Horse Discussion Board: Saddle Fitting

Discussion Board Saddle Fitting

Saddle Fitting

Share your questions, opinions and advice on saddle fitting!

Add your opinions below!

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Has anyone ever used an Ortho-Flex saddle? I heard the fit all horses and are really comfortable for the horse and you. If anyone has one, I'd appreciate any input since i'd like to get one.

Posted By: anonymous

I have a size 16 English All-Purpose saddle, and I was wondering if that was the standard size or something...

Posted By: anonymous

I think you should make sure a saddle fits your horse before you buy the saddle. You wouldn't want to be causing your horse any discomfort, would you?? I think Crosby's are extremely comfortable, but be warned, they are expensive!Make sure you get the right size tree, narrow, normal,or wide. It causes horses alot of pain to wear a saddle that is the wrong size tree.

Posted By: Sonny's Girl

I've heard that Ortho-Flex saddles are very comfortable and are popular in endurance.

Posted By: Sonny's Girl

One of the number one reasons horses buck and/or turn sour is saddle fit! Most of us have been taught to place a saddle higher up than it needs to be. Check YOUR saddle's position-be sure it sits BEHIND the shoulder blade, otherwise it's like trying to lift your arm in a too tight shirt! Your girth should not be slanted forward just behind the leg, but a little back to allow a better balance. Does your saddle flip up in the back as you canter? It's too far forward!

Posted By: Kaiyoum

I herd Ortho-Flex saddles are the best saddles you can get. They are expensive, but there aren't any pressure points on the horses back because the special saddle tree flexes with your horses back

Posted By: anonymous

I just started leasing a horse this week. Today was ride #2. He was acting very nasty, and grumpy like he was uncomfortable. I think I had the cinch too tight. After about 20 min I unsaddled him and let him rest for the remainder of the day. There are no sores on his back, or marks. How long should I wait until I ride again. I feel so bad!

Posted By: Kim

If he seems to appear alright, then try riding him in another saddle that fits him well and see how he does with the different saddle. I would also experiment with a few options to determine what exactly is bothering him so that I can prevent it in the future. For example, if the saddle doesn't fit good, then you can use a different saddle. If the cinch was too tight, try loosening it a hole or two. If your first ride went well and you used all the same equipment on him the first time, the problem could be due to training...the horse may be just not listening to your cues, or the problem could be a health problem. If it persists, contact your veterinarian and let him check your horse to rule out any health problems.

Posted By: anonymous

I just purchased a rocking r saddle a few months ago, after testing out an ortho-flex(the company ahs since sold out its design to rocking r). I knew little about saddle fit untill I spoke with many people w/many opinions. I came to the conclusion that my saddle did not fit my jumpy high spirited gaited gelding. Within the first week of riding w/my new saddle 98% of his spookish ness is gone. It is my experience that a horse in pain will tell you they are, it just becomes more pronounced the longer it takes you to get the message. Try borrowing as many sifferent saddles (w/diff fits) first to see if there is a change, then go on from there. He rode better w/an english saddle too, however I didnt care for the calf bruises or the "lilly pad" feel while on the trails, but that's what I used untill I could afford a new saddle. Now, we're both all smiles!

Posted By: Amy

You may need help with saddle fit. Try different models and palpate the next day for soreness. Don't have a custom saddle made until the horse has quit growing.(about 5) Rocking R saddles with the flexible panels will fit about 99% of all horses and mules. Contact me or check out my web page at www.rockingrsaddles.net for any saddle fitting problems.

Posted By: Paul

I'm a human chiropractor who has worked on horses too. 80% of the time the problem was yhe saddle. Any of the three companies which make paneled saddles would be head and shdlrs above a rigid treed saddle. Ortho -Flex and Len Brown , of course, started it (although there was a similar idea in the late 1800's) His concept is unique. Now Rocking-R and American-Flex also make a saddle which rides on top of two panels. I am still amazed that horsepeople, esp. those who should know don't get it

Posted By: egerton

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Posted By: kitchenusast

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Posted By: appledoggoog

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Posted By: oceanrightjh

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Posted By: carclean

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Posted By: froggirlaust

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Posted By: greedstevenj