Vogue - slipping forwards

[Lucia]

Hmm well since Thea has got fitter and her back muscled up thanks to long lining/pessoa and using her self better now the ulcers have gone, I've noticed the Vogue is working its way forward when she is worked in it, I have to stop periodically and move it back even when she is being fairly sedate.
I use a Professionals Choice girth and a regular saddle cloth and the saddle fits beautifully level still, its just started to slip forwards (she has quite a forward girth groove which also pulls the saddle forwards although this wasn't an issue with the Vogue until recently - I guess her big belly isn't keeping it all back now!  ). The PC girth helps but doesn't eliminate the problem. I have tried the mesh grippy stuff but she objected to it. If I shim the front it tips the saddle back.

She is due a rider back up this weekend so I will see how it goes with a rider up as she won't be doing anything other than walk and possibly a little trot on day two if day one goes ok.

Any ideas chaps?

Heather - any news on those treed saddles? (Just in case!).

[Lou79]

You will probably find that it is more stable with a rider on board as the weight will help keep it in the right place - they do have a habit of moving more when there is no weight to keep it down as they are just so light and don't really mould unless someone is on board. So, I would say don't panic and see how it goes with a rider on before you change anything.

Also, it is worth remembering that the Vogue can sit a little more forward than a treed saddle anyway as it doesn't have any points on the tree to restrict the shoulder movement. Usually once the rider is on it will find it's own place and settle there unless there are any particular conformation problems that will really shift it, but it doesn't sound like that in your case except for the forward girth groove. If that is the biggest problem then it is often solved by using a banana shaped girth, so that is another option to try if necessary.

So, going by what you have said, try with a rider on and if you are still concerned about the slipping then take some pics of where it starts and where it ends up and then we may be able to help you some more 

[Lucia]

Thanks Lou! 

[carapony]

Hi Lucia,
I had a similar issue with my Vogue on my little pony. She has a very forward girth groove and is quite croup high. After lots of trial with various saddle pads which made the problem worse if anything, Drummer's Mum suggested  i try a curved girth. I got a neoprene backed one from ebay and it has totally solved the problem. Saddle now stays where its put and pony is happy! Definately worth a try

[whisper's mum]

  Same problem on Rija (worse in her Barrie Swain treed) but solved by a curved girth. I got a lovely leather one from Heritage (Matty Marlow) on eBay. 

[Lucia]

Thanks ladies - will have a look on ebay for a curved girth - gotta be worth a try!