Bates saddle for a very wide cob?

[Jennypenny]

Anyone use a Bates saddle for wide cobs. I know you can put x wide and x x wide gullets in, does the rest of the fit of the saddle fit ok? Anyone can tell me a bit more?

 

[AmyMay]

I think you'd find it too narrow. Have you and your saddler considered Fieldhouse. Or even having one made?

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

In theory Bates saddles are supposed to be able to fit any horse/pony due to the changable gullet but in reality they don't always fit. The only way to know is to try one out.

 

[Divasmum]

I had a Fieldhouse extra wide saddle for the very heavy cob I used to have. It is now sitting in my spare room doing nothing but was a wonderful saddle for a very chunky cob. Also extremely comfy for the rider.

 

[Kallibear]

IME, no. They are a wintec, made of leather. They generally don't go wide enough, and if you out a very wide gullet in them then the tree is too banana-like. Plus the panels at the back have too much of a slope and the outside edge digs in.

If you're looking for something adjustable, and thinking in the Bate's price range have a look at the thorowgood leather saddles. Thorowgood themselves do a leather cob version (very good fit on flat wide horses) that has adjustable gullets and changable panels or there's an offshoot company called Kent or something similar

 

[mrhsaddler]

The cob "Kent and Masters" saddles from Thorowgood will fit a very wide horse, they are on the same tree as the T4 and T6 cob and use the same gullet bars as the cob versions, I know because I sell them!! the Bates is too forward cut and has a banana shaped tree.