new to English, saddle killing my leg

[walkers]

Rode new English AP trail saddle yesterday which nicely fits my horse.

Ouch , i ride in ariat sneaker type boots and riding tights. The edge of the saddle flap was digging into my calf. It really hurt my leg, saddle is brand new solo flap Phillip Fontaine (stubben sale purchase).
I was riding in a old Stelle plantation saddle which has a long soft flap,this saddle doesn’t fit this horse but was comfy for me.

So what am I doing wrong,? I lower my leg which helped some but was a very long leg then,not secure.
I can’t wear tall boots besides hating them , do I have to get half chaps?
Is there a way to break in a new english saddle that I am clueless about.
Advice please
just a old trail rider.

[Pocket_Pony]

I might start with half chaps to see if that helps until your saddle gets more broken in. Do you ride with long socks on? What kinds of tights? You might try boot cut breeches that have a long patch down the leg.

I just started riding in boot cut breeches but I do make sure to wear long socks underneath them. This after riding for my whole life in either full chaps, half chaps, or tall boots.

The flap could also just be in the wrong spot for your leg length.

[arlosmine]

Yes, you need half chaps. There are ones me for endurance riders with mesh panels for staying cool

[walkers]

Thanks ,where do I fine the mesh panels half chaps. I tried on a few today and they all fit so differently, to long or short for the leg or correct length but to tight. The tack manager showed me a gel sleeve that people use to deal with the top of their boots but it felt so tight I can’t imagine wearing this all day.
Anyone tried that?

[Nezzy]

Dover sells Half Chaps, so does Stateline.

[Melissa.Van_Doren]

I think the gel sleeve, while a good product, will not last very long where you’re rubbing the edge of your flap. Leather half chaps are likely to be your best bet.

It sounds like your saddle is a monoflap? Do the billets attach at the base of the flap?

[Pocket_Pony]

I have the Ariat half chaps and riding sneakers that I use for trail riding.

The half chaps are these; I’ve had them for years and they hold up well:
http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Ariat_Terrain_II_Ventilated_Breathable_Half_Chaps/descpage-AT2HC.html

The riding shoes I have are maybe an older version of these, as the shoes are mesh at the top and they are shaped like a shoe, not a small boot. They do let a lot of sand in the toe area (the ones I have, not these):

http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Ariat_Terrain_Endurance_Taupe/descpage-ATWBT.html

[SuzieQNutter]

You need to earn your long legs. If you are insecure shorten the stirrups. They will come back down as you get stronger.

[JeanM]

another option besides half chaps is to get breeches or riding jeans with “endurance patch” leather. The leather goes from the hem of each leg to above the knee. I have two pairs from Equissentials - one of which is made with stretchy jeans fabric (which, come to think of it, they no longer offer as an option ). They’re pricey, but very comfortable. I imagine there are other brands that offer a similar design.

[Mukluk]

If you want to be comfortable- English saddles, because of the narrow exposed stirrup leathers, require lower leg protection. Common options include short boots and half chaps or tall boots (though sounds like JeanM has some additional advice). OR you can be a super toughie and ride with no stirrups or irons (uhhh… just kidding :D).

[red_mares]

Before I got half chaps, tall boots or anything like that, I’d condition the crap out of the saddle.

I’ve ridden in English saddles (cutbacks) forever and never really had any issues. No one wears tall boots or half chaps; it’s paddock boots and jods or jeans. I don’t think I ever even thought about knee socks - no reason to. The only thing I’ve seen people use is a $3 pair of tie downs on their pant legs.

[Mukluk]

I am wondering if the leg position on a cutback english saddle makes it less of an issue? Looks like you would have less lower leg against the stirrup leathers. As for me- I think no matter how much my saddle were conditioned, I would still require half chaps or other lower leg protection.

[ChasPonyCat]

[QUOTE=Nezzy;8571156]
Dover sells Half Chaps, so does Stateline.[/QUOTE]

Also, if you decide to go the half chap route, I recommend checking out ebay. I just bought a pair this morning, and there were many of the same chaps that Stateline and Dover had but for cheaper and free shipping.

[Equibrit]

Mesh Chaps; http://store.runningbear.com/catalog/display.php?cartid=56e6fe8dc2890&zid=1&lid=1&cat=4&scat=177

[walkers]

Thanks for all the advice, i did try a friends half chaps which totally helped though I think they are way to hot for warm weather. I have much to learn about english. I had been riding a Steele plantation saddle with english leathers but a long leg more like dressage.That Saddle was to narrow for my horse and this english saddle fits him great but not me. If I don’t sit up very straight and slump my tail bone(old injury) hurts a lot .its good for my posture but am going to hunt down a nice get seat saver .
He is moving so good in the saddle got to find a a way to make it work for me.
I’m not young, way past middle aged so I am also having dismount issue,got my leg stuck on the cantle bag which never happen on my other saddle.
I saw those cantle bags for english that fit over the cantle but they look like they’d rub the leather and/or my butt.
Oh well should be good for my brain and body to learn this new stuff. LOL

[Guilherme]

[QUOTE=walkers;8569489]
Rode new English AP trail saddle yesterday which nicely fits my horse.

Ouch , i ride in ariat sneaker type boots and riding tights. The edge of the saddle flap was digging into my calf. It really hurt my leg, saddle is brand new solo flap Phillip Fontaine (stubben sale purchase).
I was riding in a old Stelle plantation saddle which has a long soft flap,this saddle doesn’t fit this horse but was comfy for me.

So what am I doing wrong,? I lower my leg which helped some but was a very long leg then,not secure.
I can’t wear tall boots besides hating them , do I have to get half chaps?
Is there a way to break in a new english saddle that I am clueless about.
Advice please
just a old trail rider.[/QUOTE]

I’m trying to visualize the problem without much success. Could you post of picture of you in the saddle in your normal position (the one that causes you pain )? Then we can decide on leg protection, seat adjustment, or saddle replacement.

G.

[SonnysMom]

I ride in half chaps all the time. If you think you might be hot the mesh ones may be your best bet.
To break in the saddle I have had a lot of luck with putting the saddle somewhere warm but not in direct sunlight. In the winter I put a strip heater in the bathroom and run it up to 80 degrees.
I then use hydrophane to lightly oil the underside of the leather. I then sit in front of the TV and roll the flaps. I roll them up/down/diagonally. Just sit there and flex the leather to make it softer. I let the saddle get warm again, oil, roll, oil, let sit overnight in the warmth and roll some more.
If you think the seat is a bit too hard for your taste you can get a seat cover. I have one on a saddle now that is a wonderful Merino wool. There are gel ones too. Wool breathes so it shouldn’t be too warm in the summer. I bought a Christ brand since I needed a dense wool to take up some up my seat size. It is very nice and cushy. I have the English seat saver.
http://horsedreamimporters.com/seat.php

I see some endurance riders use wool seat savers that really cover virtually all the saddle like this:
http://www.wildhorsecolors.com/fullenglishsaddlesheepskinseatcushion.aspx