any tips on...

[joanne1920]

fitting a saddle, my 2 and half year old gypsy cob is now used to having a saddle on, ive used a really old one in case he rolled on it etc, im looking to back him this summer and have started leaning over him, the trouble is he's 13.2hh but going to be really chunky, he has a very short back and a short neck! ive tried a friends saddle, which is 10" d to d and 6.5" gullet and 16" seat, perfect length not sure how much gap should be allowed at the front, someone told me it would pinch him as not wide enough, someone said too wide! help please.... ant tips as for what i should be looking for? i appreciate he will change shape, so im just looking for a cheapy saddle but one that fits so i dont hurt him when i get on!

 

[M_G]

Why not get a saddle company saddle as this can be adjusted by a qualified fitter at your yard to whatever size is needed. I got one for my cob and at last I have a saddle for life.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

For something cheap & adjustable have a look at Wintec....you can adjust the gullet & they don't cost a fortune.

 

[the watcher]

Get a metal coat hanger and bend it over this back by the withers to get a kind of template, one of the websites, I think it is thorogood, have a template you can download or print to compare, and this should give you an idea of width. I have to say though that if you are not confident or competent to fit the saddle yourself you should use a saddle fitter or your instructor to help you