[IdahoRider]

I read this article a few weeks ago when I got the October issue of Dressage Today and I was going to post this question then but got side tracked and never got around to it.

The article was on Para-equestrian Lauren Barwick and on page 19 there was a photo of Lauren riding. The saddle she was in looked modified to me, with maybe a second block sitting *behind* the thigh in addition to the traditional placement.

I think my own riding would improve with that kind of support in the saddle. Did anyone else read the article and see this photo? I would be interested in learning more about that modification, if that is what it actually was and not just my eyes playing a trick on me.
Sheilah

[whicker]

I think I rode in a similar saddle in the Paulien Alberts clinic this week. The one I rode had a block behind the leg, like a serious jumping saddle. I think it was on velcro. The front knee/thigh blocks were on velcro, too. The horse had some spooky and otherwise non-helpful moves that jolted me. I think that the hind block was quite helpful and would suggest trying it.

I think the saddle was an albion variety. It was treeless and sat a bit low on the back of the horse in the rear. I added shims to raise the seat level for my rides.

I learned about a number of modifications and adaptions of saddlery at the clinic. I'm working on the report, so you will have more info.

[Piaffing]

The saddle was custom made with blocks in front and behind the thighs. Because of the muscle atrophy in her legs she has towels velcro to her thighs.

[whicker]

Wow! Piaffing,
I am sooo glad you are on this forum!
The creativity of these riders is amazing. I haven't gotten my brain around the "stuff the breeches is legal" part yet.

[whicker]

Who was the saddler?

[IdahoRider]

Wow, I will look out for the modification report! That will be helpful for so many of us, I would think.

I have had muscle atrophy in both my legs, more so in the right than in the left. I think having my leg held in place by blocks front and back would go a long way towards fixing my issues.
Sheilah

[winkybear]

I also have muscle atrophy in my legs, right worse than left.

I read the article in question with amazement -- If she can do that, I have no excuse!

New to this forum, glad to have found it!

[Piaffing]

Who was the saddler?

Don't know yet but I'll email her and find out.