F%#£ you knee rolls

And I meant it!

We've already established that I abhor the new trend if giant knee/thigh block on dressage saddles these days. The saddle I found is great on my hip and has small knee rolls by today's standards. The rolls are also much softer than most so they don't get in my way terribly. But they do get in my way. My hip issues also vary from day to do so I change my stirrup lengths a lot. I ride in a much shorter stirrup than the average dressage rider. I might have stubby little legs but it's all in my thigh bone. All of this contributes to my hate for knee rolls. I've been riding in the saddle for a few weeks now and keep thinking it would be perfect without those blasted rolls. I considered taking it to my saddle fitter but when I was examining it today I decided to see what would happen if I cut just one string that attached the blocks. That was pretty easy so I kept going. The leather on the front of the block was actually folded into the front welt. Hmmmm. Where is my Leatherman.... I might have a few scratches on it from over zealous pocket knifeing but it's covered by the top flap and will buff away with a little saddle soap. 

I rode in the saddle sans knee blocks and it was amazing. I have a terrible habit of turning my toes out and riding with too much outer calf. Knee block annihilation made it easier to work on that problem. Woohoo! I'm going to ask her if it's possible to put on Velcro material that allows for movable thigh blocks. For now I am thrilled with the results.