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  Discussion on Saddle fit on a horse with "DrOpped" back
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 27, 2001 - 5:12 pm:

My 14 y.o saddlebred/Arab was a bit overwt. last yr and went on a diet. She is now fit and trim, but now her saddle no longer fits! She looks slightly sway backed. She became back-sore and I worked with a vet. who uses a pressure-sensative pad hooked up to a computer to assess saddle fitting. I cannot find any western saddle that fits my horse - they all bridge! We tried probably 15 different types of western saddles, with various types of saddle pads. However, I can ride her in an all-purpose English saddle with two pads - one a woolback, and another with padding along both sides of the spine, and the all-purpose does not bridge and the mare is not sore, but the same arrangement does not work with any western saddle that we tried!

Since I live in Arizona I would love to ride in a western saddle, since all I do is trail ride. I'm hoping someone will know of a saddle pad specifically made for sway-back horses and western saddles. I've tried Air-Ride pads, 100% wool pads, even a so-called custom pad, but none worked and my mare would be sore after a ride. So for the time being I'm riding her in the all-purpose saddle with the two pads.

I could go the custom saddle route - I know a tree maker who would make a tree specifically built for my mare, and a saddle maker, but right now that is not financially feasible.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 27, 2001 - 5:20 pm:

This may be a little (a lot?) simplistic, but how about putting a little more weight on your mare? You might also find a nice fit with an Australian saddle that would be a kind of compromise. Also, could you make some kind of custom pad using gel packs as a base? You know, a special need like this provides an opportunity to try something innovative--that is where all great inventions come from.

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 27, 2001 - 7:17 pm:

I would also suggest an Aussie trail saddle, since, I understand, Aussie's are built on an English tree. I have sometimes folded one blanket and put it crosswise over the middle of a horse's back, on top of a regular pad, to make sure the entire saddle has contact with the horse's back.
Holly

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 28, 2001 - 5:13 am:

When I read your post I never thought about Aussie Stock saddles, but on Holly's prompt, I have just had a look at mine, and it certainly has enough room under it for a deeper backed horse. Although the pommel isn't cut away too much, there is a great depth to the saddle at the front (about 4 inches from gullet to saddle panel) so it may just do your job.

I have seen them advertised in Western Horseman, and Syd Hill has a website -

https://www.australian-gs.com.au/syd_hill/showroom/groups/saddles.htm

Might be worth a go, they're definitely comfy enough, good luck!

Heidi

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 4, 2001 - 7:18 pm:

Thanks, I tried an Aussie saddle, but not sure if its the same maker, and it still bridged. I am thinking of making my own pad but thought I'd see if there was one out there. No where can I find a pad for the sway backed horse! No, I don't want to put the weight back on her. She is not that thin, and much healthier this way, even 'tho the fat pads around her spine are no longer there to support the saddle!

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 4, 2001 - 7:36 pm:

I personally haven't had to work this problem, but someone in my barn has done quite well fitting her old sway-backed mare using a saddlepad and half pad in combination, both from Professional Choice. Her saddle is now dead level and the horse seems quite comfortable.
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