I have a synthetic aussie, which I love, but I notice after the flocking packed down I could actually feel some of the hardware attach points on the underside. I noticed my horse being a little hesitant to walk out and I’m pretty sure she could feel the hardware pressure points, so I quite using it. I thought about having it reflocked but I live in Alaska and it costs $100 to ship it down to the states and $100 to ship back… a new synthetic is $299 plus shipping.
Hum…thanks for that tip. I will check mine today because it is a synthetic. It has the big wool serge thingies underneath that are like an English Saddle.
Front chamber too wide – w/ photos
I sent these photos to DownUnder Saddlery and just got off the phone speaking with them. They believe the saddle placement is correct, but the front chamber is too wide. They suggest I send the saddle back to them, with a new wither tracing and these photos, and they will correct it. No charge.
I’m including the photo links here just to see what you guys think – does this sound reasonable? (She said I could use a fitment pad to prop up the chamber, but adjusting the saddle itself makes sense to me, especially if there is no charge?)
Full profile: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1149.snc4/149156_1576862834843_1633774055_1391214_5227343_n.jpg
Front angle showing the front chamber: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1154.snc4/149635_1576863114850_1633774055_1391215_3597118_n.jpg
P.S. – Photos taken without a pad, per their instructions.
I agree. The front is too wide. I think the front is too wide on my saddle for my new horse…it is sitting somewhat like that but this boy has weight to put on.
I would sent it back. Let them adjust it and see how it goes.
Maybe more than you want to spend but most tuckers are great for sharkfin horses. If you can find a used model with a medium tree it might work very well for you.
Yes, looks pretty well clunked down onto his withers…ah the joys of Tb’s, huh?! Hopefully that will correct the problem. Let us know.
It looks really low on the withers. I don’t think a pad is going to cut it, it definitely needs to go back. If it fits reasonably well onc eyou get it back then you can always use a pad to make the fit better, especially if your horse’s weight changes at all season to season.
How strange. It’s too wide in the front. But in the side photo, it sits UP in front and down in back – like it’s too narrow. And it should be relatively level.
If I were you, I’d take a better side photo (I had to enlarge and lighten it) and send both photos to the saddlemakers with a request that they evaluate how the saddle fits his entire back. Because, from those photos, sending them a wither tracing and fiddling around with the front of the saddle probably won’t be enough to make your horse happy.
Good luck.
Thanks, MP. I will take more photos this afternoon (the sun is shining) and I will mention your comments in my notes.
I agree, it does appear to be a little wide. With weight in the saddle you may be making contact on those withers when moving out.
