Sunday, February 18, 2007

ummmmm

i se that was a previous post title.

i suppose because this whole process involves a lot of thought.

i think i've worked out that i'm trying to move my leg back in trot, when there's no need with this saddle.

i think i DO need the moulded panels. and/or i haven't got the girthing right anyway - i know they say don't tighten too much with the prochoice girth, but it gets quite sticky to the horse and then, i think, you think it's tight enough when in fact it isn't.

the saddle slipped back slightly and there was a ruffle that hadn't been there before ... i think because of that.

she did, however move away from my right leg to the left so we were moving laterally across the school. first time she's done that.

you will all remember my posts on the equisimulator; i finally got round to adding to the thread on the subject on ultimatedressage.....possibly putting a cat amongst pigeons, but i do really think that a lot of trainers/people who've been doing this forever and know their position is right, forget what it was like at the beginning

anyway, have to find something to do whilst EE is down!!!!!

3 comments:

Jean said...

oh boy, you posted at Ultimate Dressage. You are brave. That is a closed circle of pretentious people, from my experience. They are not particularly kind to "outsiders," unlike EE.

I'll go look for your post in a bit.

If your saddle is like an Ansur, it may need to be a bit back on Molly. The front panel needs to clear her shoulder muscle which may be further back than you think. If the saddle slid back it might be seeking the "sweet spot" on her back where it belongs.

Wish the EE board were up because someone there may know for sure. I do know the Ansur is placed further back than a conventional treed saddle.

Feel along Molly's side to find where her shoulder muscle ends. It is likely behind the wither. Put the saddle on her so the flap sits just back of where the muscle bulge ends. If the saddle is sitting level at that point, it should be about right.

Often it is that shoulder muscle that pushes the saddle back. The girth does not need to hold the saddle from slipping that way as much as it needs to hold it from slipping side to side.

Many people put treed saddles too far forward as well. All saddles need to sit behind that muscle.

Hope this helps a little.

Jean said...

Nice post on UDBB. Doubt it will impress anyone, though. Very narrow minds. Anything out of their realm of knowledge and it's no good.

Heather's posts were articulate, educated and substantiated...and she was accused of meglomania. Eech.

I'd love to try the equisimulator myself. I'm sure it would show up some flaws I need to fix and would be a definite plus to my riding.

Patrice Edwards just made a few adjustments to my seat in the clinic and Tucker is already more willing to go foward. Can't wait for my next sessions with her....speaking of...I need to register!!!!!!

Claire said...

glad you liked the post jean, i was rather pleased with it myself! i agree a lot of pretentiousness; also, i thought, a lot of thought as well from several posters.

as to the saddle .... it'll be meant to be level like other treeless, and i do put it further back. really need the agent to look at it/us and she hasn't recovered enough from her fractured leg to drive yet... if i had transport to get molly to hers however..

and yes, when EE's back up i'll have a load more questions!

I'm finding the other forums not quite as satisfying in some way ... odd how these things take you..