Adventures in Saddle Fitting

If you don't have chalk, washable markers will do!

Establishing landmarks

This, in and of itself, was enlightening.  The widest part of Pony's shoulders are way up there!

First attempt at establishing the "saddle support area"

I did this on both sides.  I think I need more practice.  I'm also getting ideas for halloween.....

Before lunging...

She looks pretty sophistocated without a saddle pad!

After lunging

The offset girth makes a huge difference.  The saddle used to ride up to that first vertical line!!

With the gel pad, before riding...

Oh, the fun!  I hated to cover up the parker art, though...

With the gel pad, after riding...

Her back wasn't as free with the gel pad the way it is with memory foam.  I'm going to have to keep playing with that I have to find the perfect combination of elements.  She seemed perfectly content, though.  Her back did get lovely and loose when we trotted on the trail, so perhaps it is more of a "free in the canter" issue than an issue with the pad.

In other fun, here is our new show bridle that must be properly broken in before storing for special occasions!

Who doesn't love the bling!!

I figured the touch of bling wouldn't be overpowering on top of her loud coloring the way many of the other blinged out bridles would.  She obviously loves it!!