Downhill Conformation and Saddle Fit

["Snodgrass, Bonnie" <snodgrab@ncr.disa.mil>]

All the saddle fit discussion has motivated me to raise a related topic. My
mare has downhill conformation, she is butt high,  has a moderate dip to her
back, and a decent, average type witherswith pretty well defined shoulder
muscles. My original saddle was a Sport Saddle which slid forward and
interfered with the back edge of her shoulder muscles. I place saddles
behind the shoulders but have noticed that many SS users will place the
saddle more forward so the rider's weight is behind the withers and
shoulders but the pommel of the saddle is up on top of the shoulders. I sold
that saddle and switched to an "english" style saddle. Originally I used my
marvelous Smith-Worthington Trail Maxx after having the flocking adjusted by
a saddle fitter. It felt well balanced and worked well for a time but
eventually started lisitng to one side. It was reflocked from scratch by
another saddle fitter that didn't take the downhill conformation into
consideration. The saddle  bridged and put excessive pressure on her back at
the bars in particular. I think the downhill bit causes my weight to press
forward exceptionally so. I set that saddle aside and began using a Stubben
that gave me a good sweat pattern for some time but developed some lumps and
bumps in the flocking. Again, another saddle fitter. This one (and I also)
thought the dip in the back required more flocking in the center of the
panels. Too much!  White hair confirmed this. Back to the S-W and another
very experienced and accomplished saddle fitter/flocker. Again, I have dry
spots under the bars indicating too much pressure at the front. Sorry for
the long story!

Question: has anyone had any luck using reverse wedge pads to level a horses
back and improve saddle fit? How about the evacuator (sp?) pad? I've tried
numerous foam and gel pads without success. I really feel that the downhill
conformation is largely the problem, the dip behind the withers complicates
things. I'm  FRUSTRATED!!! I did not try the SS with a wedge pad and have
not tried anyother treeless saddle type on her either. Any ideas here????
Personal experience's and suggestions welcome other than shoot/sell the
horse,  or take up driving, 

Bonnie Snodgrass


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