 Got my saddle today, it looks AWESOME!! I cant wait to try it out. I have someone coming over tonight to look at my saddle. Her horse developed white hairs also from her Tucker saddle, so she bought an Orthoflex, which she hates. Maybe this will make you a sale, I could use the $200 referral fee! If the weather cooperates, I will be trying the saddle out next weekend. I cant wait, I am 99% sure Jake wont buck when he canters!!
Sincerely, Marianne S. Cool!
CJ
On January 15, Marianne writes:
The weather cooperated, and I took a short (but sweet!) ride yesterday. I rode with three others, one of which was a TB off the the track, so we do not canter as a group. But I was able to get in a couple of short canters, and NO BUCKING!! Marianne Dear Marianne,
Thanks! Glad you and your horse are happy!
Ride On... CJ
On January 29 Marianne S. writes: Uh oh, trouble in Paradise!! Got to ride again yesterday. It was a different group, so we did a little more cantering than we had until now. Jake did his bucking thing. The last time we rode, I noticed where the very back of the saddle sits, he had sweaty marks, as opposed to rest of the back area that was dry. I know this does not mean more pressure there, or it would be dry if the rest of the saddle area was wet. It may mean nothing I just want you to know all the facts. Anyway, yesterday after he did his bucking thing, I stuck my hand between the saddle and the pad in the very back. It seems to be pinching him there.
When we got back to the trailer, I took the pad off and put the saddle back on to make sure it was in the right place, and see what it looked like. It looks like his back is till continuing to slope upward (however so slightly) and the saddle appears flat back there, and it looks like the back edge of the saddle skirt might be digging in? Marianne S. I wrote back: Hi Marianne, The first thing to do is recheck your EQUImeasure form by placing it back on your horse. Does it still lay down and fit perfectly on your horse's back? Also make sure that the EQUImeasure form's front edge is lined up with the back edge of the horse's shoulder blade (this is important because that is the position your saddle should sit on your horse's back, remember we shape and form the bottom of the saddle tree to fit the horse form that you provided for us). Let us know what you find and we can talk further about possible modifications. Marianne ended up having to reheat her EQUImeasure form for us and sent us an updated, changed horse form. We refit her saddle to the new form. After receiving the modified saddle she wrote back to us:
My new saddlebags arrived today! I can't thank you enough for all of your help. I had an absolutely fabulous trip this past weekend. I think your adjustment to my saddle did the trick. Not one single buck the entire weekend!! And of course I was the only one there who could run my hands along either side of my horses back without a single flinch. My Parelli crazy girlfriend wants to view the Synergist (video) tape. She has her heart set on a Balance saddle. She went to a clinic last year. She has a Thoroughbred off the track, he's just 3. They told her at the clinic that she shouldn't be riding the horse, he's too young. I thought they should have sold her a saddle anyway, even if they didn't agree about riding the horse at that age. I related my story about my horse, how we had talked that he moved with his head high and his back hollowed out. I told her that you didn't tell me I should send my horse to a trainer to teach him collection and how to move rounded, you sold me a saddle that fit my horse the way he is. You know I am not going to send my horse to a trainer, and if someone refused to make me a saddle unless I fixed the way my horse moved, they are helping no one.
Anyway, my horse was your greatest selling point this weekend! My biggest problem is having to tell myself to move the saddle back behind his shoulder blades. It is still a conscious effort I have to make. I look at the photo of my Sommer saddle, and I see it is right on top of his shoulders. You are doing a great service for all of horsedom. Horse people are very slow to take to changes, and I think you have your work cut out for you. If anyone ever wants to talk to a Synergist owner, feel free to have them call or email me. I am one very satisfied customer. Sincerely, Marianne S. Dear Marianne,
Dave and I are thrilled you had such a nice trip with your horse. That is what life is all about, having fun with friends. We are so happy your horse was comfortable with his new saddle. We would be happy to send your girlfriend a Synergist tape. What is her mailing address? I am not sure I understand the Balance saddle approach to saddle fit, but as you know, we usually start fitting horses at age three, and can adjust the saddle for the growing and changing horse for the life of the saddle. This insures a happy and comfortable horse and will deter the horse from forming bad habits or a bad attitude from an ill-fitting saddle during the early training stages.
Good for you for remembering to set your saddle behind the end of the shoulder blade this ensures total freedom of movement your horse's shoulder.
Thanks for helping us spread the 'Synergist' word and remember our great incentive program. If you send someone to us that buys a Synergist saddle we will send you a check for $200!
 CJ Di Pietra
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Saddle Fit & Seasonal Weight Change