Anyone have a Turfmaster saddle?

[palominoponeh]

Hey, just wondering if anyone here has a Turfmaster saddle and what they think of them? Looking at the Arkle one for my 4yo but just wanted to see if anyone had any experience with them? Thanks

 

[sbloom]

Do you have a link? From the unhelpful ones I've found it seems like it may be a racing saddle? Are you thinking of using a racing saddle for backing? If so I'd say definitely not. Racehorses generally come out of racing with pretty poor backs and that's in big part down to the saddles. A young horse needs a well fitting saddle, checked very regularly as they grown, and if backing it's even more important. Racing trees tend to be narrow and unsupportive, and half trees are even worse. They usually tip back and the points dig into the ribcage.

 

[flying_high]

Do you have a link? From the unhelpful ones I've found it seems like it may be a racing saddle? Are you thinking of using a racing saddle for backing? If so I'd say definitely not. Racehorses generally come out of racing with pretty poor backs and that's in big part down to the saddles. A young horse needs a well fitting saddle, checked very regularly as they grown, and if backing it's even more important. Racing trees tend to be narrow and unsupportive, and half trees are even worse. They usually tip back and the points dig into the ribcage.

this one I think - Arkle Synthetic Saddle (triequestrian.ie) https://www.triequestrian.ie/horse/saddlery/saddles-accessories/arkle-synthetic-saddle.html

 

[palominoponeh]

this one I think - Arkle Synthetic Saddle (triequestrian.ie) https://www.triequestrian.ie/horse/saddlery/saddles-accessories/arkle-synthetic-saddle.html

yes that is the one….. of course i was not going to use a racing saddle on my horse……

 

[sbloom]

yes that is the one….. of course i was not going to use a racing saddle on my horse……

Lots of people do, especially on tricky to fit cobs, I wish there was no "of course". And of course, any synthetic saddle at that price is going to be, on balance, poorly made. You can't make a good, safe saddle for that money, and I would doubt they would have a clue about what makes a saddle that facilitates horse and rider to move correctly. Run.

 

[flying_high]

I'd find a local saddler that specialises in second hand saddles, and get their advice. Failing this, I would call a saddler out and ask them what saddles might suit your horse and to measure. I would then book saddler back out and order 3 secondhand saddles that are makes and sizes recommended on trial from saddles direct / sheepham saddles / saddle bank etc. Keep the one that fits and send the other too back.

I wouldnt compromise with a cheap synthetic guess, as you are setting your horse to have good memories of being comfortable being ridden from day one.