AboutKaren Bell Expertise I can help answer questions in the basic training of the hunter or dressage horse, and I am certified to teach in these areas. I train horses in lower level dressage and instruct beginner to intermediate riders in dressage and hunt seat. Some of my students show locally as well. I can also help other newer instructors with any questions they may have. Also, I consult new farm owners on barn management.
Experience 4 years teaching, 17 years riding and training
Organizations United States Dressage Federation, American Riding Instructors Association, United States Hunter Jumper Association
Publications All my publications can be found on my website at http://bellequine.net
Education/Credentials Certified in dressage and hunt seat and stable management by the American Riding Instructors Association
Expert: Karen Bell Date: 3/11/2008 Subject: Is it the Saddle or Me?
Question QUESTION: I have a saddle that is half a size too small (I grew out of 16 inch and now need a 16 1/2 inch saddle- which I have bought and is being shipped)with irons that are set far forward.It seems like I cannot get out of "arm chair" position no matter how hard I try. I've repositioned myself a hundred times but no matter what I do, I can still see most of my lower leg when I look down. Is this because of my saddle, or am I doing something wrong?
ANSWER: Katie,
Check that the saddle is balanced and fits your horse well (might have to hire a saddle fitter if you are unsure). If it is too narrow, you will find that you are sitting in a chair seat because the cantle is too low. Most TBs and QHs require med-wide to wide trees. Spring trees work okay, if the horse is not overly wide.
Hope that helps,
Karen
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your suggestions about the saddle. I will have to see how the saddle I will be receiving soon does. I have bought a Thoroughgood Maxam saddle. I have been told this is a good company, but I've had a few people tell me otherwise. What do you think?
Answer I don't know that particular brand, but even if I did, it would depend on the shape of your horse or the horse you are riding in the school. Most saddles are too narrow for the horses they are put on, and I have found that in some cases, it causes chair seats (legs too far forward) in the rider and makes it more difficult for students to learn to jump. Why don't you look up saddle fitting on the web and learn something about it or go to some clinics on it? There are lots of master saddlers in the US, and there should be some in your area. Also, refer to USDF Connection, October 2003, for an article on saddle fitting, "Does Your Saddle Fit? 10-Step Self-Check." Their email address is usdressage@usdf.org. Good luck.
