A Saddle That Fits

The GFS saddle arrived, and Harley is showing no signs of any discomfort from it.  The new saddle, a fleece shaped pad, and a nice, soft Stubben girth seem to be a winning combination.  Of course, now the weather has gone bad and we have had more rain, but I'm still riding when the sun comes out.  We haven't been able to school in a ring very much, but the weather will improve and we'll be able to.

I know now to check my saddle fit every few months, and to watch Harley for signs that there are pressure points.  Checking the sweat pattern on his back after every ride will also become a regular habit, as that can show if the saddle is sitting evenly on him.  The Elite fit Harley with the gullet plate that came with it, but to be on the safe side, I also ordered extra plates that are wider and narrower in case his body changes.  Fingers crossed that, if that happens, one of the plates will make the necessary adjustment.

What does Harley think of his new saddle?  Is this a happy horse? 

Saddle Fitting - Trial and Error

After riding Harley in the Schleese for about a month now, I'm not convinced that he is completely happy with it.  Although it fits him very well, no bridging, wide enough gullet, and not too long in the tree, the design of the saddle may not work for him.  Harley is very sensitive about pressure in the withers/shoulder area, and the design of the front panels might be an issue. 

However, while searching online for information about this problem, I discovered that the company that makes my previous saddle, also makes a line of saddles for horses with wide withers and shoulders.  After shopping around, I found a merchant who was selling a model very similar to my first saddle, and they offer 7 different gullet plates to "custom" fit the saddle to the horse.  I've ordered the saddle with 4 extra gullet plates, and am optimistic that one of them will fit him comfortably.

If one of these plates does not work on Harley, I may just get a western saddle and turn him into a warmblood trail horse.  No, not really, but as you can tell, owning a horse can be a very frustrating, patience-testing experience.  Be prepared to endure trials and tribulations, and never give up on your horse.  Other people gave up on Harley, and I will not.  He's so very special, and deserves to have someone believe in him and stick with him no matter what.