I've got a Sports Saddle for my mare, and it works beautifully,
especially freeing up her shoulders. I've used the saddle on several
horses over the past few months without any problems. However, If a
rider isn't balanced, it will create problems. Also, if the horse's
back is uneven, the pad has to be shimmed to keep the rider balanced.
I think I just discovered another case where it's not the best choice
- with a young, high-headed/hollow backed, horse (my 4 year old). His
back hasn't been sore, but I tried a more conventional saddle
(Orthoflex) last night, and he seems to move better (if wanting to
tear around the arena at warp speed counts as better). My guess is
that with the Sports Saddle, it's almost impossible for me not to sit
in the hollow of his back, and concentrate the weight in just the
wrong place. Since my mare has a well-muscled back, and uses her body
differently, the weight is distributed more evenly across her back.
With my 4 year old and the conventional saddle, my weight is better
distributed (tree, panels, etc.) and it's easier for him to carry me
and maybe start to round his back. I'm not sure if this theory is
accurate, but I should have a better idea in a couple of weeks.
Helen