[SarahandSam]

I need to do wither tracings of my horse... there's some flexible bar thing that you can use, I know, but I can't think of what it's called or where you get it (hardware stores, or is it for drafting?). Any help? I think the one I saw was blue, if that makes it any more clear...

[Foxyrab]

A "flexible curve". I got mine at an office supply store.

[Rallycairn]

Coat hanger? Lol jk -- although I HAVE actually used one for a wither tracing.

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

You can get one on Amazon for thirteen bucks.

I've always called it an "artist's curve," but after googling I think only horse people call it that. Amazon calls it a "flexible curve ruler."

I got mine at a hobby shop. Back when there were hobby shops, before the big boxes ran them out of business. I bet Hobby Lobby or similar would have one if you don't want to order online.

[ReSomething]

We used a chunk of plain old 10 gauge fence wire. The roll of wire isn't cheaper but the chunk sure is.

[5]

I think they also are used as weights for flasks in chemistry (or something very similar)

[walktrot]

the flexible ruler. Or, if you have any Romex electrical wire (the kind that coated with white insulation over copper wire) that will also work. I don't like the coat hanger idea because it is hard to get it to really follow the contour of the horse.

[meupatdoes]

A flexi curve.

I think I have one somewhere.

[Belg]

Michaels has the flexible curve ruler.... saw one the other day when we were picking up project supplies... K mentioned wither traces specifically as a use for them

[joiedevie99]

An arts and crafts store like a Michael's will have it. Most office supply places like Staples will also. Make sure you get one that is long enough- I've seen some that are only 12" long- which won't work.

[SmartAlex]

You can pick them up at Office Max, but I got a 36" on through Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i00

Be careful though, they will droop and close the curve between horse and paper. Since I'm shopping for a side saddle, I've become an unwilling expert at wither tracings. The shorter your curve, the less droop you will have to deal with.

This link will tell you how to make what the side saddlers refer to as a "verified" tracing, which involves putting the cardboard back on the horse to see if what you drew actually fits.

http://upon-a-white-horse.blogspot.c...-insanity.html

http://upon-a-white-horse.blogspot.c...-tracings.html

With an astride saddle you don't have to worry about the curve of the rib, but the principles of getting the right dimensions over the wither are the same.

[SarahandSam]

Thanks, everybody! Looks like Office Depot at least has the 12" ones...

Meup, if you find yours, could I borrow it please?

[meupatdoes]

Yes. Let me look through my stuff and see if it made it from TX.