Lengthening Billets - Thoughts?

I read a reference on another discussion to having a hunt seat (AP or CC) saddle's billets changed for longer ones, so the girth attachment isn't under the flap. This seems like a great idea, but I wonder why saddlemakers wouldn't do that in the first place. Is there a down side that I am not thinking of? I think it would be easier on your legs and saddle not to have those buckles under the flap.

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Permalink Reply by Barbara F. on October 11, 2009 at 10:57am

Hmm, good question Jen!
I ride dressage with the longer billets and it does make a different to your leg position, but I'm not sure about a hunt seat saddle.
You might want to also leave a message for Jochen Schleese about that one. I'm sure he'll know the answer!

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Permalink Reply by Jackie Cochran on October 11, 2009 at 7:04pm

Hunt seat people tend to prefer to have the girth buckles on the saddle where the horse's hide is protected by the leather and the hair won't get pulled out.
Also, with proper position of the knee, the knee is in the knee rolls, and not on top of the girth buckles.