Posted 2017-02-08 1:13 PM Subject: Another saddle fitting post.... :)
I purchased a Caldwell saddle used. It appears to fit my horse perfectly and I’ve been riding in it for a while now, but I’m feeling myself getting popped up and forward more than I like and it's starting to give me confidence issues. I went back and looked at my pictures and the back of the saddle is up off his back pretty good going into his turn. My first thought was obviously “I need a back cinch”, however after doing a lot of reading on saddle fit and trees, I’m not sure if it’s the best fix or if I should get a new saddle.
It is the opinion of many saddle makers that saddles should sit behind the shoulder. One saddle maker’s web page says specifically that saddles with a flare on the tree are built with the intentions that they won’t inhibit the shoulder movement (which is Caldwell’s selling point), but that what actually happens is that the saddle tips forward because of the flare (there being a space there) and it especially happens on a flatter backed horse like mine. He even said that the saddle will look like it is sitting perfectly on the horse and will even ride well if you are simply riding around. But when you go to actually start using the saddle in real life situations it will tip forward.
I’m curious to know what others opinions are on this theory? And can I simply add a back cinch and be fine or should I look for a saddle that fits him better?
I'm not an expert in the saddle fitting so won't say much about that but there is no way I could ride in a saddle I didn't feel comfortable in and that put me out of position. I love the Caldwell saddles but ride in a Shiloh as that is in my budget. I also always ride with a back cinch as I used to trail ride a lot on pretty extreme trails and it was needed.
I ride in Caldwell's and have never felt like I was being thrown forward. I do ride with a back cinch. I have always felt very secure in my saddles. I will say this.... To look at my horse he looks like he should take the Rocket tree. When I rode in that saddle I could feel the saddle rock forward when I got off and on and my horse would hollow out his back with it because it had too much rock. So I went with the Promax and don't have that problem any more. That Rocket just had way too much rock. Which tree are you using?
I just had to put a back cinch on a saddle for the first time in years. My little short backed sucker was popping the back up with his hip when he pushed off and it was running the saddle up on his neck. Back cinch helped tremendously.
I ride in Caldwell's and have never felt like I was being thrown forward. I do ride with a back cinch. I have always felt very secure in my saddles. I will say this.... To look at my horse he looks like he should take the Rocket tree. When I rode in that saddle I could feel the saddle rock forward when I got off and on and my horse would hollow out his back with it because it had too much rock. So I went with the Promax and don't have that problem any more. That Rocket just had way too much rock. Which tree are you using?
Good question. I'm not sure exactly what kind of tree it has. I'm sure if I called the company I maybe able to find out.
Another saddle fitting post.... :)
