[JackSprats Mom]

So I just got a saddle that fits my horse like a glove and is comfortable as all heck...BUT...it doesn't do wonders for my position, tends to make my seat want to go to the back of the saddle closing my hip angle and putting me in more of a chair seat

Is it possible to change where the stirrup bars go to help this?

Or is it a lost cuase and I have to go saddle hunting again

[goeslikestink]

go to mastercraftsmen of a saddle fitter or tack shop that has one which is assocaited with them all saddles should be fitter to the horse and the rider
if you not comfy then it dont fit --------

[pintopiaffe]

It can be done, but is very costly. Basically saddle has to be stripped down to the tree and rebuilt.

Is it something more simple though, like it just needs restuffed/lifted in the back a hair?(test this with lifting it w/ a folded towel, or piece of sheepskin etc.) Would high thigh blocks help?

[neVar]

Well this is where a good fit session can come in. Could be the saddle just needs the balance tweaked a bit.

Could be it just needs extended stirrup bars put onto it. This is where an experienced person can help. Perhaps just addition of a block (bigger etc) would help. etc etc

[JackSprats Mom]

if you not comfy then it dont fit --------

Thats the trouble, its comfy as all heck I LOVE it but, had hubby take photo's and it did nothing to help my position

I am going to do a photo shoot on Saturday (I hope) with new saddle and old so that I can compare my position side to side and see if I can work out exactly whats happening (maybe the first shots were just on a really bad day- bad enough it made me wanna quit riding when I saw them!)

Anyone know of a saddle fitter in the Seattle/Snohomish area of washington?

[EquineSublime]

You might call these two places and see if they know of a good fitter.

Olson-Mills, Bellevue, Wa. http://www.olsonstack.com/

The Bony Pony, Mount Vernon, Wa. http://www.thebonypony.com/index.html

[hoopoe]

This is who I use. send him an e mail , tell him about your needs and see how he can help you.



Meriwether Saddlery Service Saddle Fitting and Reflocking
Contact: John Meriwether24328 SE 162nd St
Issaquah WA 98027
Phone: 425 785-2001
Email: jmeriwet@comcast.net

[Lambie Boat]

I know he's a little far from you, but he's an absolute MASTER craftsman and knows saddles. I took my saddle to him in person, and learned a great deal. He fixed it while I watched. Worth a visit in person!

Hans Biglajzer
in Bend, Oregon

perhaps you could call him with a question? PM for #

[TheHorseProblem]

I had this issue on my first saddle. There is some play on the bar, where it's maybe an inch longer than the leathers. So I bought four of those rubber martingale rein stops, cut them down to about 3/4 of an inch long, and slipped them on the stirrup bars, then put the leathers on. It forced the leathers to stay back towards the end of the bars.

[myhorsefaith]

Hans, as stated above.

There is also a guy in Snohomish- the people at Gift Horse and Olson's know his name- it is escaping me right now.

[JackSprats Mom]

Thanks for all the names and suggestions!

[JB]

What happens to your position if you drop your stirrups?

If the same thing happens, it's not the position of the stirrup bars - it's the balance of the saddle itself.

Are you SURE, 1000% sure, that is fits? Not too narrow, even by a little? Not placed too far forward? Both of those will push you to the back.

Got a picture?

[JackSprats Mom]

Problem solved as I sold the saddle, decided not to fuss too much with it and just go with another brand that I know works for us both. Sad, as it was a wonderfully comfortable saddle.