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Post by breezey on Jul 7, 2008 18:44:03 GMT 1
 Hi guys, I have an on/off dilemma with a saddle and all advice would be helpful as im pulling my hair out and need to make an decission by the end of the month. When I first bought Rambler he spent 2 weeks off work with sore withers after being ridden in a badly fitting saddle. I got him checked over by a physio and my vet and both said he has bad scar tissue on his withers, albeit old scar tissue. He gets a massage once a month for this but I was advised to have as much wither clearance as possible on a saddle. I tried various tree'd saddles and he just wasnt happy in any of them as he hates pressure on his withers or shoulders. I then bought another saddle which is a barefoot 'cherokee' - this model has the highest spinal clearance, with pads built into the saddle and was designed by a horse physio. Rambler loves this saddle and works fab in it and its great on my back. The problem is - a saddle fitter was out at the yard and told me in no uncertain terms, that my saddle, over a period of time would do major damage to his back and I need a tree'd saddle for him. I want to whats best for my boy, but unsure whether she is after a sale, or my saddle WILL do damage to his spine after a period of time. She is coming back to see me at the end of the month and im so confused. Has anyone got experience of the new style Barefoot or know if it will do damage
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Post by Alliecat on Jul 7, 2008 19:31:55 GMT 1
No experience of treeless saddles, but I know that opinions are divided on whether they are a good or a bad thing.
Under the circumstances, wouldn't it be worthwhile to get your original physio back out? Least that way, you'll get an informed opinion from someone who knows your boy's problems, but isn't trying to sell you a saddle.
good luck!
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Post by breezey on Jul 7, 2008 20:57:12 GMT 1
Thanks alliecat.  My physio has said she is not an expert on saddles and the saddler who comes to our yard also fits and supplies my physios horses, although my physio did say her advice to me was " I always recomend getting a saddle properly fitted, but at the same time, he does like this one" lol. Sitting on the fence i think. I actually love this saddle but scared im gona do long term damage now. I just wondered if anyone else uses barefoot and has a bit more knowledge of them. |
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Post by ldf on Jul 7, 2008 20:57:51 GMT 1
Hiya
I use both treed and treeless saddles, I really dont know how any one can make such a sweeping statement, obviously if the saddle doesn't fit correctly then yes it will damage the horse - thats true whether its a treed saddle or treeless one.
I use the barefoot London, and I have just bought a Heather moffett one too, I also have saddle company treed saddles, so I really believe its what is right for the horse.
Take advice from your physio about the back, if there are potential for problems I would consider using a physio pad (barefoot make them) rather than the normal grandeur pad, they give a lot more support to the back.
At the end of the day its got to be right for the 2 of you.
Linda
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Post by breezey on Jul 7, 2008 21:06:34 GMT 1
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Post by ldf on Jul 7, 2008 21:35:20 GMT 1
sorry, but it sounds like someone wants to sell you an expensive saddle there.
Like you I did lots of research before giving the treeless ago, I certainly think that there is a higher percentage of horses than have problems through badly fitting treed saddles than treeless.
The enlightened equitation forum has some great saddle advice, especially comparing treed and treeless saddles.
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Post by breezey on Jul 7, 2008 21:38:31 GMT 1
:-*thanks for that, will go and have a read xx
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Post by hannahpig on Jul 8, 2008 9:23:24 GMT 1
i was at a massage course and there was a gentleman there from lee valley saddlery. He was fantastic, i recommend you contact him as he makes saddles aswell as sells the ones of branded name (i think) He also mentioned that treeless saddles are ok to serve a purpose for a short period of time, but would always advise against using them forever! www.leevalleysaddlery.com philip howard is his name! he will give you fair advice, if he feels the saddle is right thats fine. he works with you and your budget! |
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Post by breezey on Jul 8, 2008 9:26:51 GMT 1
 thanks hannah, ur a star will give him a call. had a look at that enlightened equitation forum too, so thanks to all who gave advice. will let you know how i get on xx
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Post by hannahpig on Jul 8, 2008 9:30:53 GMT 1
cool cool. Im thinking of phoning him to come and see piggy. I need a enw saddle as im not to fat for mine! Poor piggy, no wonder he goes like a giraffe!
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Post by breezey on Jul 8, 2008 10:40:20 GMT 1
 just came off the phone and he is very nice and sooo helpful. Told me the treeless are fine for short term use but were never designed as a permanent saddle. Didnt try and sell me anything but said he would come to me if I need him or I could phone anytime for advice. Spent ages explaining the ins and outs of saddles etc. Thanks for passing him on to me  oh.. after all that.. im going to have a new tree'd saddle
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Post by paddysmum on Jul 8, 2008 16:03:32 GMT 1
Glad you got it sorted hun,
its horrible when you dont know what is best, saddle or anything like that.
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