Narrow twists and hip problems

[mvp]

@kris0227

Yes! A narrow twist makes ALL the difference! Well, for me anyway. I don’t have the hip issues that you do, but I can’t stand a wide twist saddle (or western saddle which don’t have a twist, they’re just as wide as the horse’s back). I’ve always ridden in a narrow twist on my wide horses (currently riding a fjord). Most people get on my horses and ask how they’re “so narrow”, the horse isn’t, the twist in the saddle is.

With all due respect, I don’t think you have described western saddles accurately.

[Bristol_Bay]

Narrow twist and forward flaps. I gave up riding in a dressage saddle 7 years ago because of hip pain. I had only been riding once a week and suffering for it. I borrowed a friend’s close contact just to see, and immediately felt relief. I switched saddles but not disciplines. You can show up to a certain level in a CC saddle. (I don’t show so this isn’t an issue for me.)

I know Stubben makes a forward flap saddle, the Aramis. There was a thread a few weeks ago, if you can find it.

In any event, try a CC saddle, and if it gives you relief, maybe it’s the flap that will solve your problem. Good luck!

Edited to add link to FF thread:

https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/dressage/10209790-forward-flap-dressage-saddles-for-eventing-rider-who-prefers-a-shorter-stirrup-lenght

[Dune]

Two things: First, If your horse truly is WIDE (ie hoop tree candidate), you’re not going to be able to have a narrow twist. Anyone who tells you that is lying, period. I’ve seen some where they make the attempt, but then there’s a good 4"-6" between you and the horse. Buy narrow horses, lol! Second, I know you said that yoga helps but you don’t have time for it. Make time. Also, maybe look into trying to find a PT that can help you. Trust me. From my hips to yours…

[tbchick84]

I don’t have hip pain, but apparently I have limited hip range, so I was shopping for a narrow twist saddle recently. For some reason, they all felt too wide for me other than the Wolfgang Steffans Advantage. I didn’t like how it rode, so I had to pass on it.

Where I did end up finding relief, that this might be your trick considering your wider horse, is a monoflap saddle. Just taking off that one layer of leather was enough to let my legs hang normally and not feel tight in the hips. Might be worth a look.

[kiwichick]

@Dune

Two things: First, If your horse truly is WIDE (ie hoop tree candidate), you’re not going to be able to have a narrow twist;-)

My horse is Baroque and i think my current saddle is a hoop tree actually.

[kiwichick]

@Bristol Bay

Narrow twist and forward flaps. I gave up riding in a dressage saddle 7 years ago because of hip pain. I had only been riding once a week and suffering for it. I borrowed a friend’s close contact just to see, and immediately felt relief. I switched saddles but not disciplines. You can show up to a certain level in a CC saddle. (I don’t show so this isn’t an issue for me.)

I know Stubben makes a forward flap saddle, the Aramis. There was a thread a few weeks ago, if you can find it.

In any event, try a CC saddle, and if it gives you relief, maybe it’s the flap that will solve your problem. Good luck!

Edited to add link to FF thread:

https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/dressage/10209790-forward-flap-dressage-saddles-for-eventing-rider-who-prefers-a-shorter-stirrup-lenght

Thanks for the link, i will have a read.

I do have a cc saddle as i jump also and ive done a few dressage tests in it. I graduated back to dressage saddles recently.
I dont get the same pain in the CC, but i think thats because the stirrups are shorter.

I just feel like i dont ride my horse on the flat as well in it, and i can get back pain instead (totally referred from the hip)

[oppsfelldown]

I’m on the narrow twist band wagon - they make a world of difference. Also some variations to explore are:

mono-flap (mentioned above i believe)

less knee roll

shallower seat (not that giant deep scoopy seat)

stirrup bar placement - see if maybe you need the bars placed slightly further back or tilted back a smidge.

I miss the old Stubbens that were made back in the 60s & 70s.

[lorilu]

Me too! I had a really hard time with my left leg - it floated out in front and I fought to keep it under me. Then a saddle fitter suggested it was the twist too wide - she brought out a Custom Wolfgang Solo II - and it is magic.

ANd Bristol Bay, a CC saddle is an “English” saddle - no restriction as to level here in the US…

[lorilu]

@kiwichick

My horse is Baroque and i think my current saddle is a hoop tree actually.

I ride a wide Luso and have a narrow twist… see above. And I am NOT 4 inches off his back.

[lorilu]

@kiwichick

Stirrup bar placement, hmm

I think you might be right.
ive been told several times that id need a narrow twist, but there is no verifiable difference for me between a very wide (laser 747 i had for awhile) and anything im currently riding in (or since which is a million saddles)

The worst saddles for me are deep seat with large knee rolls. The worst i tried was the bates innova which i was immediately immobilised in and in so much pain i couldnt move to get off! The isobel worth is also another bad one.

It seems to be in the straighter my leg is the worse i am. As a result i ride reasonably short for dressage.

I tried about ten saddles when i bought this one. I had a really nice kentaur but once i had a lesson in it with sitting around, the clearer it was a no-go.

Im so sick of saddle shopping. This current saddle is awesome apart from my continued hip pain.

@x-halt-salute im the same after a dressage comp, cant sleep, walk like a duck etc. Yoga does help a fair bit, but i never seem to get time.

IF you are riding a really wide horse, and your hips/pelvis “wants” a narrow twist, you will not have a “straight” leg unless your hip ligaments are really flexible.

[kiwichick]

@lorilu

IF you are riding a really wide horse, and your hips/pelvis “wants” a narrow twist, you will not have a “straight” leg unless your hip ligaments are really flexible.

I dont have a very straight leg at all. I looked at stills of me in the dressage saddle and you could photoshop me onto a SJ saddle and it wouldnt look photoshopped.

Thanks everyone i have decided to stick with what i know at this point, as i have learnt there is no generic hip pain, and mine isnt the twist causing it (well im.pretty sure) but my hip angle seems to be the issue. I highly doubt a mono flap would make any difference at all, so our source of pain must be different. Definitely big blocks and deep seats are agony for me as they push my hip angle open. Its only one hip too.

My saddle could be a xc as it has such a low cantle and very small knee rolls.

Ill keep on withthe stretches asthey are helping actually. Hip flexor especially

[tollertwins]

Blocks that force your thigh vertical are likely to make pain worse. A slightly forward stirrup bar and a shorter stirrup MIGHT help, as then you’re riding w a more closed hip angle (sometimes I’m bad enough I flat can’t sit up straight), but it kinda depends on the issue.

[mvp]

@oppsfelldown

I miss the old Stubbens that were made back in the 60s & 70s.

I have a few 90s Stubben dressage saddles in Museum Condition that I’m selling if y’all want in on that.

[Twigster]

@lorilu

Me too! I had a really hard time with my left leg - it floated out in front and I fought to keep it under me. Then a saddle fitter suggested it was the twist too wide - she brought out a Custom Wolfgang Solo II - and it is magic.

ANd Bristol Bay, a CC saddle is an “English” saddle - no restriction as to level here in the US…

There’s no restriction for the National levels (intro through 4th, so a cc saddle is appropriate. FEI classes require a “straight flapped” dressage saddle.

[Dune]

@lorilu

I ride a wide Luso and have a narrow twist… see above. And I am NOT 4 inches off his back.

What kind of saddle is that?

[Dune]

@kiwichick

My horse is Baroque and i think my current saddle is a hoop tree actually.

Best kind of saddle tree for this type of horse! Unfortunately for us, it can be murder on the hips. Glad the stretches are helping, they are your friend.

[KyrieNZ]

Have you tried a WOW? They are amazing for fitting wide horses and not so wide hipped riders

[lorilu]

@Dune

What kind of saddle is that?

Custom Wolfgang Solo II. I previously rode in a Lemke.

[kiwichick]

@KyrieNZ

Have you tried a WOW? They are amazing for fitting wide horses and not so wide hipped riders

Yes had a wow, made no difference

[Dune]

@lorilu

Custom Wolfgang Solo II. I previously rode in a Lemke.

Nice saddle, I love Custom(s) for the rider, so comfy!!! If one truly has a WIDE horse, that is a hoop tree candidate these will not be the best choice for the horse unfortunately. There are wide horses, and then there are WIDE horses, I’ve had both. It also doesn’t matter what size the horse is, I had a GRP that was wider than any of my WBs. Folks had a hard time wrapping their head around that one, lol!!!