tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085705562122895787.post3808516965340900290..comments2013-08-31T06:50:21.527-05:00Comments on Adventures on Arabee: Here's What I'm thinking:Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771289932849704113noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085705562122895787.post-91894584324595935322011-07-12T13:03:37.721-05:002011-07-12T13:03:37.721-05:00I would lean towards a Bob Marshall or a abetta fo...I would lean towards a Bob Marshall or a abetta for endurance versus what you are looking at. No matter how bombproof your horse is, there will still be instances where she is startled. After ten years of on and off distance riding I still prefer a saddle that affords me some security ! You can still work on your despooking, I love that book, BTW. The "heads away" exercise is good for horses that hyperfocus on scary things. I also trained my husband to "babysit" so I could ride.. I was back to longer rides when my son was two.<br />You can also pay a helper (I used to use a 12 year old) to babysit when my husband was home just to give him a break. Good luck!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085705562122895787.post-79580877699204836172011-06-29T14:56:02.126-05:002011-06-29T14:56:02.126-05:00There is also the Abetta Endurance. It's a tre...There is also the Abetta Endurance. It's a treed saddle, but they make flex, arabian, and wide trees. You could get a used one for less than $300. And they are pretty cheap new on Chicks Saddlery.com. I know a very successful local endurance rider who uses one. I am considering getting one for my oldest daughter. She has started taking my saddle over because she can't fit in the kids saddle anymore. I had been riding in Laura's Bob Marshall. But now she's been taking it back and forth to her house so she can ride her neighbor's horse. So I'm having to ride bareback when I ride with my daughter because my husband's saddle is too big and the stirrups won't go short enough for me. I'd rather get another Bob Marshall but just don't have the money right now either!<br /><br />Your correct that riding bareback or in a treeless saddle can be bad for a horse too. But that's why the saddle pad with inserts is so important to use. It helps distribute the rider's weight. Also, the way the Bob Marshall is made helps eleviate pressure points. <br /><br />MichelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085705562122895787.post-66472361361597150982011-06-29T12:14:57.903-05:002011-06-29T12:14:57.903-05:00P.S.
I've used a Skito with pads under my t...P.S. <br /><br />I've used a Skito with pads under my treed saddle, especially right now with a tree that is a bit wider than I like. Not a long term solution, but it works.All Who Wanderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15811193190492037859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085705562122895787.post-67127988564977467032011-06-29T12:11:42.463-05:002011-06-29T12:11:42.463-05:00Saddle fitting has been a continuing issue on our ...Saddle fitting has been a continuing issue on our front, especially now that I've changed horses. I personally don't like how the saddles feel though others are certainly sold. When researching these saddles they were recommended for lightweight riders. My concern would be pressure points with a heavier rider, and also with a rider who tires towards the end of a ride. A good fitting treed saddle is far superior in supporting the rider's weight over a broad area of the back, rather than concentrated in the seat. Note I said GOOD FITTING. An ill fitting saddle tree is horrible for the horse. I was so lucky to find the Crestridge for Phebes. BTW they now make a 15 lb. lightweight saddle. It isn't adjustable, but the one Phebes used fit her at all weights. Mine was a little heavier than I wanted at 25 lbs. Wish I could run out and buy the new 15 lb. one. <br /><br />I'm still out on the Specialized. I'm moving to a regular tree vs. the wide for Journey. A bigger seat for me. I'll let you know how it goes.<br /><br />Good luck on your hunt however you decide.<br /><br />I've got some beautiful new trails to show you btw...All Who Wanderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15811193190492037859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085705562122895787.post-38976058612220630882011-06-29T11:08:36.813-05:002011-06-29T11:08:36.813-05:00Thanks Michelle - I had forgotton about the Bob Ma...Thanks Michelle - I had forgotton about the Bob Marshall! I know even a used one isn't within my price range for right now, though - but I will have to add it to the list to consider for "later."<br /><br />I'm a little leery of it though, in theory, for someone my weight for long (50 mile +) distances. Though, I know there are heavyweight riders using them. We'll just have to see how she does with the LJ saddle in the meantime. I've got a lot of homework to do, though - I'll probably start a chart of pos/neg of each endurance saddle and try to get a test ride in every one I'm considering.....But thankfully that's a long way off!<br /><br />I'll try to see what full-length seat covers I can find. Thanks for the tip!Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07771289932849704113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085705562122895787.post-75897484166560601642011-06-29T09:08:07.764-05:002011-06-29T09:08:07.764-05:00My husband uses a skito with inserts for a treeles...My husband uses a skito with inserts for a treeless saddle (it was made for Bob Marshall) under his treed Big Horn western saddle and it works great! I will only ride in a Bob Marshall endurance saddle (treeless). You can't sell me on anything else. Other treeless brands don't compare. They are truly worth the money. Definately consider getting a full seat covert that goes all the way down to the stirrups, especially if you want to do 50's or 100's some day. <br /><br />Good luck, hope you get to realize your dreams.....eventually!<br /><br />MichelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com