Borne dressage saddles?

[KillarneyISH]

I got a 15 h Welsh Cob/GRP cross last summer for dressage, who was great when he came, but steadily got more spooky and uncooperative. After a lot of angst, expense and trial and error, I finally consulted my excellent vet/chiropractor who told me that he had severe pain in his withers, and that his saddle did not, and could not be adapted to, fit him. A saddle fitter had briefly looked at it when I got it and said it was basically OK other than being a little longer than she'd like to see. I had a local saddle fitter come out, who is a Master Saddle Fitter, and sells Borne saddles (made in Scotland). He has a pretty flat back , and at 5'8" getting a saddle that is short enough for him (certainly no more than 17.5"and big enough for me may be a challenge. Does anyone have any experience with Borne saddles and/or any suggestions for other saddle brands that might fit a flat backed large pony?

 

[Red-1]

At 5'8 and small enough to ride a 15hh cob cross, a 17.5 saddle should be suitable, especially if you have a flatter seat as opposed to a deep seat. If he is flat backed then a flatter tree/seat will probably suit him better too.

I have not heard of that particular saddle, lesser known saddles do tend to drop value quicker than well known brands. Not to say it wouldn't be suitable.

 

[sbloom]

They're Sankey saddles really, Borne is more a US brand but I figure they're using the brand name here now too. Smaller custom brands are all about how good the fitter is, I have no idea on the quality/VFM. I do agree that the smaller brands, even rebranded bigger brands like the various rebadged Ideals, are always worth less second hand. If you really can't find off the peg (which often come with a ridden trial, and always have more customer rights) and feel comfortable with your fitter then it would probably be a good way to go.