<< 1. In order for a saddle to have any weight distributive properties at
all,
it must have some rigidity to it.
2. In order for a saddle to move with the movements of a horse's back,
it must have some flexibility to it.
Ideally, a saddle should combine the right amount of rigidity with the
right amount of flexibility. What these right amounts vary on a number
of factors.
a) the weight of the rider
b) the fitness of the horse
c) the conformation of the horse
d) the riding style of the rider
e) the activity pursued
.....there are probably more.
Thank you Kat for writing this! My husband is a saddle maker -- one of the
traditional kind. He also looks at the conformation of the rider and fit of
the rider to the horse before ordering a saddle tree.
I also ride bareback when possible and my husband built my endurance saddle
10 yrs ago based on the my style of riding, my conformation and my horse's
conformation. I, too, seem to prefer a certain type of horse conformation so
my saddle has fit my all horses.
I think a test of a saddle also comes from repairing it. Since my husband has
repaired a variety of saddles, his opinions on the maker reflects how their
saddles stand up to their use, what materials are used and how difficult the
saddle is to have repaired or modified. I guess if I had to buy a production
saddle, my first question would be where to get it repaired and if the
manufacturer stands behind the workmanship.
>>
See you on those Appy Trails!
Cathy Adair and Secoya and Chataqua the Appies and Bonnie, the Arab (no
spots!)