AboutSarah Lothmann Expertise Professional trainer for 10+ years. I happily offer you my expertise, techniques, and advice covering: Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Showing, Training, Sales, Behavior, Stabling, Grooming, Tack, Barn Management, Rider Psychology, & Effective Communication.
Experience
Experience: I have been riding for over 23 years. As a kid I participated in 4H and Pony Club. I then worked as a groom and catch rode to pay my entry fees in the A Circuit. As a teenager I competed nationally in the Junior Hunters, USETs, and Medal classes. I've learned from and worked with some of the nations' best trainers. During college I began training professionally. I have prepared my students for both local and national shows. Recently I have organized two local equestrian groups for expanding general knowledge of horsemanship and for ensure the welfare of horses. I continue my dedication in this industry by offering visual design services for equine businesses including, graphic design, web development, and photography.
Education/Credentials AAS Degree, Veterinary Assistant, Professional Trainer
Question Hi Sarah - I have a 19 yr old Appy. For the last 2 years, I have ridden him in a Wintec Pro Dressage. I bought this saddle new, especially because of the interchangeable gullets - he was very underweight and under muscled when I bought him. I also liked the deep seat for security. Even though he is quiet under saddle, he was barn sour and trail riding was a bit of a challenge at first.
I have since come a long way and so has he. We have continued weekly lessons for 2 years (flatwork, W/T/C, trail training, lateral work). I also moved barns recently and since doing so, he has gained nicely. Last November I had a saddle fitter come out to evaluate my Wintec. We put shims in appropriate places in the Mattes pad I use, and he flocked a bit. I felt much more balanced. He also put the "Medium narrow" gullet in.
I used the gullet measurer this past week and to my shock and surprise, he is now Wide-extra wide!! I have noticed his back broadening and I think the alfalfa hay he is now on, and my regular riding has bloomed him up :)
My new riding instructor that I have been with now for about 3 months really feels I would do better in an A/P or close contact saddle. She feels the dressage saddle is actually restricting me and my aids, causing me to tip forward and other things too. (She is very well rounded, primarily an eventer). I have no plans to pursue dressage, but may try English pleasure or a judged trail ride at some point.
I happened to ride in my new teacher's used, older Courbette Pandur saddle during a lunge lesson at her place. I absolutely LOVED this saddle. It was cushy, put me in a good position and it felt like "home" to me. I am looking for a used one - either the Pandur or Vision (hard to find)....but as far as saddle buying, I am stumped.
We have a Dover Saddlery near here, as well as a used tack exchange. Where do I begin??? Do I measure my horse for "twist" size? How will I know it will fit? The best thing for me is to probably find a place that will give me a trial. I hope to find one that will let me trial for a week or two so my teacher can see me IN the saddle. I am sure I could probably get the saddle fitter back out.
I can try new saddles but have a feeling used would fit my budget better.
When I bought my 1st saddle, I paid my teacher to come with me as a "consult"....and sat in tons of new saddles at Dover.
Should I measure my horse before I look? And if so, for what? I was kind of shocked that he is now wide/extra wide which really re-iterated to me that I need to be sure the fit is right for him.
Any advice on how to search, where or which kind of saddle? Thank you!
Answer Hi Linda,
So many good questions! The first thing I want to share with you is most tack stores will allow you to take a saddle on trial. If you are considering a saddle offered by an independent seller, they too should understand the importance of proper saddle fit and also provide a trail period. If a seller is unwilling to work with you in some way to allow you some sort of trial, even if for only a half a day, then I strongly advise you continue your shopping elsewhere.
To be well prepared for your quest, there are some measurements you can take before shopping, as well as some tests you can do with a saddle to determine if it's worth taking home for a trial. If you have the opportunity to have a trainer with you or a saddle fitter helping, then certainly you would want to make use of these assets.
I've provided below a few links to some excellent resources that provide answers to frequently asked questions as well as measurement guides and tools you can use to help you prepare for your shopping.
I would search the local tack stores, local equestrian newspapers, horse shows in your area, and various local online classifieds. I suggest for you and the needs you've described an A/P saddle. The All Purpose saddles do exactly as the name sounds. Such a saddle will allow you to ride the various ways you desire and also allow you growing room as you develop your skills in any discipline.
Linda, if you still would like more information, please let me know. If you contact me privately I am happy to email you some printable guides if need be. Thank you!
