Current saddle recommendations for a wide young cob

[sollimum]

There seems to be a lot more cob type saddles on the market now. Smart? saddles, chunky monkeys etc.

My lovely older cob has a black country (best saddle ever) and a kent and masters for when he changed shape.

Young cob is in a lovely saddle belonging to the trainer, an old leather one that fits him but I need to get him sorted and he now looks like he is not fitting his adjustable when I just popped it on his back. Saddler is booked in but thought it would be good to get some ideas too.

He has overnight matured outwards, no wither and I am accepting that what fits him now will not fit him soon and I don't think a thorowgood, wintec etc will do the job.

Thank you.

 

[Jambarissa]

What do you plan to do with him in the years before he matures enough to have his final shape and saddle?

My preference is chunky monkey but they're spendy and I wouldn't want to buy twice.

I've used saddle company ones 0n young cobs , a close contact tree in VSD shape worked well and was fully adjustable (by fitter, not DIY). Got a black one for sale...

I'm now fully in total contact saddles on youngster and my riding horse but they're not for everyone and not suitable for competition in all disciplines.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I use Lavinia Mitchell saddles on my wide Arab's mine are the older models that were designed by Lavinia before she sold the company, I don't know what the new ones are like but mine are so comfortable and work for both of my horses.

They are often seen second hand and they come in 6 different widths I use a size 3 on one of mine and the other one has a size 5.

 

[SantaVera]

Wintec fits mine

 

[sollimum]

What do you plan to do with him in the years before he matures enough to have his final shape and saddle?

My preference is chunky monkey but they're spendy and I wouldn't want to buy twice.

I've used saddle company ones 0n young cobs , a close contact tree in VSD shape worked well and was fully adjustable (by fitter, not DIY). Got a black one for sale...

I'm now fully in total contact saddles on youngster and my riding horse but they're not for everyone and not suitable for competition in all disciplines.

This year he will be hacked to build up his confidence and fitness. I have read up on the total contact saddles and lots of positive reviews but I guess they are like marmite? Just trying to get my head around them.

 

[sollimum]

I use Lavinia Mitchell saddles on my wide Arab's mine are the older models that were designed by Lavinia before she sold the company, I don't know what the new ones are like but mine are so comfortable and work for both of my horses.

They are often seen second hand and they come in 6 different widths I use a size 3 on one of mine and the other one has a size 5.

I did have a LM saddle on my haflinger about 12 years ago, I had forgotten about them and would have to research the sizing. Thank you.

 

[sbloom]

It's as much about the fitter, check reviews for the fitters AND the brands closely.