I posted this on a facebook group as well, but always interested in the hive mind here.
Let’s talk saddles! Specifically, good blogs/articles/resources out there for educating ourselves without solely relying on a saddle fitter. While I personally plan on utilizing a fitter, and preferably an independent fitter, I am starting to realize there are very few truly independent fitters out there. Many of them are trained or affiliated with one brand or another, or one style vs another (i.e. wool vs foam, U head plate vs V)
I know there are some blogs and Instagram out there doing a brilliant job of educating, but I want to read them ALL. I want to see all the different arguments, and hopefully some from truly neutral parties. I think a smart, educated salesperson can sell a lot of saddles, through professionalism and marketing-I need more than that.
My current saddle that was purchased for my holsteiner fit my OTTB well enough, but as her body and top line changed and developed, the saddle was not longer able to be adjusted to her comfort, so I have been riding almost primarily bareback 🤣 I want to get some reps and fitters out, but am happy to continue to ride bareback, and borrow my husband’s saddle for lessons, and take the time to really critically think this through.
Its great if you think wool is better then foam, french saddles are fads, german saddles are too old school or uncomfortable - trust me, I have heard all the opinions! I am not married one way or another. I have antares because at the time it fit my horse, and at the time, as important as it was to fit my horse, I needed a saddle that didn’t leave me literally walking with a walker. I hopefully don’t have that issue anymore, but it was a real issue at the time.
I just want more to read, more resources, more sides of the story.
