Bates Isabell Saddle (?)/other cut back off shoulder suggestions/Cair?

horseywelsh

horseywelsh

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What makes/model dressage saddles are really cut back and off the shoulder? Options to try please.

Horse has had an Ideal Suzzanah Dressage saddle for around 5 years which has fitted great, really like it but sadly the saddle is now too tight. Tried the wider tree (XW) but it's still blocking his shoulder movement. He needs something more cut back. Since PSD surgery he has filled out massively on his front, he's moving great behind, but the saddle is blocking the shoulders (fine on lunge etc). Tried a Bates Isabell Wreth Cair saddle today and he was better in that but my trainer thinks we can get something even better back off his shoulder. Any reviews on the Bates Isabell Cair Saddle? Going to saddler again Tues but any suggestions makes/models to try/look into would be appreciated. Horse is a Welsh D with big shoulders but still has withers and it would be an XW tree.

Also what are peoples opinions on Cair over traditional flocking?

Thanks in advance
 
My mare prefers Cair to flocking, so I like the Isabel Werth, but if I could afford it I would go with a passier and have flair fitted as agree with the poster above re freeing up the shoulder.
 
Thanks both, these give me options to research and ones to ask the saddler about. Keep them coming, any experiences re Bates/Cair etc.
 
Misog2000 said:
My mare prefers Cair to flocking, so I like the Isabel Werth, but if I could afford it I would go with a passier and have flair fitted as agree with the poster above re freeing up the shoulder.
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Thanks for your suggestion, off to look into Passier saddles (got a sense my purse won't like it).
 
How wide is the horse at the base of the withers? The Suzannah is a great saddle but best suited to a TB type that is not too broad at the base of the withers (due to the narrow twist). It could be a good idea to look at saddles with a wider twist. If the horse is clamped at the wither base he will not want to use his shoulders freely. The Tonishia may be an option.
 
Bearskin said:
How wide is the horse at the base of the withers? The Suzannah is a great saddle but best suited to a TB type that is not too broad at the base of the withers (due to the narrow twist). It could be a good idea to look at saddles with a wider twist. If the horse is clamped at the wither base he will not want to use his shoulders freely. The Tonishia may be an option.
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Thanks, yes there isthe issue. He's a late maturer, combined with PSD surgery, rehab on water treadmill he has changed shape considerably. Suzzanah has been great as previously had trouble with saddle not having enough in the back but this has really suited him as there's good padding/clearance at back and wide gullet, but as the base of his withers and shoulders have expanded saddle is causing a definate restriction in his movement. Hind legs are powering along, and I think fact that they are now moving so good has really flagged this blocking issue in front. Will look into/ask saddler re Tonishia (as I am big Ideal fan).
 
Second hand Passiers aren't that dear, I got an XW Grand Gilbert for my little arab for £675 incl fitting from my saddler and it was like new, only 6 months old. They are even cheaper on eBay
 
I have an Isabell Werth with Cair for my fat hairy and love it.
Had a Bates Dressage saddle for years and loved that too.
However, the Isabell allows for better shoulder movement, so medium trot and sideways movements are now much easier for her.
 
I agree that it is something about the tree that is not working, perhaps the twist/bars area, and not how the saddle is cut at the front. I personally find very few horse are actually impeded even by a jump saddle if the tree is correct. I would find a good fitter that you trust and see what they recommend.
 
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