Adjustable leather saddles?

metalmare

metalmare

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 May 2005
Messages
2,600
Visit site
I am still saddle hunting for my pony and I rather feel I will increase my odds of finding the right thing if I choose a saddle that is to some degree adjustable.

So far I have sold his Wintec as it was too long at 17" and I wanted to move to flock and I prefer leather. I have bought and sold a '16 inch' Stubben that turned out to be 17" and too narrow.

I am now looking at a Kieffer, which I believe is adjustable. Also, Saddle Company, although I think the Verona range aren't conventional leather. Is the Native Pony Saddle Company separate to the Saddle Company and are their saddles adjustable?

Thanks!
 
The other one to look at would be Kent and Masters saddles - they are made by the thorowgood company, have the same/similar design with all the adjustability but are leather. A new one is about £800 odd I think
 
Ah, I keep seeing their name come up in positive ways... I didn't realise they were adjustable or the link between the companies. I shall add them to my list, thank you. Also, I have seen a few people saying they fit their natives well.
 
Rebels said:
Gfs do a changeable, really nice, good quality leather and easy to change.
Click to expand...

Brill, I'll bear that one in mind, too.

I've just bought a Kieffer, which is in the post, so if it doesn't look wildly wrong and it fits in every other way (both he and I) then I'll see if a local Master Saddler can adjust and perfect it for me.

If not, back to the drawing board..... again!
 
I have a Kent and Masters cob, its nicely made and my horse fluctuates between two sizes so adjustable is key! I find the seat size quite generous for the size of the panels, don't know if that's a good thing or not for you! You can very occasionally find them second hand if you look hard for about 550 but they are snapped up quick.
 
I'm actually after a slightly snugger, smaller, deep seat. They do seem to get lots of praise though these Kent and Masters... as do the Saddle Company.
 
If you want the ultimate (imho) changeable saddle, expensive but worth it, may I suggest a WoW. All components interchangeable for different disciplines. Infinately alterable to suit changes in horse's shape/weight/fitness. I've got the same one I bought for short coupled, stocky old smaller horse, now sadly deceased, and with appropriate alterations, has been and continues to be an excellent fit for longer, more slender, taller horse, who has worn it since old horse passed away. It has been in continuous use for six years. I do dressage, xc schooling, showjumping, hunting and long distance pleasure rides in it (all lowish level) and it's lovely!
 
I have to admit, until this last week or so that I've started saddle hunting, I didn't realise how many adjustable saddles there now are! When I thought adjustable I thought only of Bates and Wintec... this has opened my eyes to a world of adjustable saddles!
 
I have a Saddle Company Saddle, horse loves it, had his back checked yesterday (McTimoney) and not only given a clean bill of health musculoskeletal wise, but also told he has the perfect back :D was told she wished all horses backs were like his!
Also very impressed with the design and feel of the saddle, it's not leather underneath, meaning it not only doesn't slip against the numnah, it also is way more comfy for the horses back :)
 
Shadeyoak said:
I have a Saddle Company Saddle, horse loves it, had his back checked yesterday (McTimoney) and not only given a clean bill of health musculoskeletal wise, but also told he has the perfect back :D was told she wished all horses backs were like his!
Also very impressed with the design and feel of the saddle, it's not leather underneath, meaning it not only doesn't slip against the numnah, it also is way more comfy for the horses back :)
Click to expand...

Yet another rave review.

I think even if I don't get one at this point in time I should keep my eye open for one in the future.
 
Adjustability is great, but the saddle has to fit the horse in the first place, and not all horses can be fitted with them, for a start synthetic trees (and by definition all truly owner-adjustable trees are synthetic) are less stable on flat or wide backs.

I fit for Native Pony and Cob Saddles Ltd, (makers of Native Pony Saddle Company Saddles) and we're totally separate to The Saddle Company, totally different way of fitting, different quality as reflected in the price :). We can adjust the trees a handful of times which to be honest is enough for most of our customers. And bear in mind that most adjustable saddles ARE only adjustable in width, horses can change shape in many other ways :).
 
I think adjustable saddles are the only way to go, I wouldn't buy a non adjustable again. If I wanted leather I'd go for a Kent and Masters. :).
 
mynutmeg said:
The other one to look at would be Kent and Masters saddles - they are made by the thorowgood company, have the same/similar design with all the adjustability but are leather. A new one is about £800 odd I think
Click to expand...

I have a K&M GP on my Welsh D and it seems to suit him well. I think it's fairly good value, too. He's youngish and still likely to bulk out, so it made sense to have an adjustable. I know it may not fit him forever, though.
 
We have two Bates adjustable saddles. We first bought a Bates jumping saddle for our youngster, and were so pleased we bought him a dressage saddle.
I would NOT recommend the Shires saddles. They look good but after having 2 which went rippled all over the seat, we had a refund, after much hassle from the retailer!
 
sbloom said:
Adjustability is great, but the saddle has to fit the horse in the first place, and not all horses can be fitted with them, for a start synthetic trees (and by definition all truly owner-adjustable trees are synthetic) are less stable on flat or wide backs.

I fit for Native Pony and Cob Saddles Ltd, (makers of Native Pony Saddle Company Saddles) and we're totally separate to The Saddle Company, totally different way of fitting, different quality as reflected in the price :). We can adjust the trees a handful of times which to be honest is enough for most of our customers. And bear in mind that most adjustable saddles ARE only adjustable in width, horses can change shape in many other ways :).
Click to expand...

Very good points... I'm not necessarily after an owner adjustable, the Kieffer I've bought I believe ca only be adjusted a couple of times but my pony doesn't change shape much, so although I'd imagine flocking will need checking 6 monthly I'm hoping that once the gullet is correct it shouldn't need too much meddling.

Thank you for clarifying over the two brands... it gets confusing, as there is also the Arabian Saddle Company, which I'm guessing is also separate.
 
Lots of saddle companies have "company" in the name :), even some of the little workshops in Walsall. ASC saddles are made by Lovett and Ricketts.

If you buy a traditional wooden treed saddle, usually new, from the right fitter, then they will do as we do, and adjust it a handful of times.
 
The only downside to The Saddle Company saddles is that they need to be adjusted by a S.C. fitter with a special tool. Some fitters are better than others but they all charge to come out and this can be about £60 inc. travel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top