Does anyone have this problem?

So I just won a brand new Bates Caprilli saddle. Yes, I said "won". I entered a sweepstakes and they drew my name! This all came at a great time because I just sold my old saddle and was riding in a crappy school saddle until I could buy a new one.

So I decided to ride in it for the first time ever in my lesson yesterday. Here is the problem: I kept felt like I was pitching forward, and in turn, kept losing my leg. Now, I don't know if it's just because it's a brand new saddle and I was awkward because I need to get used to it or what. But since I was jumping, we decided to switch saddles for the time being.

Here are a few things I might be able to attribute it to, and I'd be interested to see what everyone else thinks or if they own and/or ride in a Bates.

1. New saddle, just needs getting used to and breaking in
2. The gullet needs to be changed to a slightly more narrow one to bring the front of the saddle up. It fit my horse pretty well but my trainer thinks it could be a bit narrower.
3. I had too much padding under the saddle because I'm used to the crappy school saddles. The extra padding lifted the back of the saddle more than needed. Maybe I just need minimal padding for this type of saddle.

What do you guys think?

Pictures without a saddle pad will go a long way. I don't think I would attribute the problem with just being a new saddle but rather the fit. If anything, a new saddle will spread a bit which could make the problem worse.

I will try to get a picture this weekend. In the mean time if anyone has any other suggestions I appreciate it.

Try riding it with a thinner saddle pad. If it fits well, it shouldn't need any extra padding. Once you have him tacked up, step back and look at it. Are the pommel and cantle level? If the cantle is higher and it's the CC or Event model (not the AP), then you might need the next narrower gullet. If it's level, then it might be that the stirrup bar or balance point of the saddle just isn't right for you. Have the stirrup bar too far back or the balance piont too far forward can both cause a rider to feel pitched forward.

If it's the AP Caprilli, then it might be that the back is just higher than you're used too.

It's the CC Caprilli. I am going to try less padding this weekend and see how it feels. Thanks.

Here are some pics of the new saddle.

You are placing it about 1-2" too far forward. That front d-ring should be 2-3" behind the back edge of your horse's shoulder blade.

Congrats on the new saddle! It might just be because of how you ride in the new saddle especially if the saddle you were riding in didn't give you a good position. I wouldn't mind seeing pics of you in the saddle. I suggest giving it more time to get used to the saddle.

I noticed the saddle being a little far forward after I replaced it for the third time (squirmy equine) and running back really fast to snap a few pics. Hopefully this will at least give you guys an idea.