Saddle position question

new2thejourney · Saddle position question

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but I have had this question burning in my mind for a while now. It is about the suggested placement of the saddle by Parelli. You know, further back to allow for the movement of the sholders. Is it correct for the horse to do this?

I ask because I went for a ride with a non-Parelli friend, who also happens to be the local vet, and she winced a few times about the saddle being so far back. I tried to explain why I was doing it, but she couldn't help herself and said she was worried about his back.

Of course, I asked why...

And she explained to me (as we had been talking about balance etc) that a horse's balance is at his girth. I really hope I have worded that correctly, but basically I understood from her point of view is that a horse's centre of balance is preciscley at his girth and placing the saddle behind that point would but your bum behind his natural place of balance. Therefore, in her opinion, causing the horse to become unbalanced.

So, this was weeks ago, and I can't stop thinking about it.

Now it's bugging me. Am I stuffing up my horse's back by placing the saddle so far back?

Help.......I need some advice from you all who are impartial. By this I mean my friend is thinking in 'old school' terms and her training is in the forefront. You guys have the 'natural' education and lots of you have some amazing training and education in equine care. I feel I will get a clearer understanding here rather than going to a Parelli professional as they are one-eyed - and well, you guys aren't!

Thanks,
Karen.

Julie

If its too far back it can have more weight on the wekest part of the back - check that its not got weight behind the last rib. There is a fine line between room for the shoulder, and too far back. Balance saddles are along the same lines, but not put so far back!

oldmac_donald

Karen

Go read this thread:
http://esiforum.mywowbb.com/forum1/188.html

Leah

PasoBaby_CarolU

The Freedom saddle sold by Casa Dosa has a wider tree at the shoulders. It was designed for gaited horses which need shoulder clearance for gait.

I solved this problem by going treeless.

I agree with you about where Parelli's show to put a saddle. It will free the shoulder, but on a short (or normal) backed horse, it will put too much weight in the loin area.

new2thejourney

Thank you, all of you. I am going out now to play around with the saddle some more.

Bundy has a short back so all of your comments have been helpful - as I knew they would be

Karen.