In which cases do different billet systems work?
Can a saddle fit but just have the wrong billets?
More particularly, who is a good candidate for v billets?
A saddle can definitely be thrown off by a wrong billet configuration. A point billet is good for a round horse or one with a forward girth spot among other reasons. But you can also have a point billet that angles from the side of a block. That same billet can put too much pressure on a wither by pulling down too straight.
A behind the point billet can be good for many horses such as ones with withers or even center billets, but horses that need point billets might have the saddle slide forward if not a point billet.
A rear billet is good for round horses as it helps stabilize the saddle, keeping the rear from lifting up or shifting. A swing/balance billet is good for many horses as it helps equalize pressure and ideally, slides to find the most balanced spot.
A V billet helps spread out the pressure to two point. Certainly, there are more reasons for the different placements but one thing I often suggest when ordering is adding a nylon tab for a point or behind the point billet. It makes changing the position of the billets very easy and far less expensive than dropping a panel to change it.
There are so many reasons why a saddle might slide forward, pop up in back, or slide side to side. Sometimes, better billet placement will help and sometimes it’s a matter of inadequate saddle fit.
The girth also needs to be suitable for the billet placement.
Thank you Jay!
Yes the billets are a part of the saddle fitting equation and can really change how the saddle fits. One particular example comes to mind. I had a client who have a Fairfax Dressage saddle which comes standard with 3 billets. I position the girth on the first two billets. During a clinic I was attending with the rider, the presenter thought he knew a lot about saddle fitting and was talking about it and moved the girth to the back two billets. Then during the ride the saddle started moving and went up over the shoulders. Yes it was tight. He did not like point billets because he thought that they put too much pressure on the withers. This particular horse had a forward girth groove. So basically the girth pulled the saddle forward to be better positioned in the girth groove.
thank you both.
