I observed how the Sport Saddle riders were moving down the trail. A couple
I noticed seemed a little out of balance, and with in my usual brash
fashion, I asked these nice people how they liked the saddle. Both said, of
course, "loved them", but they also said they wished they had gotten the
stirrups moved back a 1/2" or so. So if you are considering this saddle, it
seems pretty obvious you need to specify positioning those stirrups somewhat
back of what is standard. Otherwise, the position of the rider seems quite
good with these saddles.
This wasn't the case with the synthetics, and definitely not where the
all-purpose saddles were being used. Saddles designed for jumping are
forward seat saddles, period. They do not promote centered riding. Most of
the collapsed shoulders/fetal positions/high hands could be seen on riders
using non-endurance designed saddles.
Guess I'd better get to thinking some more about designing a questionaire.
It's mulling around in there--in the meantime, I'll continue to
report/consolidate observations about endurance saddles.
Thanks for listening (reading?)--
Diane @ Safe Haven
Allentown, PA