Need some more experienced insight on this Frank Baines.

[talkofthetown]

For the full back story of my mare, check out the thread in Off course, “looking for thoughts on this re-training situation”. Sorry, on my phone and it’s hard to link.

Long story short, my mare has some serious back soreness that I am working on with my vet and chitro/massage therapist. Old injury most likely, not dealt with at the time. My current saddle is not a good fit either, so I have been doing ground work only until I can a) get her back in good shape again, and b)afford a well fitting saddle. I’ve found one that I am completely in love with and itching to buy, and I could use some unemotional advice.

The saddle is a Frank Baines Capriole. I’ve wanted a Baines for YEARS. This one happens to be at an incredible price. But the owner won’t do a trial. Here’s what I’d like advice on:

A) I don’t know much about what types of backs they are known to fit the best. Is this model likely to fit my mare’s back? I realize that reflocking may be necessary.
B) if it doesn’t fit, how easy would it be to resell?
C)would you buy this without trying it on?

Best pics I have of my mare’s back:
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/bronnybear/Mobile%20Uploads/20151109_132350.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/bronnybear/Mobile%20Uploads/20160124_163647.jpg

I reeeally want to jump on this. But want to make a smart decision. Enable me, please? :lol:

[Pocket_Pony]

I will say that I LOOOOOVEEEEE my Frank Baines Capriole. It puts me in just the right position - there is no fighting this saddle at all, it is easy to just sit there.

Here’s the back of the horse that I use mine on. I don’t think it would be good for a curvy back or a horse that needs banana panels.

http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s654/PrincessFishCheeks/Big%20Mac%20%202005%20BLM%20mustang/Macsback1_zps224934b5.jpg

I just love this saddle. I had toyed with the idea of selling it, but I’m hoping it will fit my pony when she fills out more.

[J-Lu]

I can say that I test rode a Frank Baines and LOVED it. My saddle fitter said it fit me like a glove and it fit my horse, too. Unfortunately, my horse became unhappy and bucked me off when I had the saddle on trial. His behavior suggested that he really didn’t dig the saddle and he never repeated the behavior since. I didn’t buy it and felt sad.

Of note, my horse is pretty much a medium wide and the medium FB fit him. Apparently, it’s known to be a bit on the generous side.

I would be hesitant to buy a saddle I couldn’t try and send back if necessary…unless I was willing to wait until I could recoup the purchase price.

[J-Lu]

PS, if you can take some pictures of your horse on level ground and do good measurements, you can ask a knowledgeable independent saddle fitter to comment on the types of saddles that might fit your horse.

[jaybird660]

The Capriole is on the same tree as the Elegance if you have ever tried one of those. I think your horse has more of a Baines Pirouette back. I would not buy a saddle without trying it. What can look like it should be a good fit statically can be vastly different actively and horses don’t always like what makes sense.

Does this saddle have any front or full front gussets? Additionally, this photo would be helpful:
One from the back, behind the tail on a mounting block looking down on the back, head straight

[talkofthetown]

Jay, thank you for the tip. I won’t be home until after dark tonight, but I can try and get some better pictures tomorrow.

To answer your question about front or full front gussets; the ad says that it has gusseted panels. I believe that’s the same thing, correct?

What specifically makes you think she would be better in the Pirouette? I tried to find information online about the different model comparisons but couldn’t find much. Just curious how they differ, and why you would recommend one over the other.

Thanks!

[exploding_pony]

If you have a horse with a sore back I would have a saddle fitter out and try a number of saddles. Get one to fit your mare - the less under saddle work you do, the more her topline is going to change, then you are in a real chicken and egg situation.

If you work with a saddle fitter, then you can get it adjusted every 6 months or so to make sure it fits and she’s comfortable during the rehab.

[mvp]

[QUOTE=talkofthetown;8606815]
Jay, thank you for the tip. I won’t be home until after dark tonight, but I can try and get some better pictures tomorrow.

To answer your question about front or full front gussets; the ad says that it has gusseted panels. I believe that’s the same thing, correct?

What specifically makes you think she would be better in the Pirouette? I tried to find information online about the different model comparisons but couldn’t find much. Just curious how they differ, and why you would recommend one over the other.

Thanks![/QUOTE]

Front gussets in panels are not the same. Gussets are demarcated by seams. They are two pieces of leather sewn together so as to produce a bag for wool that is 3-D; they work well to create more depth than does a panel made from one piece of leather.

“Gussets” usual refers to the back section of the panels. Look for a seam that parallels the horse’s back.

It’s less usual/more modern to create gussets or a 3-D section of panel up in front near the pommel. But it can be a god-send for the pear-shaped horse. Usually, this is a custom option.

The same detective work applies when wondering if a saddle has gussets in front: Look for a seam in the panel that creates and edge-- a distinction between the part of the panel that lies against the horse’s back and the part that gives the panel it’s thickness.

[talkofthetown]

Wanted to bump this up to add pictures; the owner made me a really good deal, so I went ahead and purchased the saddle. Willing to re-sell if it doesn’t work, but crossing my fingers that it does! Will definitely work on getting a fitter to come see it, but in the meantime I’d love your opinions. I know the theory behind saddle fitting, but I lack real life experience; I’ve always been blessed with easy, average-backed horses. ETA There is plenty of clearance for her spine, all the way down the gullet. I can also fit a few fingers comfortably under the front panels.

I apologize for the slightly wonky pictures. Horse has recently “forgotten” how to ground tie :rolleyes: and hubby wasn’t around to help. I feel like the saddle appears to be sitting crooked on her spine in this pictures. In person, it sits very straight and even from front to back. I also rode in it for about 20 minutes (walk only, first ride in 8 weeks) and it felt great. Piper felt good and seemed to be moving well. Thanks in advance!

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/bronnybear/20160411_181118.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/bronnybear/20160411_181232.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/bronnybear/20160411_181159.jpg

[jaybird660]

I always like to see it girthed but overall, first impression is positive. I also like to see it from the rear.

[talkofthetown]

Jay, thanks for chiming in! The second link is from the rear; should it be taken from further away?

[jaybird660]

Sorry. Missed that one. That looks fine. When girthed to riding tightness, the balance sometimes changes and also when mounted. Then, active fit can be vastly different. What looks theoretically good statically, might not be the best when riding. The horse will often let you know!