Badminton - saddle shopping

[Llwyncwn]

My horsie has changed shape and need a new saddle. Had a marvellous time sitting on various brand spanking new saddles at different stalls. The only one I really wanted to try was the WoW - they had a mechanical horse to try the saddles on, however it was very busy and they had no time for me. Sooooo ...

Tried Albion, Bates, Cliff Barnsby (lots of) and then I sat on a saddle I can only say OMG! It felt bloomin wonderful - the Sue Carson Harmony. I felt like a proper Diva

Everything, including my bum just fell into place. However, its £1,850 plus £50 call out and travelling.

Now, need all your expert advice. When we start competing Medium and schooling AM she will be changing shape and going more uphill and losing some muscle from the side of the wither (so I am told by saddle fitters). Do I wait ? Also, should I carry on checking other makes out even though I feel this is the one (if it fits my girl)?

Is it also right that MY shape will change as we move up the levels? I tried a Pikeur tail coat on (and top hat

) and it was wonderful, but would prefer a few sizes smaller

 

[SilverSkye]

Used to ride a horse for a friend and she had a sue carson saddle (dressage one not sure on the name of it) have to say i really liked it, think they are pretty bespoke in you can choose sizes of all the blocks and saddle flap lengths and things, am also almost positive they are completely adjustable so you could just have it remoulded if she does change shape. Have a feeling someone on here has one might be henryhorn??

 

[Gucci_b]

I would wait. I have the same problem at the moment with one my mares, with shape changing, Had the saddle fitter down to me on Friday, And she tryed 4/6 saddles on my mare and none fitted just so (as a lot of money to spend for a short time - may be!) she is doing some shopping around for me and comming back end of the month with some more saddles to try. I would check out the saddle market first. some tack shops will let you take a few saddle's for you to try at home, they will swipe your credit card for a depoist and when you take them back they will put the money back on ( that's fine if you have a few quid in the bank). That might be the road to go down for you... I also waitted to have a go on the saddle horse but soooooo busy, nice saddle's there.... lots of money thow...

 

[Llwyncwn]

I would personally never buy or take a saddle to try on my mare. Although I would know if a saddle definately didnt fit, I would never profess to know if it was a perfect fit, even after 40 odd years around horses ! I thought my existing saddle was perfect, but saddler told me on Thursday that the points each side of the wither were too tight and she had gone up 2 sizes in 18 months. I wouldnt have known that. Did try a Wintec Isobell Werth on her today. She felt almost lame and her back was sore after 15 mins. Saddle fitter said that it would fit better than her existing. It wasnt bought for her though, it was for the Shire