resold. Tiff doesn't have to listen to my advice or anyone else's for that matter-- but I hardly see how postive polite advice is out of line on a thread like this. Nor how photos of other people in their saddles is really helpful, except maybe to show how a saddle should fit...

[Dispatcher]

How will that affect how Tiffany looks in her saddle?

So she can see what proper fit looks like.

[Dispatcher]

I'm not exactly hiding picture of my saddles (there must be zillions in the photobucket album linked in my signature) but what does it matter? My saddle isn't new and potentially return/exchangeable right now. Tiff's is. I would like her to get the very best saddle that fits her and Beautiful, to have the post possible success with her nice horse.

I have never been ANYTHING but polite to Tiffany in the years she's been posting on this board. When she asks a question, I try to answer it politely but honestly. My honest opinion is that this saddle is an improvement and better in the seat (which I posted earlier) but that I am worried the flap on an 18 is too long for her... and she posted pictures... and it looks like it IS too long for her!

I don't understand why posting that is out of line on a thread where someone is posting about their new saddle. Better to determine whether it fits NOW while it's returnable, then 6 months later when it's worn and would have to be resold. Tiff doesn't have to listen to my advice or anyone else's for that matter-- but I hardly see how postive polite advice is out of line on a thread like this. Nor how photos of other people in their saddles is really helpful, except maybe to show how a saddle should fit...


It's not out of line. I didn't read that anyone said it was.

Pictures are always helpful. That's why people post them. A photo of properly fitted saddles (to horse & rider) would be helpful because that's what we are talking about here -- proper fit. At least I THOUGHT that was the issue!

[HuntJumpSC]

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll59/HuntJumpSC/n1143349940_30137770_1881.jpg

Here's me and my last horse Rhett at a little local show. Let's not nitpick me, yes my stirrup could be a hole shorter and I wouldn't have my butt so high in the air, but to me this is an example of a good fit. The saddle is an England-made Pessoa A/O. The seat is a 17 or 17.5 (I keep second guessing, I'm pretty sure it's 17.). In this pic I weigh about 130-135 and am 5'6" (on a good day). As you can see, the flap is a good length, not too short for my boot top to catch, not too long either. My knee is in a good place, not forward of the pad, pretty much centered. :yes:

Another pic of me, same saddle, on my old Skipper mare while visiting her last year. As you can see, I'm a bit heavier here due to being pregnant. But the saddle still fits me, granted my butt & thighs are a bit broader! We won't even mention the 34G's. :eek: http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll59/HuntJumpSC/SuzsPics2012.jpg

Tiff's new saddle does not fit her. She looks much like little kids do when sitting in an adults saddle: their little short legs don't clear the flap. It's going to affect Tiff's ability to properly cue her horse, as well as put her in the wrong position. It's too bad she's already put her nameplate on it, because it needs to go back. Instead of getting a new saddle, I believe Tiff would be better off looking at good used saddles instead. Nothing wrong with an HDR, I've had a couple and they're decent. But for the same money, Tiff could find a better quality used saddle that not only would fit her & Beautiful, but have the bonus of already being broken in! :winkgrin:

Anyone else else care to post their pics as examples? :cool:

[ExJumper]

Instead of getting a new saddle, I believe Tiff would be better off looking at good used saddles instead. Nothing wrong with an HDR, I've had a couple and they're decent. But for the same money, Tiff could find a better quality used saddle that not only would fit her & Beautiful, but have the bonus of already being broken in! :winkgrin:

This is what almost 100% of the people said when Tiff posted her "What saddle should I get" threads. However, Tiff being Tiff, she seemed to post the thread and then not read a single response. I believe that it was always her intention to buy one a new saddle that cost less than $1000.

And yes, it is a real shame that she put her nameplate on the saddle, because it doesn't fit her. Quite frankly, I don't think it fits the horse very well, but I promise you that that isn't the first thing on Tiff's mind.

Anyway, pictures you wanted?

This is my in a 17.5 inch Beval Natural that I had when I was riding a bunch of horses after my mare retired but before I bought my gelding. This was what I used on this horse until I got the custom County. The angle is wacky. It was my hunter's first time in the GP ring warming up for the itty bitty baby eq finals, so he was a little...concerned...about everything, but it's the closest thing I have to a sitting-sown picture. http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e340/irishgryphon/RioLmpltEqWmUp1.jpg Now that I look at this picture again, he appears to be having some sort of heart attack or minor stroke. Poor boy :)

Same horse, now with the 17.5 inch County Innovation. Please pardon the pommel humping. I have a little issue with it. http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e340/irishgryphon/SP32-20070329-174643.jpg

Note that in none of these pictures is the flap coming down to my ankle. Tiff needs a 17.5 or 18 inch seat with a short flap. If the saddles she's willing to buy don't offer that option -- she needs to look at different saddles. And seriously, it's not like the flap is a LITTLE bit wrong. It's insanely long!

[chaltagor]

So she can see what proper fit looks like.

Why not tell her to go look at equestrian books for "proper fit?" Or trainer's sites? I may not be able to write, direct, or act in a movie, but I sure can spot a crappy one.

[redears]

The other girl in one of Tiff's pictures appears to have the same problem with their saddle, I wonder if the trainer thinks that's how a saddle should fit?

[Dispatcher]

Why not tell her to go look at equestrian books for "proper fit?" Or trainer's sites? I may not be able to write, direct, or act in a movie, but I sure can spot a crappy one.

Because posters are telling her how it should be. I would think they have good fit in their saddles. If they don't, then they should take their own advice.

It only makes sense to me if one knows what proper fit should be and is giving advice, then I would expect to see them as an example.

[SBT]

Oh boy Tiff, you ARE headed in the right direction...the seat fits perfectly...but I agree with those who are saying the flap is a mile too long for your legs.

Here's my suggestion: get a custom or semi-custom saddle that is MADE to fit you and Beautiful. Not all customs are $4000, you can get a Duett www.duettsaddles.com (http://www.duettsaddles.com) for just under $1000.

What you need is an 18" seat with a very short flap. What some saddlers can do is make you an 18" saddle with flaps from a 16.5" on it. :yes: It's easy enough for them to do, and shouldn't add to the price.

Check out www.dutchessbridlesaddle.com (http://www.dutchessbridlesaddle.com) Kate Wilson sells and fits Duett saddles, and she's in Port Jervis, NY, not a crazy drive from where you are. If you can get a bunch of people at your barn interested in having their current saddles checked for fit, or interested in looking at new custom/semi-custom saddles, the cost to have her come out will be minimized.

Kate might also have a USED semi-custom or full custom saddle that would fit you, lowering the cost even more.

Please send the HDR back, and look into this option. It won't cost you much more, and you will have a saddle that fits you and your pony PERFECTLY. This, in turn, will really allow your riding to improve. I've felt all along that you have been "fighting your tack" because you do not fit in an off-the-rack saddle. That's ok, not everyone does. ;) Call or e-mail Kate, you won't regret it. :yes:

[Kenike]

I've refrained from posting, but I have to chime in and say that this one doesn't fit, Tiff. It's better, but it doesn't fit. It looks a bit narrow for Beautiful, and the flap is WAY too long for you. We all know it's pain shopping for saddles, but it is so important to get the right fit all around. With this particular one you're not going to be able to use your leg correctly, and I'm a little fearful of a sore back on your girl. Even if you have to resell the saddle, I'd keep looking.

These aren't the best pics, but they are what I have. On the whiter pony it looks like my knee is in front of the flap...it's not, it's just the angle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/gracefultxn/snowandjumps006a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/gracefultxn/snowandjumps018a.jpg