Breaking In Saddles - For The Rider?

[Traveller]

I got thinking about how saddles don't get broken in for the horse, but what about for the rider? Do you like your saddle better after you've ridden it for a while? And if so, how does it change? The only thing I've noticed is that the latigo gets easier to run up but then my butt hasn't clocked anywhere near the number of hours some of the other butts on this forum have, so it's likely not as sensitive to subtle changes.

Whaddya think?

Joanne

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

I will probably get a lot of flack here, but; I have always had the opinion that a saddle that was made properly, with attention paid to the basics such as skiving properly to a feather edge in the parts underneath that you don't see, and where they mate, and also in the building of the ground seat, regardless if it is a tin seat or a leather seat, but; more to its shape, will yield a good riding comfortable seat. That is why I favor the old hand made saddles from the likes of Price, and Ryon's and the others out there, for people who are starting out, they were made correctly and just feel good. What my goal in making a saddle is, to first fit the horse then fit the rider. If I have done my job right, the saddle when it is done, doesn't need any breaking in. From the get go, it feels like an old pair of comfy slippers. That's how it should be.

Bob

[bruce johnson]

Even though I prestretch,work, and set my stirrup leathers on stretcher, I like mine better after a few rides have set them and the back and forth movement has freed up a bit.