Bates Pony Saddles???

[Missy31415]

Hi, looking for some advice on a new saddle for my pony. I've just bought a 4 year old section a cross, 11.1hh. I've tried a Fylde Samantha and an Oakfield Cherub so far...both sit tilting backwards but if any wider would be too low to the withers. I'm now looking at getting the Bates Pony Dressage, or Show. Wondered if anyone had either of these and could recommend which is better? Many Thanks in Advance

 

[rara007]

I have one but for a short backed 14hher. I really like it for me, but I think it would be quite 'deep' for such a small pony? Mine is the biggest but way too long for full up As. I couldn't get any smaller seat than that as a small adult and fit in (but I ride in flat 15" fine) if it's for a child maybe some do get on with deeper seats but I know that's not common. Looked around at what others do?

 

[sbloom]

In my experience they are just the bigger saddles scaled down and tend to perch. If your pony is a proper shapely mini-TB with a wither they might work, otherwise you will probably need a flatter tree and more close contact panel. I'm also not sure they would come small enough for your pony?

I find that when I'm fitting Welsh As and similar they are best with short seats and may or may not need deepish rear gussets to balance the saddle, I know Fylde have super slim rear panels, not sure about the Oakfield. The saddle MUST be fitted to be stable in movement though, if you fit to a perfect fit on the static back then the tree will probably be too curvy and will be unstable in trot and canter.