Remy's muscling has changed a lot in the last months - that's what regular workouts will do for you. The down side is: Saddle fit!? It had been a while since Remy's saddle was adjusted, and to me it just didn't look and feel 'right' anymore. There were also some clues, such as uncharacteristically, I seemed to have to push Remy more forward lately; and the saddle pad bunching up under the saddle. So it was time: Luanne to the rescue! Luanne is our tried and trusted saddle-fitter, having helped us since I first purchased a custom-made Schleese saddle for Saumur eons ago.
Sure enough, Remy's saddle was becoming too tight in front, thus pinching his shoulders (sorry, buddy!), and therefore not enough weight-bearing behind. Once Luanne did her magic it was like Remy and I were simultaneously saying: "Aaah - that feels sooo much better!" We are ready again to gallop into the sunset (well, OK, for now around the arena - but only due to the ice).
Later I overheard Luanne talking with another client that had several used Schleese saddles for sale, due to her horse retiring. So I asked if by chance one of them would be a fit for JP and Chambord. Seems there might be a good candidate. We'll find out tomorrow when we'll try it out.
The good thing is that you only bite the bullet once when you purchase a saddle that can and will grow with the horse (being maintained by an expert fitter); paying the adjustment fee beats having to buy a new saddle everytime the horse's muscles change. However, I didn't expect the prospect of having a 'saddle-relative' move into our barn that soon!
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