SPORTS SADDLE
I've finally decided to keep it. The trial period is over. I still have my
radar out for a well-fitting lightweight/well made saddle with a tree,
however, because of the weight-distribution thing for long distance.
In the meantime, it's the most comfortable & secure bareback pad
I've ever had. I did make some modifications, however. The thinner
nylon stirrup "leathers" from my old fabric bareback pad totally eliminate
the bump under my knee, and my peacock safety stirrups give me a
bit of mental ease. If it's for a lightweight rider, and short distances, I
highly recommend it. I think it was too expensive for the sum of the
materials, though ($695). It is well-made, at least. Oh, and no, the
stirrup position is fixed. If you don't like where they hang on your
particular horse, I suppose you'd have to rig a different position or
send it back for custom work. I think the position is just fine.
Bridget brickson@sb.com
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Hi Bridget, a few comments on the Sport saddle.
I have ridden one for over a year, and have both an Endurance model
and a training and schooling model. I have talked to a lot of folks
about this saddle (Genie Stewart Spears, who helped develop the
endurance model), and everyone who has one. I think if you are
going to look for a rigid tree saddle that works any better, you
may be looking for a long time! I know lots of folks with very
expensive saddles that still are having major problems with back
soreness, etc. I feel the combination of the two tree pieces, aned
the way they are attatched inside the saddle DO distribute rider
weight very evenly. In my experience, I had back problems (horse)
with both a Stubben, and my Endurance Wintec, even though I was sure
they were the right tree width, and even with a good shock pad. I
have eliminated all back soreness with the Sport Saddle.
As far as price, in my book, it is a heck of a good deal!! The
saddle is covered with leathers, which is decent quality. It
fits a multitude of horses, and both of mine have worn very very
well. I would agree it does not have the craftmanship of an SR,
but then again, it isn't $1800 either! ( I am not knocking SR by
any means, they are beautiful saddles.)
I don't see anything else in that price range $600 to $700 that
even comes close to being as comfortable for both horse and rider,
with that adaptability.
Only problem I ever had was the ring under the flap bugged my knee,
but then I switched to a smaller seat size with the stirrups farther
back, the problem went away. SS used to make a slide bar, so that
you had multiple placements of stirrup leathers. I really liked
this, but apparently they discontuined it.
Main issue bugging me is the difference between ridgid tree saddles,
versus flexible tree saddles.
Seems with rigid tree saddles, you are extremely limited. You may
have a saddle that appears to fit a horse that is standing still.
What happens when that horse's back changes shape due to
conditioning? What happens when he puts his head down and rounds
his back? The tree will no longer be contacting the back in the
same places. What happens when you have several horses to ride?
I have heard concerns that flexible saddles tend to collapse on
the back or shoulders and pinch. I haven't seen this happen
yet with the Sport Saddle, but keep a good watch of my horses back.
I also use Flex Ride stirrups, and a skito pad, all of which absorb
shock and make the saddle even more comfortable.
Anyway, I would like more opinions on the subject of flexible versus
rigid tree saddles. I had many many different opinions from the
Saddle vendors at the AERC convention-they all contradicted each
other.
Karen
To: ENDURANCE@MOSCOW.COM