17 when you normally have a 17 1/2?

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zoon

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I've had my saddler out to try some dressage saddles and they've all been 17 1/2 inches. He doesn't have anything 2nd hand and only deals in new, but to be honest I'd prefer a second hand one to save a few pennies. Obviously I'd use him to find one that will fit my horse and what size we'll need and then have it reflocked to fit. But if I can't find a 17 1/2 will a 17 inch be ok? My bottom will fit fine in a 17 as I am small, but my horse 1s 16.2 and takes a 6'6 rug so would it be too short for him - does that extra half inch really make that much difference in the pressure on his back?
 
hmm i would be inclined to go bigger otherwise too much weight and therefore pressue is put on the back of the saddle. IMO you see too many people with saddles seats that are too small for them and FYI I have a big arse so im not being sizeist! lol :-)
 
If you are short,the larger the saddle ,the more problems you will have maintaining your position. This is because the larger the saddle,the further forward the stirrup bar will be. Some dressage saddles have adjustable stirrup bars, they are so usefull.It is a simple fact that if the length of your leg and the size of your foot does not match the distance from the stirrup bar to where your seat bones are on the saddle,you will never achieve a good position .
 
How long are your legs from hip to knee? .. I have a relatively small bum.. but I cannot get away with a 17" as I am long between hip and knee so 17" is too short for me.
 
Probably about 22 inches! Seriously, I have no idea and haven't got a tape measure to hand, but my legs are seriously short and stumpy. If the 1/2 less won't make a difference to my horse I'll ask saddler to bring a 17 to try as well
 
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How long are your legs from hip to knee? .. I have a relatively small bum.. but I cannot get away with a 17" as I am long between hip and knee so 17" is too short for me.

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I am the same as you. Can easily fit my bum in 17" saddles but as I am tallish (5'9") and long hip to knee I find that my knee ends up in front of the knee roll even in 17.5" saddles.

A too long saddle is worse for the horse in my opinion as it can end up sitting with too much weght towards the loins.
 
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