Albion SLK-a-like - any suggestions?

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Abacus

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Had the saddler out today and he had nothing that would fit my young horse. His current saddle is pushing forward into the shoulder as he is croup-high and the saddle is too narrow along the channel (it's an Ideal Jessica MW). He suggested an Albion SLK as they have a wider channel and are a more suitable shape. Looking on Ebay / Saddles Direct etc they seem expensive... he's changing so fast I could do without buying a saddle for about £1200 that I'll need to change again in 6 months time. Does anyone know of a similar shape of saddle that might do the job?

If it helps he's a 16.3 ISH, fairly chunky (lots of RID in there) but the saddler described him as having a broad warmblood-type back with a high ribcage and very flat across the back (particularly towards the cantle end).

Many thanks and (at this time of night) hot water bottles and fluffy duvets for helping. x
 
Cant comment about the SLK on your horse but wanted to add that my horse was 4 when I was told his first saddle didnt fit. I too didnt want to spend too much as I knew it would need changing as he matured. I was told by the saddler that a Jaguar would fit his shape best and that the tree was able to be altered so I bit the bullet and paid £1700 for it (9 yrs ago!) This has been his only saddle, it has been altered a couple of times and reflocked and he is 13 now. It has been worth every penny. I have recently bought a new saddle, not because his old one didnt fit but because I wanted something to suit me more and the Jaguar was getting a bit worn!
For me, it worked out paying for an expensive saddle, it hurt at the time and I was worried sick it wouldnt fit after a year or so but as it was made to measure and it was able to be altered, it has never caused a problem and has probably saved me money in the long term.
 
That's encouraging - I would love another Suzannah (dearly miss my old one, but it would never have fitted this boy). I have never liked any of the Albions I have tried, which is also why I am rather against buying one.

Does anyone know if the Suzannahs are generous, average or narrow in terms of width fittings?

From memory my old one was medium which fitted my old horse perfectly - he was very slightly less than medium (according to Mike Norton) so I am wondering if they are on the smaller side...

Thanks again

x
 
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