Sports Saddle

[Dan & Robin <djc@together.net>]

I'm hoping to get a SS for Christmas but am getting more and more confused
on which to order.  *I* am also 5'6", legs are not neccessarily short, but
my knee joints do get sore after 15 to 20 miles.  I have been riding in a
traditional western saddle (which might be the whole knee problem)(oh, and
I do post).

I was going to order the Schooling and Training model with stirrups set
back, but having never tried the SS at all, I don't know if I should
neccessarily do that.  After reading thru ridecamp archives, it just seemed
the best thing to do.  Now I wonder.

Does the youth cut have a smaller seat as well.  What exactly is the
difference?

I'm just afraid of the non-returnable thing.  I don't want to get stuck
selling one.  I just want to be really happy with the one I choose, the
first time.

Robin




>Yes, yes, yes!  The youth cut worked for me. I am 5'6" also, but only about
>1/3 of that is
>legs.  My husband loved that saddle anyway, so he took it over, I ordered
>another with
>the youth cut option - it is perfect.  I have my stirrups set in the normal
>position.  I rode
>in one with the stirrups set back, my knees felt more stressed, so I
>decided to stick
>with the normal placement.  I think the freedom of the leg movement seems
>to be the
>key if you have short legs & not-so-good knees.  My dressage saddle didn't
>hurt my
>knees either.
>
>Good luck, when you get it right you'll love it along with your horse.
>
>>I too have 'been struggling to find the perfect saddle, and have noticed
>that my horse definitely prefers the SportsSaddle.  However, my knees don't.
>>
>>I noticed that Sports Saddle offers a youth cut option that is designed
>for riders under 5'3" or those that want greater freedom of movement in
>their stirrups.  I'm 5'6"; but was wondering if anyone had experience with
>this modification and what their experiences are regarding freedom of leg
>movement.  (My dressage saddle doesn't hurt me at all.)
>>
>>Similarly, I was wondering if I could get feedback on a 1" setback on
>stirrup leather placement and whether the saddle felt more balanced or
>knees less stressed.
>>
>>You can email privately at mthompso@SAMHSA.gov.
>>Thanks for your help.