Boring but really needed!! Saddle advise please

D

debradley

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 April 2007
Messages
559
Location
Worcestershire
Visit site
My horse has recently come back into work after KS op and injuries to her legs.

Just before she was diagnosed with KS last year I had bought her a beautiful brand new Saddle Co GP saddle with serge panels. Unfortunately after only three months riding she has changed shape so much it now appears to be pinching her withers.

What I'm after is the recommendation of a good quality saddle, maybe with Cair, that has interchangeable gullet; as if she is going to keep improving her shape at this rate - I'm not going to be able to keep up with the cost of saddle changes!!!

I've previously owned a Wintec which I wasn't too impressed with and my budget (although I would love it) just doesn't stretch to a Wow. I was thinking perhaps a Bates or something along those lines.

Does anyone have any strong views or recommendations please? Would really appreciate feedback before I reinvest.
tongue.gif
 
I use a Black Country Saddle for my horse with Kissing Spine, It is unbelievably supple and so comfortable, It has a very wide channel that totally clears the spine and my horse goes very well in it without any of the usual tell tail signs when tacking up. It is a dressage saddle but I have a couple of pupils I teach that have the GP version and say they are very comfortable too. I had a Wow saddle for 4 months but he hated it! the saddler just couldn't seem to get it to fit him comfortably so I sold it on ebay and bought the Black Country.
 
I would say spend the little extra money it will cost (say 150-200) to have a recommeneded saddle fitter come spend a few hours havinga good look at your horse and you and try absolutely everything. Don't know where you are but ask around to find someone who was really happy with their fitter and gives glowing reports!
 
You do realise your Saddle Company one can be changed in width fittings don't you? Are you sure it can't be altered to fit your horse?
 
I've a Bates Momentum that I like and fits well. I got it for a youngster and have adjusted it as she muscled up so it has worked well for us
 
Well it definitely doesn't have an interchangeable gullet like the traditional ones (ie Wintec/Bates) I think I'll give the saddle fitter a ring who fitted it and ask for some advise on that. It is a lovely saddle and has had no wear so would love to keep it if it can be adjusted.

That's why this site is so good - you get little gems of answer's like this. I'll check it out.

Many thks
 
[ QUOTE ]
Well it definitely doesn't have an interchangeable gullet like the traditional ones (ie Wintec/Bates) I think I'll give the saddle fitter a ring who fitted it and ask for some advise on that. It is a lovely saddle and has had no wear so would love to keep it if it can be adjusted.

That's why this site is so good - you get little gems of answer's like this. I'll check it out.

Many thks

[/ QUOTE ]

No, you're right, they don't have interchangeable gullets, they have a memory metal strip in the gullet. A good SC fitter will be able to come out, template your horse and use a 'press' (cannot think of a better name for it!) to alter it then and there, put it back on your horse and alter some more if needs be. That's the beauty of them, they are so adjustable. I used to have a couple, really nice for the horses too, and had them adjusted from fitting a 15.1 selle francais mare to a 16.3 TBxWB gelding.
 
Excellent - thanks so much, that will save me so much money. Will give saddle fitter a ring tomorrow. I knew there was a good reason I really liked this saddle.
 
these saddles are designed to go up and down 3 sizes..

yours can be adjusted, as SC has said, on site...akes about 20 minutes..

i would think this type of saddle would be ideal for your horse whilst changing shape, as they are so versatile.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top