Saddles . . . again

Good for you! I hope it is exactly what you and your horse both want. It is always so exciting getting new saddles.

froglander, I’m getting the Wood Post Wade :slight_smile: - unfortunately the wait time is pretty long right now! :no:

I’d request a double rig. I think you’ll end up in trouble again if you have a single rig placed that far forward, and there doesn’t seem to be allowance for a rear cinch.

I agree with aktill. You will have far more flexibility for girthing options with a double rig. I’m looking for a double rig endurance saddle right now.

[QUOTE=aktill;7558094]
I’d request a double rig. I think you’ll end up in trouble again if you have a single rig placed that far forward, and there doesn’t seem to be allowance for a rear cinch.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the advice - would you get Ds or round rings for rear rigging?

Why would the rigging cause problems? (I am just curious)

This is what their website shows/says?

http://jjmaxwell.com/rigging-photos/step5.jpg

It is designed to lighten the pressure in the wither, shoulder, and girth area. At the same time, it also disperses the pull over the entire side of the saddle as well as it holds the back of the saddle down. It may appear to be center fire rigging, but it floats between 7/8 and 3/4 position.

And I’ve found similar info on other sites?

So why a 3/4 single rig? It’s more functional, more comfortable, and safer for the horse in most situations. A single rig in the 3/4 (or 5/8, or CF - centerfire) position pulls down evenly on both the front and back of the tree, and will not cause sores or galls behind the elbows or shoulder sores from too much pressure directly below the fork and horn.

The single rigging is safer in that there is no back cinch hanging dangerously loose (and how many riders have you seen with back cinches hanging way loose, doing no good whatsoever to keep the saddle from flopping/tipping and just waiting to catch something and cause a wreck?).

A single-rigged saddle is also lighter weight (and less expensive) because it doesn’t have the weight of the back cinch and billets.

Many horsepeople who are comfortable with single rigging ride with a 5/8 or CF rigging, the way the old vaqueros rode for centuries. The 3/4 position is designed for modern day riders who are accustomed to double rigging and need to ease into the idea of a single cinch sitting farther back.

Forgot they had that very forward rear D. Never mind, carry on :slight_smile:

Rigging is only an issue if the tree doesn’t fit perfectly anyway.

[QUOTE=Pocket Pony;7558354]
Thanks for the advice - would you get Ds or round rings for rear rigging?[/QUOTE]

D’s are arguably easier on the rigging straps and can sit up higher where rings are more flexible on cinch position, but it doesn’t really matter much.

I wouldn’t run two cinches off an angled d, though, since the rig isn’t set up for that sort of pull.