Any saddle fitters about?

[sandi_84]

Sorry guys this one's just for the saddle fitters out there

Looking for an unbiased opinion (is that even possible?! ) about whether I'd be better off just buying a leather saddle or if the synthetic versions are worth it in the short term?

Sorry if you've read my story before but for those who haven't I'll recap:

Got a horse called Loki who is borrowing a saddle from the yard we are at. It fits nicely but is one of the popular riding school horses' and so gets lots of use by it's real owner so I've got to plan my riding around him - not that I mind!

For my own ease of riding and just to have one of his own I have been looking into buying a saddle - preferably second hand as I'm on a major budget at the moment. I have been told leather is the way to go and I have been told the same about synthetics.

The main problem is that my lad is quite undermuscled and will fill out considerably over the next wee while hopefully.

So, what are you saddle fitters out there thinking? Do I get a synthetic adjustable gullet fitted doohicky for him or should I get a leather one and have it reflocked on a regular basis?

 

[ThePony]

Short but not very helpful answer - get what fits!

You can get adjustable leather ones too (kent and masters and fairfax come to mind).
Adjustable ones are good, but bear in mind that just because they are adjustable it doesn't mean that they will always fit as it is only the width at the gullet that can be changed. They do often have a good 2nd hand value though as obv you aren't constrained by just the one width setting.

Is there a saddler near you that stocks thorrowgood? Def my preference over wintec unless your horse is particularly curvy through its back. A fitter that has a good selection of second hand would be good too, though less and less are keeping much in the way of second hand stock as alot of people want new, and if they want second hand they tend to want to pay peanuts!

You might find that your saddler is able to fit him with a wider saddle and then fit a riser pad or pad with shims with it to use as your horse fills out.

The saddler needs to see him and you really to be able to know what would be the best solution.

In terms of resale incase a saddle doesn't fit in the future then adjustable and second hand leather tend to loose least of their value.

 

[Kaylum]

The saddle also has to fit the rider and you must feel happy riding in it, a saddle can change the way you ride and therefore how your horse moves. so it's best to have a try of a good selection.

 

[sbloom]

In your situation choose the saddle fitter by reputation first and the saddle type second. It depends what they have in stock, and what works for you and the horse. I prefer leather by far, especially if it has a proper spriong tree, but only if it fits! Just pray your horse is not hard to fit, then you may not be looking at synthetic or second hand leather, but new leather, like most of my customers, to get the fit!

 

[sandi_84]

Short but not very helpful answer - get what fits!

You can get adjustable leather ones too (kent and masters and fairfax come to mind).

Oooh I didn't know there was leather adjustable ones! Every day IS a school day!

Is there a saddler near you that stocks thorrowgood?

^ I'm not sure I'll have to have a look and see.

Thanks everyone!