ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Saddle Summary: Database

[endurance] Saddle Summary: Database

Diane E. Nelson (nelsonde@ttown.apci.com)
Thu, 7 Mar 1996 08:58:53 -0500 (EST)

OK--here's what I need: a list of the available saddles that are being
used routinely for CTR and endurance, weight & build of the rider (no
blushing allowed), problems encountered (rider &/or horse), problems
solved (rider &/or horse), investment of time and money (this is more
significant that it appears at face value). Have I forgotten/overlooked
anything?

Off the top of my head--the top saddles in terms of use & availablity:
Sport Saddle, Sharon Saare, ZES, Boz, SR Enduro, Stubben, County
(Competitor/dressage), Brown Orthoflex models (most popular?), "fake"
saddles of various makes & models....

What about: Smith-Worthington, Autralian stock saddles (e.g. Trooper),
off-the-rack Collegiate/std. brand names, Paragon, DeSoto, Campbell, etc.

Please email & add to the list. We don't see a lot of these saddles in
the East--generally we're stuck with what the hunter-jumper/combined
training tack shops offer.

I would expect that any saddlers lurking out there might be "motivated"
to send me some literature. Definitely!!

I need a saddle "history"...what did you start with, where are you now,
where do you want to go? This is the one sport that is truly
"evolutionary" so we all will benefit from gathering & disseminating
information. F'rinstance....I tried 2 Sport Saddles, horses LOVED them,
my pelvis too narrow.... OK, how about a modified version with some kind
of flexible panels to create the illusion of a narrow twist? Could this
be done via special padding? A modified polymer tree perhaps?

Don't expect quick results--this will take time to gather info. I may
have to put together a questionaire to take to rides, could make copies &
send out for wider distribution. But I'll surely do updates.

OK--the ball is on the court....

email safehavn@fast.net
Diane Nelson
P.O. Box 3274
Allentown, PA 18106