The history:
He started out 5 years ago in an Ainsley Ryegate (average tree) that we both
liked a lot. Unfortunately it was a 161/2 inch seat which didn't fit me after a
while so I sold it. I then bought a Courbette (average tree) all purpose that
fit him pretty well at first. Then we started to do hill work and it did not fit
him any more. I then bought an ancient County Competitor dressage saddle (wide
tree) that seemed to fit pretty well. I ended up using this saddle for trail
riding, jumping etc because it was impossible to find a wide all purpose/jumping
saddle in my price range. While in the market for a cross country saddle, several
saddle fitter told me that the County that I had was still not wide enough. This
seems to be borne out by the fact that the horse seems to prefer being ridden in
the bareback pad.
I had an accident this weekend (the horse and I are okay) and the stirrup bar
was bent out at a 45 degree angle. Lorna - my wonderful saddle repair person -
was able to pound the stirrup bar back in but she told me that it was time to
retire the County to ring work (yuch) Anyway I must replace this saddle
immediately or be confined to the ring.
Needless to say that in the process of having 3 saddles in five years I have
tried a lot of saddles but I was interested in your input. I want to get an
english saddle that I can trail ride, jump and be secure in two point in. It also
has to fit the horse and be leather- I do some 3 day.
I don't like big knee-rolls or heaven forfend, thigh blocks - too confining. I
need a saddle that is fairly wide in the seat - I say that because I find
Crosbys uncomfortable - and I like a soft seat. I guess my primary concern is
the fact that the horse needs something very wide. I have limited funds so I
think that custom made is out of the question. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks
very much.
stasia@cypressres.com
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