Placement Of Dees ( Breast Collar Dees)

[Aurelie]

Hello guys!

Here a load of questions for you.

I have been taught to place the dees in the skirts but i have seen several saddles with those dees attached with the latigo carriers.

I was wondering :

Why those differences of placement?

How are they attached if placed with latigo carriers (screwed in the tree?) since when they are on the skirts , they are riveted in them.

Is it just "esthetic"? or just a "different way of doing things (as they are many in saddle making?)

I would wonder if the difference of placement has an impact on how the breast collar lays on the shoulder of the horse. If so : which is the best placement?

Any inshights? experiences? advices? explanations?

Thanks

Aurelie

[rufusjames]

I prefer mine to be up higher. I like to free up the shoulders as much as possible depending on the type of breast collar. I feel the lower mounted dees can be a little restrictive at the scapula. I want full unrestricted range of motion for what i do with my horses. I think it really depends on what you do on your horse. I put mine in under the front rosettes, two screws into the tree. If there is ever a wreck involving the collar it is an easy repair too.

Rufus

[oltoot]

Up high. With a good vee in the breastcollar with ring in the middle and kept pulled down snug between legs to cinch. The point is to duplicate the effect of a collar and hames on a draft horse which will allow shoulder freedom. This way collar is not 'bumped' at the extent of stride but keeps everything snugly in place.

[Aurelie]

thanks a lot guys for your replies

really appreciate your opinion and explanations

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Aurelie, placement is as most have told you in their posts, a matter of preference, and need. Sometimes the type and build of a specific horse will dictate where they should be. Bottom line I have seen them in many places and seen different types of collars utilize different placings on the saddle. Here are a few pics of saddles that have the attachment in the skirts and you described, also a little higher and finally under the concho at the front of the fork. Each has it's own use. The high ones mostly are for pulling type collars like on the mule, the mid-high on the pic of the paint is because the owner likes to use a collar that has no tie-down going to the cinch. Again a matter of preference. The in-skirt shown on the Quarter horse and the Tennessee Walker is also a common and good placement. The key as somebody mentioned is that the collar when attached rides high and allows good shoulder movement without restriction. Hope that helps.

Bob

Edited June 5, 2013 by BondoBobCustomSaddles

[Aurelie]

Thanks a lot Bob for your opinion!

i can always use as many advises/opinions that people can throw at me ...it gives me even more things to think about/of

[PcCowboy]

I place then where the customer wants them. So it is a matter of what you like and the style of collar you use.

[Aurelie]

OK thanks

so here is the type of Breast collar i make :

so the"big" question is :

is it "adapted" to the location of dees i use :

I understand that this placement depends on :

- what collar you use (articulated or not)

-what you do with your horse

-what kind of "ride" you have (mule, horse...)

so further question :

"high" dees are best for what kind of activities? (hiking in mountains i guess if you want shoulders as free as possible?)

anyway : i really appreciate all your opinions

thanks again

Aurelie