Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jackie Cochran on December 17, 2009 at 3:37pm

You might want to look at thecorrector.net site.
I have used Len Brown's Corrector system successfully on several horses for around three years, and I am using this system currently with a mare that fits your description.

Permalink Reply by Mary Ginn on December 17, 2009 at 4:05pm

Thanks Jackie, I'll check it out.

Permalink Reply by Diana on December 19, 2009 at 12:40pm

My distance mare (Half-Arabian/Appaloosa) is big shouldered, not high withered or short backed but hollowed behind the shoulder and slab sided - meaning that she tapers from being wide at the shoulders and narrow through the rib cage.

We ride her with a cutback Passier hunt saddle, specialty pads (removable pockets) and a breast collar for distance and showing. Her Circle Y Equitation western saddle seems to fit fine with no rubs or sliding backwards.

Muscling her up with the proper frame did correct some of the structural problem as it pertained to muscle groups.

Permalink Reply by Mary Ginn on December 19, 2009 at 4:47pm

Thanks Diana. I am going to try to focus on rounding out his back in the coming year and hope that helps some with the hollowing. His ribs are sprung so that his barrel appears round (and fat) even when he's fit. Overall he's just not a very big guy (14.2, 900-950) and I've found most affordable tack is made for the larger horse.

Permalink Reply by Foal-Time, LLC on May 20, 2010 at 2:25pm

YES YES and YES. I have two arabians like that and have found some happiness with the fit of my treeless saddles. I currently have the Barefoot London Dressage and love it with a no-slip physio pad and a wintec neoprene girth. I also have a Torsion Treeless that fits very well but I am not used to the way I feel in it yet.

Permalink Reply by Marlene Thoms on July 26, 2010 at 1:23pm

Yes, I have an 11 year old Arab gelding. I've had him less than a year and with work and feeding his hollows and dippy back are better filled in. I found the Barefoot saddle fit him regardless of seasonal weight and shape changes and he is less cranky about saddling. I also find the Sensation saddle (also treeless) fits him well and is even more comfy for me than the Barefoot, although they are both good. Sometimes bad saddle fit causes them pain from bridging or pinching and then they move badly and muscles develop poorly. A good quality treeless can help with all these issues (skip the ebay knock offs, but a good quality second hand one can save your wallet).