She said she wasn't going to bother with having me try about 60% of them because with his shape, they wouldn't be comfortable.
Inside the saddle van. |
She also told me nothing about each saddle so I could focus on fit and comfort without preconceived ideas. We narrowed it down to four saddles pretty quickly. The one used saddle she had in my size, I didn't like at all. Bummer. She also bumped me up to a size 18 -- she said because of my long legs but I think it's also the extra groceries I've started carrying around since I passed the 50 year old mark.
Then we took Jackson to the arena and I tried them all out. She let me ride as long as I wanted in each of them.
Getting a saddle ready to try. Jackson was very patient. |
Waiting for the next saddle. |
The first one was comfortable. The second one felt strange at first because it had a very deep seat which I am not used to. But then when I started trotting in it, I liked how I could feel Jackson clearly. He seemed happy too. The third saddle was an immediate no. The fourth a maybe. I tried number 1, 2 and 4 again. I eliminated 4 and liked 2 even more. I tried 1 & 2 for quite a while at sitting trot and canter. Definitely number 2.
Here it is! Custom Everest with long flaps |
Then I asked for the damage. It isn't from their most expensive line. Yay!! She said it has a curved spring tree so that is very good for Jackson's back. It has a single flap so it is very close contact. ...and it will take 12-14 weeks for my new saddle to arrive from the U.K. Then I have 10 days to ride in it and decide if I still want it.
I want it now!
Everybody else was obviously very concerned about all the activity. |
Today was quiet otherwise. Last night I made an easy pasta that we devoured. The sauce was olive oil, a bit of cream, lemon juice and shallots. Then I stirred in fresh basil, drizzled each serving with more olive oil, and sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan.
I threw together salads with pears and carrots for the side.
We opened a bottle of dry Riesling to wash it down. Tonight, it's leftovers.
Saddle fitting is always difficult - glad you found something that seems to work.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting...how you and your horse know when it is the right fit? You sure did not waste any time. I would be anxious to get it too.
ReplyDeleteYour dinner is something that we would love. Yum.
I envy you - I dream of a saddle fitter driving to my place and allowing me to try them all. My two worries that ruin this dream...
ReplyDeletea. I don't have very patient horses (yet) who would patiently let me try different saddles
b. Do nice saddle fitters come to my area of Pennsyltucky?
You look like you got a wonderful new saddle that fits you and Jackson. Divine! And that yummy dinner...equally divine.
I have a Custom saddle. I love it. It's funny, though, my rep told me the exact same thing about the length of your leg determining seat size and not the width of your bum. I thought it was just because I gave him the "look of death" when he suggested I might need a 17 1/2. *L* Enjoy your new saddle (when it finally arrives)!
ReplyDeleteI envy too! How great to have a truck full of saddles + an expert come to your place. Congrats on finding your new saddle - hope the ten weeks fly by :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your food pictures never fail to make my mouth water!
I've been wondering if the problems with connection I am having with Boo have something to do with the way his saddle is fitting him. Guess I need to have someone come out and take a look. We never use to have this problem...or maybe I'm just a really bad rider.
ReplyDeleteI need a saddle fitting session like that,only thing is I have to travel a 4 1/2 hour trip one way! I am glad you found a saddle you liked so quickly,well done!
ReplyDeleteThat is perhaps one of the coolest things I've ever seen--a custom saddle fitting brought to you and your horse! Wow!!!! I'm so glad that you and Jackson will have a saddle that fits you both now. I bet you are exited--I'm excited for you!! :)
ReplyDeleteYour meals always look so yummy, and the Reisling just tops it off--mmmmm!!!
Saddle decisions give me ulcers!
ReplyDeleteThe pasta looks YUM and even better in your Le Creuset!