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Re: [RC] Testing Saddle Fit - heidiBut alas, backs seem to be the LAST thing that most breeders consider, and I would reckon a guess that most breeders don't have a clue what constitutes a good back.>>That is where Deb Bennetts' "Secrets of Conformation" starts - the back. Very informative video and I reckon it's a must in every rider's toolbox. I agree--Deb is right on the money with her approach to conformation. Maryanne mentioned riding without a cinch - or being slack if it is there. My dressage buddies go pale when they happen to see me riding in the neighbourhood 'cos you can see daylight between the girth and horse. I would hazard that it also has a bit to do with the balance of the rider - no matter how tight that saddle is, if the rider is unbalanced in any way, that saddle will shift. I can remember riding home as a kid with no cinch after having my cinch break--and that in extremely mountainous terrain. I had to be a bit careful getting on, but had no troubles after that. I was riding a 15/16 TB mare at the time that was the product of old-time ranchers in this area breeding to Remount stallions. I have yet to ride a horse that needs a breast collar or crupper to keep the saddle in place--and I don't ever intend to, if I can help it! My biggest problem now is mounting--I'm clumsy, off-balance, and heavy. But if I use a mounting block, the horses I'm currently riding likewise can get by with pretty loose girths. And I have to attribute most of that to good backs, as I'm not the spiffiest of riders. It has also been my experience that when one has horses with good backs, shopping for saddles is not difficult. Heidi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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