harness saddle fit

[MajorClementine]

We have been doing groundwork with our new harness on. The saddle still seems pretty stiff and I'm not sure of how tight to make it so it lays correctly. I got a pleasure harness from Ozark. It seems like the tighter I make it the more pressure it puts on the wither. Which seems like it wouldn't be very comfy to me. I have a pad for it but that won't change where the pressure is. My gelding doesn't have a very high wither so I don't think that's the problem. Any of you with this same harness have any suggestions or helpful hints?

 

[Rhondaalaska]

Hi I was told that the saddle should not be tight but just snug enough so it did not fall off .

It should not be tight like a ridding saddle.

I hope someone with more experience comments as I am just starting.

 

[Matthijs]

That is correct, the driving saddle should not be tight and there should be little or no pressure from the shafts when hitched either. It should also sit further back so it should not even be near the wither.

I understand that ozark put a very long backstrap on their harness with a clip, loose the clip and bring the saddle further back.

If you like to make some pictures from the side and at horse level and post them here there will be lots people willing to give you their input.

matthijs

 

[MajorClementine]

okay this is making more sense. Thank you. They did put a very long backstrap on it but I had them custom make me a MUCH shorter one.

I took this one before I had the shorter back strap so ignore the strap. I'm mostly looking for saddle fit right now. Thanks guys

Also his neck comes into his chest a bit low. I don't want to interfear with his breathing or his shoulder. Is the breast collar okay??

 

[disneyhorse]

The breast collar is too low. It should go up to where that divot between his neck hits his chest...

You will interfere with the shoulder only if its too low. His breathing will be fine.