Can I ask for some advice re slipping saddle?

[slovenlydotcom]

My dd who is 9 and I went for our first trek today - she has been riding for a few years and I have had a few lessons; we chose an absolute beginners trek with walking and a few very short trots. We both absolutely loved it and would like to go again; my dd has just started cantering and wants to do a trek that involves cantering later in the year.

The only thing that bothers me is that early on in the ride dd's saddle started to slip to the side, one of the leaders (there were three leaders to seven trekkers) noticed and jumped on and pushed her upright, if she had not done so I think dd may have fallen off.

I asked about it later, and she said that it was because dd was sitting too far to one side. I can not recall this ever happening before.

Should I be concerned about this and find somewhere else to trek?

I have looked on the internet and it appears that this can happen even when the girth is properly fastened, but you can buy equipment to stop it.

We would both love to go again ( it is set in the most beautiful countryside!!) is it fair to assume that this is a one of that was promptly dealt with or am I right to be concerned?

Hope this makes sense. Thanks.

sorry, should say the leader jumped OFF. As in off her horse. DOH.

Lots of people are naturally wonky. Hips are often uneven and saddle slippage in novices is quite common. It could be that it was more apparent as the horse she rode this time was different in shape to those she has ridden before. It could just be because the pony was fat/flat backed and didn't have much spine or was low withered and didn't have much to hold the saddle in place. It could also just be a one off incident. I shouldn't worry too much unless it happens again.

thanks saggy! I am relieved as dd is already talking about when we can go again: I would hate to disappoint her!!

Did she slide off to the right! It also can happen that, in bolting the saddle on tightly, if you pull up on the girth strap too hard, the saddle will tip and then drift further when riding.

Yes-it was to the right

One thing to remember - and which the riding school will know - is that even if the girth is tight when they get on, a lot of horses will blow out when having their girths done up (which they know means they will get a slack girth when they relax). Therefore it is important that the girth is tightened again once your DD has mounted and walked around a little.

Also it is worth teaching your DD that if her saddle is slipping that she should put her weight onto the other leg and try and find her balance whilst bringing the horse back to a halt. Then alert more experienced people immediately who should be able to help.

thanks butkin, I will remind dd to be aware of it future

It's also important that your daughter learns to check the girth herself. Ask for guidance.

Certain ponies are more round than others. My mare's saddle will slip however tight the girth if you sit slightly to one side. Barrel horses are quite annoying!

I've been puzzling this too, with the dartmoor. First time I tacked him up I was all 'where are his withers?' but it was just a 'welcome to the world of native ponies' moment.

If you do the girth up too tightly, not only will you hurt the pony, but the saddle will not be able to right itself. Also, riding outdoors can be very different to riding in a school, so even if you have had several lessons inside, you can be much more wobbly outside on uneven terrain and prone to pulling the saddle over.