What does it mean when you are done riding and the horse is sweaty and the whole shape of the saddle (Wintec Icelandic) is dry on your horse. I know if you have dry spots that is pressure points but how about the whole saddle shape?

Does it mean there is to much pressure on the whole saddle and it does not fit?
 The pad is a dressage pad.  100% cotton on the inside and 100% poly in the inside.
HELP!

I've never heard of the whole saddle area being dry, but it doesn't sound good to me. 

 Run your fingers down your horse's spine and see if he reacts to the pressure.  Try it a couple times and increase the pressure as you go.  If he sinks down, pins his ears, etc he's hurting.  Does he have any white hairs showing up in the saddle area?  That occurs when the area's blood flow is blocked. 

Saddle fit can be very tricky and vital to the horse's well being.  Do some searches as there's ton of good info on the web about saddle fit.

That is kinda weird...My horse had dry spots on the shoulders and when I brushed her she would drop down from the pressure.

Took her to the saddle shop and got Me fit to a saddle then her.Had 3 days trial,Rode her at the shop first and everything checked ok.

Took her on a Search and rescue symposium and rode hard for 3 days...no problems.It was a Crates roper,reiner, allround with a quarter horse tree....and she is an arabian!.

How does the hair look? is it smashed down or ?

Maaybe you just have good air circulation.If the horse doesn't act sore or any other problems it is probably ok.

I have also taken an old white sheet,depending on the color of the horse, and put that on the back, then set the saddle on and tightened it up.Walked them around and took it off,The pressure points will leave an outline on the sheet.

When I take my saddle off it is damp under the pad were the saddle bars sit. 

Hi,

My daughter used a Wintec 2000 A/P saddle with Cair and adjustable gullet for almost two years while in her "english" stage with her 15.2 hh App/Quarter mix. Once the gullet is adjusted for the horse, she always had excellent "sweat marks", being wet wherever the pad was with no dry spots. As was stated earlier, it is imperative that a saddle fits the horse correctly. Horses also can change through the year, weight loss/gain and saddles should be checked regularly. Totally dry is not good.

I talked to some friends who live around here and they had the same thing happen. It might be weather and time of year. So my saddle fitter told me to put a white towel on her the next time I ride and see what happens. So we will see!

Thanks for all the info tho.

One problem with custom made saddles to fit one horse is,if the horse dies bury the saddle with it cause it won't fit another one.

Just get the fit checked by a good saddle dealer,like I said I went thru the same thing.If you could afford a custom built saddle, you probably whould have not bought a synthetic saddle in the first place.

You can also take some wire,I found some electrical wire like they use in houses, works good, enough to bend over the back.

Place this wire on a piece of cardboard and trace it.

Now do this in at least 4 places starting from where the saddle will sit on the sholders and work back.

Cut out the cardboard tracings and try on the horses back to check fit.You will have a female half and male half.

Use the male half to check the fit of your saddle.You will be able to see if there are any spots that are too high or too narrow.

Hope I explained it clear enough.I know there will be some one out there that has tons of money and can spend it on custom saddles and pads, but if you are on a budget this will help you determine if you need a saddle change or if a good wool felt pad will take care of it.

Don't be afraid to visit your local saddle shop,if it is a good one they can help in many ways and they know if you can't afford a big bill on a saddle that they will work with you to help find a solution.

A lot of saddle stores have trees on hand to try on your horse and check fit.Check around,find a reputable dealer and go see them.A good one will even give you a 3 day or more trial period.

Good luck and keep us informed.

hconley,

A Wintec is not a treeless saddle.  It has a tree. Some have shims that you can insert to adjust the fit, sort of like some of the Ortho Flex saddles.  But I have just started riding in a Bob Marshall Sport Saddle which is treeless.  Had a hard time finding a saddle to fit a mutten withered Arab.  Saddle fits good, and is real comfortable.  I remember when I was a kid, we'd just throw a saddle on that was more than likely bought at an auction, and ride.  White hairs and all, we'd just ride.  Of course way back when . . .  we did alot of things with horses that we wouldn't do now.