Janice picked up Sparkle today, and brought over her saddle to try on Beamer. I've been looking for a better fit for him. My saddle sits right down on his back at the back of the saddle, and I'm sure it is really uncomfortable for him. I took this photo without a saddle pad so you can see how flat it is back there. ( Don't pay any attention to all that dust on it!)
The good thing about this saddle is the way the bars flare out at the front, which allows him freedom to extend his shoulders especially in lateral moves. Beamer is wider at the shoulders than he is over his loins, and this saddle carries the same width throughout.
I rode him in Janice's saddle, which has a nice channel at the back, and it didn't hit his spine at all, but the bars in the front were too tight, and you can see in this photo, after I took the saddle off, the pressure spot, which shows as a dark circle just below his withers. Good thing he's dirty, because you can really see it on his dirty back! Bath time soon!
That doesn't allow his scapula much freedom of movement, which I could really tell when I asked him to spin- he just flat out didn't want to do it, and Beamer loves to spin. I think Janice is posting a video she took of that, so you should be able to see what I mean.
So I'm not sure what to do next; I'll keep looking for the saddle that fits just right, maybe I'll have to get one built.
Sparkle loaded fairly well in Janice's trailer, stood quietly as we said our goodbyes. There was a lot of whinnying going on as she drove out the driveway, but I think she'll haul well. You'll have to visit Own A Morgan blog tonight to see how she did.
5 comments:
Poor Beamer. Ouch! He's speshul! He has the back of a king....nothing else will do but a custom made saddle for that handsome boy. :)
(Just kidding. I hope not. I hope you'll be able to find a saddle that gives him a good fit. Saddle shopping can be so frustrating!)
~Lisa
I can offer no advice since I am learning all these things myself.
I read your blog for good horse information. Thanks.
What about looking into a saddle pad that has a channel. A good saddle fit can be improved by a good saddle pad. However a bad saddle fit can be made worse by a good saddle pad.
If you are keeping him forever..which I assume that you are..cause he is your joy! Then splurge on a custom saddle for him..I follow two saddle makers.. Linda at Just another Day on the Prairie and Bob.. at Dennisranch..I bet they would fix you all up:)
Just a wild guess, is that a Corriente saddle??
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