Skyla,
Tell me more about the Specialized saddle, will you?  I have a gelding with a huge stride and shoulder, and chronic back problems.  I bought a custom (DeSoto) saddle last May which was great for 2 months, then started leaving a fluid bump on his spine.  Everything went downhill from there, again.  So, I've been intrigued by the information on David's website about the Specialized.  Did someone help you get all the pads and spacers placed or did you work with them yourself?  It looks very intimidating to me and I'd be so disappointed if I paid that much for a saddle and couldn't get the fit right.

Anyway, any info you're willing to share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Vicki

Skyla Stewart wrote:

For anyone bored, just for something to read. Aside from fighting
the weather, we are still working on getting ready for that Owyhee
100 in May. My friend Carrie Johnson is preparing to try her first
one. Just 2 years ago Carrie SWORE she wasn't interested in 50's,
and LD's were as far as she would go, now look what has
happened...hee hee, never say "never". She wants to join me for the
ride, so I am thrilled to have such a good friend to share the WHOLE
day with. :o)

I have been riding Tempo in the Easyboot Epics on front and regular
Easyboots on the hinds. I will admit it will be SO nice when he gets
shoes and all I have to do is clean his feet out. The boots have
been working fabulous! I had to move from a 2 on front to a 1 with
the heelstraps out, which fit famously now. I also had the straps
out on the hinds, but if I want to canter they wouldn't stay on. Now
he has the hind straps back in, and the boots seem to be staying put
at the canter. I have ridden him in every kind of nasty footing,
DEEP sand, mud, hills, flats, water, boulderfields, holes, and they
just keep staying on. I do vetwrap the front feet/pasterns, for the
longer rides of 2.5 hours or more, just "because". I have learned
how to use the rubber mallot to set the boots, and it is REAL slick.
Tempo has been using all four boots for about 2 months now, 2-3
times a week, 2-4 hours at a time, and he has adjusted very well
over all to them. I was worried about the hinds, and still don't
think I would intentionally use them for many e-rides, but he gets
along fine for training. He travels too close, and will strike one
boot against the other, and it is somewhat distracting at times.

I have been using the Specialized Saddle since October, and am SOLD
on this saddle. Tempo's back is in the best shape it has been in the
last 4+ years! Carol and Rick Brand, whom I purchased the saddle
from, have been WAY more then just helpful!

I have been getting some exercise (NOT my forte'), and am trying to
be more fit and less fat for the 100 in May this year. I have lost
20 lbs, which means, I now need to wear full clothing to make the HW
mark for the first time in 3 years! :o)  Don't know that I will ever
make it to "thin", but am happy to at least weigh less.

I hope to make this May, Owyhee 100 yet another positive experience,
as was the May 100 last year. Only this time maybe "I" can be a
better rider, with more energy and more able to contribute to
the "team" effort of horse and rider. :o)

Skyla and Tempo, who would really like to see the MUD go away!