Rocking R saddle fit

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=Palm Beach;8863080]
The one and only time I ever had a saddle fitter come out, he told me, you want the saddle to drape on the horse like a piece of cooked limp lasagne. It basically drapes on the curves without gaps or pressure points. When you see it, you go “OOOHHHH” and when you don’t, you post pics and try to get people to convince you one way or the other.

Draftmare, I’m adding you by name to my prayer list since I know you’ve been going through this for a long time.[/QUOTE]

The reason I post pictures is because there aren’t any local western fitters. The best I can do is either rent a Port Lewis Impression pad myself, or haul 45 minutes away to a tack shop and a couple of the employees give me opinions. Not a lot different than posting here. Plus that tack shop is right on an eight lane highway. I have a huge fear of one noisy jake brake and my horse trying to take off across that highway. No thanks.

[beau159]

I like the looks of the Martin much better than the other saddle.

In the cinched-up pictures, it looks to be sitting farther forward on the horse’s back than I would like to see. Do you feel like there is any shoulder restriction or does the shoulder seem to move freely?

I think your horse may be just a smidge assymmetrical from side to side, as I’ve noticed this in your other saddle fitting pictures. With the Martin, it looks pretty decent on the horse’s left shoulder, but then one of your pictures makes the right side look like it is a “smidge” wide on the bar angle (not bad, by any means.). But it could be that the saddle wasn’t sitting perfectly center, as evident in one of the other pictures.

Did you get to ride in it? How were the sweat patterns?

Seat size looks fine to me. Remember that is only a GUIDELINE to have 3 fingers between your thigh and the swell. Now, if it feels too small to you and not comfortable, by all means, find a larger seat size in the same tree. But if it feels comfortable, I think a 15.5" would be just fine for you.

As far as a saddle fitter, if you’ve got one, great. But I honestly don’t even know if there is a saddle fitter in my entire state. Sure, there are people that can help with saddle fit … but they don’t really carry the title of “saddle fitter”.

[Draftmare]

@beau159;8864932

I like the looks of the Martin much better than the other saddle.

Me too. It has much more of the “settled just right” feeling that the other members mentioned.

In the cinched-up pictures, it looks to be sitting farther forward on the horse’s back than I would like to see. Do you feel like there is any shoulder restriction or does the shoulder seem to move freely?

She has a pretty forward girth groove. In an english saddle I have to use a anatomic girth to keep saddles back. Total Saddle Fit now offers a western anatomic girth, but I was told that it wouldn’t work the same as using an anatomic girth on an english saddle would. So, things are going to look a little more forward on her, but it doesn’t seem to really bother her. Her shoulders seemed to move well when I was rotating her legs back and forths in the cross ties.

I think your horse may be just a smidge assymmetrical from side to side, as I’ve noticed this in your other saddle fitting pictures. With the Martin, it looks pretty decent on the horse’s left shoulder, but then one of your pictures makes the right side look like it is a “smidge” wide on the bar angle (not bad, by any means.). But it could be that the saddle wasn’t sitting perfectly center, as evident in one of the other pictures.

Yes, she is. Her right shoulder is bigger than her left, so I have to fit everything to her right shoulder. Everything on her tilts slightly to the left. The whole saddle looks just a touch too wide to me, but I would rather have that than too narrow. That would be a nice change!

Did you get to ride in it? How were the sweat patterns?

Not yet, hopefully tonight! This day has been dragging!

Seat size looks fine to me. Remember that is only a GUIDELINE to have 3 fingers between your thigh and the swell. Now, if it feels too small to you and not comfortable, by all means, find a larger seat size in the same tree. But if it feels comfortable, I think a 15.5" would be just fine for you.

This is what I look like in a 16, so there isn’t a huge difference: https://goo.gl/photos/LmE2dCHQSwQTgspy7

I found the same model on the same tree in a 16, but for $400 more than what my friend is asking. Not sure if half an inch is worth that. It felt comfortable last night when just sitting on the saddle rack, and I was even able to do a bit of “posting” to test. The swell is low enough that I wasn’t wacking myself on it like I was when posting in the Rocking R.

As far as a saddle fitter, if you’ve got one, great. But I honestly don’t even know if there is a saddle fitter in my entire state. Sure, there are people that can help with saddle fit … but they don’t really carry the title of “saddle fitter”.

We have a couple of english saddle fitters floating around, but no western ones. Not sure why that is. Western saddles need to be fitted too! Personally I am finding fitting a western saddle much more complicated than fitting an english one.

[beau159]

[QUOTE=Draftmare;8865076]
The whole saddle looks just a touch too wide to me, but I would rather have that than too narrow. [/QUOTE]

Me too. One can work with that if it is slight (like yours). You can’t if its too narrow!

Even still, I would not put on overly thick pad on with the saddle. I’d still only do 1/2" or 3/4" pad and no more than that.

@Draftmare;8865076

It felt comfortable last night when just sitting on the saddle rack, and I was even able to do a bit of “posting” to test.

If the 15.5" feels comfortable, I also would not see any reason to spend $400 more on the 16".

[Draftmare]

Well mixed ride last night. She felt really good at the walk and trot/jog. At the lope she felt hollow, and bucked a couple of times. It could have been the cooler weather, and it could have been the fact that we haven’t cantered in the small indoor yet this year. Depending upon how she was standing it either felt really good in front, or super, super tight.

First group of pictures if pre-ride tacked up, and then second group is after our ride, as well as a comparison to my current saddle (on top) which she does really well in: https://goo.gl/photos/AKUmFL1bLUGuKySn9

The saddle felt pretty good to me, though when in motion I was up against the swells. Questioning if I really want to spend this amount of money with that in mind.

A friend of mine suggested trying a shim in front, wondering what everybody’s thoughts is on that. I don’t think I could go any wider without the saddle sitting on her withers.

[beau159]

[QUOTE=Draftmare;8865790]

A friend of mine suggested trying a shim in front, wondering what everybody’s thoughts is on that. I don’t think I could go any wider without the saddle sitting on her withers.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely not. Do not shim that saddle. Your angle is pretty decently matched with the shoulder and the saddle sits fairly level and, I think, looks like a pretty decent fit.

Shimming will only make the front tighter. You have no reason to shim.

Now again, I think your bar angle looks pretty decent. Maybe could go a SMIDGE wider; but not by much. Going wider doesn’t necessarily make the saddle sit lower (gullet clearance), although different saddles will have different gullet heights.

What thickness is your saddle pad?
What brand?

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=beau159;8868337]
Absolutely not. Do not shim that saddle. Your angle is pretty decently matched with the shoulder and the saddle sits fairly level and, I think, looks like a pretty decent fit.

Shimming will only make the front tighter. You have no reason to shim.

Now again, I think your bar angle looks pretty decent. Maybe could go a SMIDGE wider; but not by much. Going wider doesn’t necessarily make the saddle sit lower (gullet clearance), although different saddles will have different gullet heights.

What thickness is your saddle pad?
What brand?[/QUOTE]

I was thinking that the saddle looked just slightly too wide. It is on their 8 inch tree.

My saddle pad is a 3/4 inch 5 Star.

I gave this saddle back for now. I am going to think on the seat size. While in motion I felt pretty snug against the front. Not uncomfortably so, and I didn’t feel like I was spilling out of the saddle…but it is a lot of money. So going to think on that, and look around for other Martins in a bigger seat size. The local tack shop has three that are going to be coming in for consignment soon.

[beau159]

[QUOTE=Draftmare;8869337]
I was thinking that the saddle looked just slightly too wide. It is on their 8 inch tree.

My saddle pad is a 3/4 inch 5 Star. [/QUOTE]

When you combine your saddle with your saddle pad, it is not too wide. I think it looks pretty good. No way I would shim that.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=beau159;8869935]
When you combine your saddle with your saddle pad, it is not too wide. I think it looks pretty good. No way I would shim that.[/QUOTE]

When I was mounted, I had some trouble running my hands down the sides. I have never been real clear if that is something to worry about or not?

Do you know if Martin makes any other brands, or just Martin? (Kind of like how Circle Y makes Tucker and Reinsman).

[cloudy18]

It’s going to be difficult to slide your hands down the sides while mounted. Now it might be tight if you can’t get them under there without a fight.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=cloudy18;8875579]
It’s going to be difficult to slide your hands down the sides while mounted. Now it might be tight if you can’t get them under there without a fight.[/QUOTE]

Good to know!

[beau159]

@Draftmare;8870922

When I was mounted, I had some trouble running my hands down the sides. I have never been real clear if that is something to worry about or not?

Something to think about: In order for you to reach down and run your hand down the sides, you must lean forward. You are going to put more weight into the front of the saddle when you do that and yes, it is going to make it tight.

If you can have someone else sit in the saddle (squarely) while you walk beside, that would be a better test.

But as long as there is free shoulder movement, and decent-looking sweat pattern, I would not be concerned.

Do you know if Martin makes any other brands, or just Martin? (Kind of like how Circle Y makes Tucker and Reinsman). [/QUOTE]

They have different “models” of saddles, but I believe Martin only does Martin.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=beau159;8877405]
Something to think about: In order for you to reach down and run your hand down the sides, you must lean forward. You are going to put more weight into the front of the saddle when you do that and yes, it is going to make it tight.

If you can have someone else sit in the saddle (squarely) while you walk beside, that would be a better test.

But as long as there is free shoulder movement, and decent-looking sweat pattern, I would not be concerned.

Do you know if Martin makes any other brands, or just Martin? (Kind of like how Circle Y makes Tucker and Reinsman).

They have different “models” of saddles, but I believe Martin only does Martin.[/QUOTE]

Actually, it looks like they make the Cashel trail saddles. Recently came across a couple of ebay with the name Cashel by Martin. Not something that I am interested in though.

There was good shoulder movement, and she seemed to be moving well and didn’t complain other than some bucking at the canter. But again, I don’t know if that was influenced by the weather on that particular day, and/or by the fact that we were in the indoor for the first time this year.

Starting my ‘official’ hunt for a Martin. I keep going back and forth on my friends, the only thing I didn’t like was the seat size.

[beau159]

[QUOTE=Draftmare;8877990]

Starting my ‘official’ hunt for a Martin. I keep going back and forth on my friends, the only thing I didn’t like was the seat size. :([/QUOTE]

If you weren’t comfortable with the seat size, then don’t settle! Get one with a seat size you like.

[Draftmare]

No, I don’t think I will.

Another option is this saddle: http://m.horsesaddleshop.com/used-hr-cutter-ushr3480.html. I got to touch and sit in it when I was at their shop and really liked it. They say the bar angle is the same as the Martin.

And this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/142139916376?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2661&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT which seems more likely. Though it has been for sale since the start of August, and I kind of wonder why.

Just gun shy about buying not local!

[beau159]

@Draftmare;8878688

Another option is this saddle: http://m.horsesaddleshop.com/used-hr-cutter-ushr3480.html. I got to touch and sit in it when I was at their shop and really liked it. They say the bar angle is the same as the Martin.

I’m not really sure how they can say that. Sure, the bar angle might be similar … but what about the other 100 factors to consider?

I supposed you could contact the company and find out what exact tree is in this one that saddleshop has for sale, and see if they have a bare tree you can try. But I highly doubt they use the same trees as Martin - and therefore, I don’t know how horsesaddleshop can say “its the same”.

Also, that saddle is a 17" seat, which is larger than what you normally ride in it sounds?

@Draftmare;8878688

And this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/142139916376...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT which seems more likely. Though it has been for sale since the start of August, and I kind of wonder why.

You could get the serial number of that saddle, and compare it to the serial number of your friends saddle. You can call Martin and find out if both saddles have the same tree in them. Then they should fit the same.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=beau159;8880067]
I’m not really sure how they can say that. Sure, the bar angle might be similar … but what about the other 100 factors to consider?

I supposed you could contact the company and find out what exact tree is in this one that saddleshop has for sale, and see if they have a bare tree you can try. But I highly doubt they use the same trees as Martin - and therefore, I don’t know how horsesaddleshop can say “its the same”.

Also, that saddle is a 17" seat, which is larger than what you normally ride in it sounds?

You could get the serial number of that saddle, and compare it to the serial number of your friends saddle. You can call Martin and find out if both saddles have the same tree in them. Then they should fit the same.[/QUOTE]

I will do that with the serial numbers, though my friend with the Martin thinks that saddle looks outdated and could be a hard resell if I have to?

I think I am not going to persue the HR. The site says their trees are a 6 3/4, which wouldn’t work for us. The only reason it came back on my radar is that the tack shop was bugging me about a restocking fee…on a saddle that was marked as the wrong size…unless I got a different saddle from them.

I can fit in most 16 inch seats as long as the seat isn’t too deep, but I am more comfortable in a 16.5 inch seat.

Another option that I came across from the same seller as the Dale Martin. Seller says that the saddle was used on a very round horse, and that to her it looks like it would work for my horse… https://goo.gl/photos/vWFKDMSu7jETBcwq8

Trying to compare these to the front of my saddle: https://goo.gl/photos/P6bkmM8s3x3C2Lf17

[beau159]

@Draftmare;8880255

Another option that I came across from the same seller as the Dale Martin. Seller says that the saddle was used on a very round horse, and that to her it looks like it would work for my horse… https://goo.gl/photos/vWFKDMSu7jETBcwq8

Are you able to try this saddle on your horse then?

Again, comparing the Catcus tree to the Martin tree is like comparing apples to oranges. Not the same tree nor the same saddle maker! There unfortunately just isn’t any standard. Really no good way to compare the bar angle (or the rock, twist, flare, etc) without simply trying it on the horse.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=beau159;8884932]
Are you able to try this saddle on your horse then?

Again, comparing the Catcus tree to the Martin tree is like comparing apples to oranges. Not the same tree nor the same saddle maker! There unfortunately just isn’t any standard. Really no good way to compare the bar angle (or the rock, twist, flare, etc) without simply trying it on the horse.[/QUOTE]

I would have to have it shipped to me, and they charge a hefty restocking fee. So I am trying to figure out if it is a good enough contender to be worth all of that.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=Palm Beach;8849823]
I had one and it ended up causing white hairs on both sides of his withers - it had a regular Steele tree in it. Not as good of a fit as the Circle Y Flex2. Ended up selling it.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=beau159;8851532]
I have a Circle Y Flex2 saddle for both my horses. Love the saddle. (I have the wide tree for my boys.)

My mom also has the Flex2 but she’s got the regular for her horse. Loves her saddle as well.[/QUOTE]

I may actually end up considering these saddles after all.

This is the one I am looking at: http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/pioneer-circley-saddle-1665.html#.V_6BcOArKhc

Comes in extra wide, in my budget. Just not sure about the stirrup placement. I don’t want something that is going to pull my leg out in front of me like my old Circle Y trail saddle did. Any input on this model?

This is what the wide flex tree I tried last year looked like: https://goo.gl/photos/HU9uwsKPpptPx7LZA