Tazz-saddle issue

[Backinthesaddleagain]

Ok, I p[quote="Backinthesaddleagain"]First, I'm going to try my first attempt at posting some pictures :shock: sure hope it works
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p125/margieann52/Tazzwithers1.jpg

Now, I have been told by National Bridle that Tazz is not only very narrow which I knew but is also low-backed and that will make finding a saddle for him even more of a challange than before. So, what do you think, does he appear to be low in the back and if so, what type of saddle will do best with him. Remember, I'm the one that took a tumble and am trying to find something really secure for this very beginner rider.

Thanks
Margie
osted this in the wrong forum...thanks CarolU for the help

[cowboy ed]

he has a really nice back that should be easy to fit. why dont you try a lightweight western saddle? saddle king makes a good one. some people like the wintec western.
if you have friends with horses, try some of their saddles and see if you can find something that fits your horse and is comfortable for you.

[motorgypsy]

Something secure for him - HMMMMMMMMM - for our most secure ride (running barrels and poles at a full gallop) we got a synthetic barrel saddle (try Big horn, Fabron, Abetta and there are others). We borrowed some from our local tack shop until we found one that fit fairly well. We use two saddle pads on Chinook - a grippy and a felt because she's very small. Our other mare is very narrow with high withers also and we do the same thing with her but the shape of the saddle has to be OK before you can pad it some to make it fit better. We buy the grippy stuff from Walmart or Jeffers and put some above and under the saddle pads so they don't slip. We put a flank cinch/set on the saddle also and snug it but don't cinch it up. Work the horse a bit with the two cinches just so they get used it. We do shorten the connecter between the two cinches so the back one doesn't slip backward although it has with no problems. Now we put a grab strap on the front of the saddle.

We then got a set of stirrup straights that rotate the stirrups so your feet go right into them and get a set of cage EZ stirrups or is it Easy Stirrups - can't remember. They are very secure and your feet won't get caught in them. When you ride you want to be sure your stirrups are short enough so you can stand and get your butt clear of the saddle. Get your feet under yourself so you can stand without holding on. You're now balanced. If you make the stirrups too short your knees will kill you but you must have them short enough to keep some pressure on them at all times - just a tiny bit is all you need.

We wear chaps or full seat breeches and a helmet. We also wear a vest but didn't initially. They aren't that expensive and have saved us a couple of times before we knew how to make sure the saddle didn't slip.

Be sure to wear good boots that will pull off if they get caught on something. You're now as secure as you're going to get. Your saddle should feel like you are standing on the ground and if your horse does a 360 there is no way you'll come off unless you choose to.

I know I can get off easily because I've had two horses fall with me and was able to get off with no problems.

Have fun!!

[Terry Wallace]

He does not have a "low" back..he has a very GOOD back. I bet a Tennessean saddle would fit him fine.....he also doesn't look "really" narrow...but hard to tell from a "back shot".

You will want to get a round skirt (not square) saddle...if you are going with a western type of saddle. National Bridle will let you ride & try saddles... I have 3 Tenn. saddles now..because they "fit" my Pasos.

[CarolU]

You did fine Margie! It's here, isn't it?

I will vouch for the Wintec Western. We have one and use it alot. Really like it. If I were buying a treed saddle for me though, I'd go with a Tennessean like Terry has. They are nice saddles.

[motorgypsy]

Yup - definitely round shirt. Most barrel saddles are shorter also. It's the only westerns we've found that fit our guys. We have several leather saddles but they aren't as secure as the synthetics because the fabric is made to have more friction. If you get a leather saddle English tack shops have a leather treatment that makes leather less slick and it works reasonably well but synthetic is grippier.

[cowboy ed]

btw, the most important thing is to find a saddle that fits the horse reasonably well, and that is also comfortable for you. then ride enough to become a good rider. that is what makes you secure in the saddle, being a good rider. if you rely on the saddle to make you secure, then you will never be satisfied.

[GeorgeGuns]

I'd also try a Tennessean on him if you are looking for western style. I think he has a nice back too, I think we are conditioned to seeing more muttony withered horses that are actually built down hill - he has a nice level almost uphill build that I envy!!!

[Linda Y]

I don't see why any good fitting saddle you find won't be secure on that back. He has great withers.