You wrote:
> I am still having 2 problems perhaps others have solved.
>
> 1. I use a neoprene girth which I like however, I can't get my heart
> monitor to stay on it. I've tried the peel and stick velcro.
> I've tried the wax they put in candle bases to hold them. Nothing
> seems to work. I do ride with a fairly loose girth which I'm sure
> doesn't help.
You may need to tighten the girth! If the girth is too loose, you
will not get a good signal even if the lead stays in place. I use a
neoprene girth also. I bought velcro in longer lengths than what
comes w/ the monitor and found that having enough velcro to really
stick back on itself made a difference. The other option is to get
the heart monitor belt from VMax. It can stay in place even when the
saddle is on, so it may be your solution.
> 2. The flaps that cover the rigging get bunched up and caught in my
> half chaps. Has anyone tried just cutting them off? I had a
> saddle cover made for it and it tore the cover in that spot, within
> 100 miles or so.
I had this problem, too. This was one of the 2 reasons I am NOT
using a Sport Saddle now. Folks w/ longer legs seem to have less of
a problem w/ this than those with a shorter in seam. One friend has
started wearing full chaps because of this, but they're HOT!
I DEFINITELY agree w/ you about moving the stirrups back to make a
balanced ride. I wish that that was the standard position - It ought
to be in my opinion! Also, it would be nice if the rigging was a "V" style,
like on the old McClellan's. It would allow for positioning the
girth forward or back and it would stabilize the rear of the saddle/cantle
area. It may help eliminate the need for cruppers & breast plates in
some circomstances.
Last time I spoke w/ Geanie SS, she said that
there were no immediate plans for saddle modifications... Too bad.
Their saddle (and any other custom saddlemaker's saddle) could
improve by listening to the customers who actually use them.
Linda Flemmer
ABF Challenger ("Rocket") & Eternal Point ("Major")
Blue Wolf Equestrian Supplies/ Blue Wolf Ranch
Chesapeake, VA
"In case of emergency - Fur side up, steel side down!"