Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I really like my McClellan.  I use it on several of my horses.  I like
it because it is just soooo adjustible.  I did have to get a seat
cushion because it doesn't have a lot of padding.  I also like how my
stirrups are rigged - easy on the knees.

The seat cushion makes a world of difference.  I just have a cheap one
- 30$, I think.

Jackie

--- "Dr. Liz Faletti, DC" <efaletti@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> In regards to McClellan saddles, I don't have personal experience. 
> The
> reputation is that the McClellan fits horses much better than most
> saddles.
> It kills the riders.  If I'm wrong, I would love to hear from others.
>
> In regards to saddle fit, I have lots of experience.  Both because my
> horse
> has been hard to fit and because as a chiropractor, I am aware of the
> importance of the spine being free of damage.
>
> There are many ways to check saddle fit.  The idea of sweat patterns
> is only
> partly correct.  You can still have heavy sweat patterns and still
> have
> pressure.  I haven't tried the pressure pads yet.  They are
> expensive, yet
> have a great idea.  An old fashioned way to get the same information,
> is to
> get some blue carpenters chalk at Home Depot or other places like it.
> Sprinkle the chalk on the back of the horse, put a white pad and the
> saddle
> on the horse and ride for a good half hour.  Check the marks left on
> the
> white pad from the blue chalk.  Heavy/dark marks equal too much
> pressure.
> Some of the pressure can be relieved by applying pads correctly,
> others
> can't.  Therefore, all those McClellan saddles that are for sale
> could be a
> potential fit.  You just have to try them.
>
> You can also make a mold of your horse's back by using a soft
> drafting
> (don't actually know the name of the tool) guide.  Fold it across
> your
> horse's back a couple inches behind the shoulder blade (wherever you
> expect
> to put the saddle bars).  Carefully remove it from the horse's back
> and
> trace the outline onto a file folder.  Cut this out for future
> reference.
> You can take this with you as you look at saddles and come close to
> seeing
> if it fits.
>
> Measure back the distance appropriate to the back of the saddle and
> make
> another mold.  Remember that distance when you take your molds to
> look at
> saddles.  This will show you if the saddle is too long.
>
> I have a great book on saddle fit.  Just don't have that info in
> front of me
> right at the moment.  E-mail me if you need more.
>
> By the way, just cause a saddle fits a horse as he's standing, means
> nothing.  You have to spend at least a half hour in that saddle,
> perferably
> a nice couple hour ride and watch both how your horse moves and then
> look at
> sweat patterns, hair swirls (there shouldn't be any!!!!!), etc.
>
> Whew...
>
> Good luck.
>
> Liz Faletti, DC
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Lucie Hancock" <lbhbhnck@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Friday, July 11, 2003 6:28 AM
> Subject: [RC] McClellan saddles in endurance?
>
>
> > Hi,
> > I have a question for any of you who may have experience with
> McClellan
> > saddles. The background for this question is that my custom made
> saddle
> > was damaged at the Pyramid Challenge, and the tree was broken. I am
> > sending it back to Desoto Custom Saddlery to be reepaired. The
> local
> > tack repairman suggested to my husband that we get a McClellan
> saddle as
> > a "back up" saddle because the army had to use them on so many
> different
> > horses. I understand that the calvarymen would change horses every
> three
> > months or so, but had to keep the same saddle.
> > so...I want feedback from folks who ride or have ridden with a
> > McClellan. I know of three used ones for sale in my area, but don't
> want
> > to take a chance on hurting my horses buy purchasing one that won't
> go
> > the distance.
> > Thanks in advance for your input.
> > Lucie H from South Carolina, and HH Trinity
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