werkin on saddle fit

I've mentioned a few times that we've got some saddle fit issues. Arabs are notorious for their short backs and highly sprung rib cages - it's what allows them the lung capacity and physical sturdiness for incredible stamina and endurance. 

'this seat is taken'

But it makes it a PITA to fit a saddle to them. So far, this beat up old wintec has been mostly getting the job done. But it's not perfect. These first two pictures show the saddle with no extra padding - this is how it lies along Isabel's back unaided. 

no padding

My concern here is the lack of contact between the rear panels and Isabel's back. This leads to rocking - especially when we're jumping. If we get a wonky distance, it's almost guaranteed that the saddle will jam up into the hollows below Isabel's withers. 

I used DIY foam shims to accommodate this, but they got nixed by my chiro. You can see them in the below picture: two shaped pieces held together by a strap that fit nicely into place under the saddle front. I liked these shims... but still felt like they weren't getting the job done (as evidenced by Isabel's worried expressions when it was time to saddle up). 

i really wanted to like you. but alas, no such luck

A few people recommended a rolled up towel, but (the sloppy look aside) I thought the towels got squished too easily. My trainer recommended no-bow bandages (esp since they have a foam core), and another blogger agreed that it was a good quick fix. 

So here's the saddle with 14" no-bow bandages folded in half across Isabel's withers:

corrective padding

Just on looks alone, I think it's an improvement. The seat is more level, and the panels have much more contact across Isabel's back. Plus, the saddle doesn't rock any more. 

the secret weapon

all put together

I guess the proof will be in the pudding, so to speak - and I plan to test this out in today's lesson (we haven't really ridden this week - Isabel was a bit stressed after all our recent shows and needed a breaky-break). 

But I'm interested in hearing any initial thoughts or opinions from any of you (esp since I'm nowhere near expert when it comes to this stuff). Does this look like an improvement? Or is the padding maybe too thick?


And in other news, I stopped by the consignment shop to use up my credit before it expires (yay for selling nice TS show breeches that didn't fit any more!!). Picked up some fun stuff - but will write about that later. Also spent some time ogling the saddles just cuz. 

Hm... this one is a little strange looking - looks maybe custom?

Wait, wow, that's REALLY tiny - the normal sized pen is almost the same size as the seat!?!!

Annnnddddd wow, this one is even tinier! Granted, that's a pony blanket it's sitting on, but STILL. 

These saddles are absolute works of art and appear to be completely functional (including billet straps and stirrup bars and hardware), with everything to-scale. Except, what on earth are they actually scaled for??? Wild...