Rubspots from my Orthoflex saddle

[guest@endurance.net]

Karen Gardella-Betzer gardelbetz@psln.com
I am new to the sport of endurance riding, and am facing a few dilemmas
that I'm sure all you old-timers have faced at one time or another.  I
have a longer-backed, narrow-chested Arab mare that I am having
difficulties finding a correctly fitting saddle for.  I started with a Big
Horn Endurance saddle as my first endurance saddle with her, but I was
told that the tree impeded her shoulder movement.  I used this saddle
anyways on my 1st two 30-mile rides and after completing the rides the vet
did not notice any shoulder soreness, but did note some soreness in front
of her hip, in the loin area.  I have neglected to mention, that she is a
very high-headed horse, causing her to be hollow-backed, and that her
favorite gait is the jig.  (I am taking dressage lessons on her, to get
her to travel in a better frame.)  I next purchased a Endurance Cutback
Orthoflex saddle and thought that I had found the answer.  After
attempting my first 50-mile ride, and getting pulled for over-time at
38-miles, the vet again noted some soreness over her loin area with the OF
saddle.  My next ride was the Comstock 50, which I actually completed this
time.  However, after the ride I noticed some white hairs just behind her
shoulders and mid-way on her barrel behind her elbows.  These spots were
on both sides, and after checking how the saddle sat on her, I believe
that the white hairs behind her shoulders are being caused by where the
panels are joined to the tree and are connected by a type of a
ball&socket.  On my OF saddle the girth is sewn in to the leg flaps, not
to the tree as on regular saddle, and I am guessing that this may be
rubbing her on her barrel, also.
My question is, is how serious are the white hairs?, do I get rid of the
saddle?, or is it possible to pad the saddle with something like the Skito
Equalizer pad?  I have never had this problem before, it seemed like the
white hairs popped up in just a few hours, maybe it was the extra 20 miles
of rubbing.  At this point, I am going back to using my Big Horn saddle,
but I don't know if this is necessary, as I have had a few people suggest
trying a Skito pad.  I'd like some feedback on any success with Skito pads
also.
If anyone has any suggestions or opinions, please e-mail me at
gardelbetz@plsn.com .

Much thanks!
 - Karen