ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Saddle Fitting

[endurance] Saddle Fitting

Betsy O'Shea (boshea@magic1.org)
Tue, 28 May 1996 08:59:04 -0600

I am trying to get my orthoflex saddle to fit my horse who has a dip in the
middle of his back. I am filling in the dip with layered shims of neoprene
in order to get full contact with the panels, not bridge, and not create
pressure spots. The right side seems good in that the sweat pattern was
completely even, the hair smooth and there were no swelling. The left side
was different, and I am not sure if I have too many shims or whether I don't
have enough and need to add another. The hair was slightly wavey and the
sweat pattern was less. It was fully wet (no dry spots) but less wet than
the other side. I have measured the top line of the horse from the top of
the withers (behind the scapula) and marked off every 9 cm. Then I took a
level to identify where the horse's back levels out and this is the area
there I placed the shims. I am using 1/4 in neoprene sponge and is taking 4
layers so I am filling in an area 1 and 1/4 inches deep. I am using wool
which is layered and have constructed pads to fit and fill in the hollows
either side of the withers. These seem to be working well. Any help would be
greatly appreciated.
Betsy O'Shea and Afterglow
boshea@magic1.org
Paola,Kansas