I have my own horse, a 5yrold 15.3hh black Friesian gelding called Doeke B but better know as either Quarry or Pony!

I hack out and am currently training him for private driving classes next summer, however I have had to cut down on my hacking after being diagnosed with a inflammatory teenage form of arthritis, so I experience allot of pain in the saddle sometimes especially going downhill. I've currently been trying just about every type of saddle I can get my hands on to see if anything will help but so far gp English, dressage and western saddles are all out and I am waiting for a stock saddle to be delivered so fingers crossed! if anyone has any suggestions on other saddles that mite help then I am all ears!

I am also very interested in renactment and jousting...however I have never had the chance to have a go yet...I think Quarry would be perfect for the part as long as my old joints would hold up!lol

I can see why down hill would be allot of pain for you.

This is not medieval but have you used a surgical gel seat cushion some rider’s (ex-Rodeo type’s) say it take’s out a lot of the shock, look here a link to Country Supply hope this helps you.
http://www.horse.com/products/gift-0__sku-WLW11.html