Western saddle question

[poniegirle]

Hi all!

I just bought a new QH mare, took her on a trail ride last night in a western saddle I rarely use. We rode for about 90 minutes, but by the end of it my knees were screaming. I’m not sure if it was the position the saddle put me on her back, or if I was bracing- she’s got a bit of a pony jog and quite the powerwalk. I can’t remember if I’ve had sore knees after riding in this saddle before- I usually take my dressage saddle, and do just fine.

If it is the saddle, I’ll obviously need a new one- I can’t ride in tack that hurts! Is there anything specific I should look for at the local consignment shop so I don’t end up wasting time with saddles that obviously won’t work? I’ll probably mostly just use her for trails and some arena work, but more dressage and pleasure than speed/performance.

Here’s the saddle itself:
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q302/poniegirle/Western%20Saddle/photo1.jpg

Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture with it sitting on her, but any information about whether or not the saddle shape itself might be contributing to my soreness would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[csaper58]

Looks like a nice saddle. I would condition the fenders and try to twist the stirrups a little more. It is really hard on the knees to fight the stirrup. Here is a link that explains it better… www.cowboyway.com/HowTo/TurnStirrups.htm

[Luseride]

Could your stirrups have been to short?

I love trail riding in one of my barrel saddles. The fenders have more movement so you are not locked into one position.

[poniegirle]

It never occurred to me that that might be the problem. The more commonly used saddles in my tack room often have their stirrups turned with a crop or broom handle- I’ll have to give it a try.

I’m pretty sure my stirrups are the correct length, but I’ll drop them a hole or so next time I ride to see how it feels. I come from hunter/jumper land by way of dressage, so it would not be impossible for me to have no idea where my feet are supposed to be!

[GallopingGrape]

Your stirrups should be just about where they are in your dressage saddle, a nice long leg. Turn the stirrups with a broom and you should feel better.

[stb]

There are some sort of stirrup swivels available. I can’t remember what they are called. I have the same problem you do, and the cause is the stirrup torquing my foot, which puts strain on my knees. I have no problem with my knees when I ride in my dressage saddle.

[craz4crtrs]

Also consider a “twisted” or offset stirrup. I have have a combination and love it. My fenders are not turned…that doesn’t work as well…makes my leg feel stiff and I can’t get my leg on.

My mare with my SA Walls twisted stirrups. This was actually last week. I have ridden up steep terrain for up to 12 miles and my feet and knees were great. No pain.
https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10402646_10202914731122487_6886227681717123787_n.jpg

http://www.sawalls.net/pages/browse.php?cat=42

I tried the swivel things, threw them away.