tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336485400243362481.post4147592546981629537..comments2023-04-16T04:35:37.153-07:00Comments on Song of the Black Horse: A Student's Notes: Day 147 Questions, and more questionsKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250005101735182059noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336485400243362481.post-39233887540132476102011-06-06T13:15:46.445-07:002011-06-06T13:15:46.445-07:00I quite like the Wintec endurance saddle with &quo...I quite like the Wintec endurance saddle with "cair" panels.Junehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13428008814751524182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336485400243362481.post-55763370413604579692011-06-05T03:33:32.995-07:002011-06-05T03:33:32.995-07:00The only saddle my TB was comfy in was a Kiefer bu...The only saddle my TB was comfy in was a Kiefer but they have a big price tag. He too has a huge wither and finding a saddle to clear it was hard. Aussie stock saddles are great and really keep you in. I used a gel pad as well under my saddle. Hope you find the right saddle for you both.Kamilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12280167899627178401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336485400243362481.post-32851111023436638572011-06-05T01:14:53.129-07:002011-06-05T01:14:53.129-07:00Hi Carol, thank you for your post, it was very inf...Hi Carol, thank you for your post, it was very informative! I have been thinking of a bareback pad, but with Lilo's huge movement going bareback is challenging. Although I do think that stirrups would help a bit. But that said, perhaps in the long run a saddle would be better. I hadn't even thought about the Aussie saddles and after looking on their website, found some interesting options. I like that the Aussie saddles combine the Western idea with the light weight concept. Not to mention that they seem affordable. Thank you for pointing me that way! Another option to check out...Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00250005101735182059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336485400243362481.post-24258438593730650652011-06-04T12:46:45.426-07:002011-06-04T12:46:45.426-07:00For the first 11 years or so I had Griffin, I only...For the first 11 years or so I had Griffin, I only rode him western. I had a hunt seat english saddle for awhile, but sold it when I realized it did not fit Griffin (or me for that matter).<br /><br />About 3yrs ago or so, I decided that since Griffin was getting up there in age - it was time to think about getting a lighter saddle (especially since I am a larger rider). It was touch and go for me for awhile between getting a dressage saddle or an Austrailan saddle (which I had been eyeing for a few years). I found a really great company for Austrailan saddles and ended up taking the plunge that way. They were super helpful and where able to fit Griffin's saddle to him based on a number of whither tracings I sent them (and I am extremely picky about not using my saddle on any other horse because it's been adjusted to fit my boy).<br /><br />Counting the 2 western saddles and 1 english I have owned -- my aussie is by far my favorite saddle of all of them. It is lightweight for Griffin (I think it's around 15-17lbs), it fits me, and it's super comfortable with my bad knee. The free-swing stirrups are wonderful!<br /><br />The company I got my saddle from is Downunder Saddlery out of Colorado (USA). I can give you their weblink if you want to check it out (just let me know)...<br /><br />BUT-<br /><br />as far as what type of saddle you should get, I really think that should be what you are most comfortable riding in. I am sure (without a doubt) there are saddles of all styles out there that you could find to fit Lilo. Finding a good saddle fitter to come out and look at her may help too...<br /><br />If you are intersted in a western saddle, perhaps a Wintec or cordura synthetic saddle might work. They are much lighter than the leather western saddles (and I agree with you - western saddles ARE HEAVIER). They are also priced reasonably and seem to fit quite a few different horses. <br /><br />...and I have also heard that western saddles are better for weight distribution, but in my honest opinion, as long as the saddle fits well -- it shouldn't be a problem.<br /><br />One other option -- if you aren't going to ride much or only for minutes at a time -- what about a bareback pad? There's a bareback pad called a Natural ride pad that has an actual little tree on the front of it and stirrups so you can ride like in a saddle. I have never rode in one, but have heard good things about them. <br /><br />I have discovered when Grif and I just want to head out for a walk together, the bareback pad I have works great. I can tie an extra halter on there as a spare, glowsticks (if we are out at night), my cell phone, ...or whatever. ....and it also gives me something to hang on to (there's a handhold strap on top) when we climb hills -- Griffin will happily help tow me to the top of the hill (because my 2 legs don't work as fast as his 4!!). It also weighs a LOT less than any saddle, which is perfect for walks. It's just a thought....<br /><br />I do think that if you plan to do any riding at all (even if it's short), you should probably have something...even just a bareback pad. There are a lot of choices out there, so I can certainly understand your dilemma!<br /><br />P.S. Griffy and I had another ride out around the farm last night. I talked to him the whole time and he really seemed to like it. ...and of course we still rode bitless and he did awesome!! There's hope for us yet! :)Carol Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16620596195893789528noreply@blogger.com