Saddles, Pads, and Clinics!
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Welcome back to Guiding the Cowgirl!
This last week has been very productive in the horse part of my world! I have been watching a lady on TikTok that works for a saddle company. She does saddle fittings all over and posts what she finds with different horses. I'll try to link her TikTok below.
Wendy j Winn (@winnjwendy) | TikTok
I have never been taught how to correctly fit a saddle to a horse. I had no idea just how important a correctly fitted saddle is. Especially if you compete on your horses. So, I started to really dive deep into her videos to see if Fury's saddle fit her. I found out that her saddle seems to be too tight on her shoulders, bridges over her back and barely applies pressure at the back of the saddle (back of the tree). So, her saddle applies very uneven pressure. I actually like the saddle itself, but I didn't know how to fit a saddle when I got it.
If I had the money to purchase a new one, I would. But with school, board, food, etc... I can't. So, I have been looking for ways to use what I have and spend the least amount of money, while still making the issue better.
I was looking at ordering a new saddle pad. One that has a deep contour and will lift the front of the saddle up more. The pads I was looking at were anywhere from $250 to $400. So, I decided to look into shimming the saddle instead. I ordered a piece of wool that is used for ironing. I will link it below. It is currently sitting folded. In hopes that I can get it to conform to the new shape I need. I am hopeful that this will help! I might also purchase the same one to go under her saddle and over the middle of her back. I will keep everyone posted on how this goes!
I sent in a check for a clinic that I signed up for yesterday! This will be the first clinic I have done. It was $200 for the day. It is a horsemanship and barrel racing clinic. Super excited to see how it goes and report back. My main worry is that Fury isn't in the best shape. Other than that, I am fairly confident. However, I am also always aware that I have done all of her training and if I'm being honest, it makes me nervous to have someone tear my training and riding apart. But that's what it takes to learn and grow. So, we'll do it.
Until next time!!
-LD