Difference between 16" and 16.5" saddles

[Orchardbeck]

After my struggles to find a saddle to fit my 22yo 14hh pony, I have had to put my lovely Ideal saddle on eBay as we have concluded it just isn't going to be right.

We have consulted with 2 fitters over the space of the last 9 months and agreed she needs a 16.5. I am 5' 1" so this is no big deal really.

However we probably wouldn't be in this mess if the first saddler hadn't been so adamant we needed a 17", I wouldn't have sold my 16.5 old style Thorowgood PC saddle and 10 saddles later and a lost season, we may be able enter the rc events that we joined it for.

Anyway, everyone I speak to seems to struggle to get hold of 16.5"saddles in a wide fitting, there are very few on eBay, but there are more in a 16" 'pony' style.

My question is, how much of a difference does the 1/2 inch make to the rider in a 16" from a 16.5"seat?

(Plus if anyone has a brown 16.5" in a wide fit, gp/wh cut they would like to find a good home for feel free to pm me...)

 

[Gwena]

Sounds like exactly what I am after too - let me know of any info you find that is useful x

 

[TigerTail]

Personally Id be looking for a HeatherMoffett vogue saddle - in a 17'' as they come up slightly at the back when you're sat on it like if you straddle a lilo in a swimming pool Also soft treed - built up on layer upon layer of memory foam and other shock absorbing materials so nothing to hurt/pinch/nip

 

[Darcydoo]

Hi I'm 5 6 and currently using a 16inch saddle with no problems.I agree 16.5 are like hens teeth unless you buy brand new hence 16inch good luck with your search

 

[mystiandsunny]

I'm 5ft4 and ride in a 16" easily. 16.5" gives me a little more room but 16" is fine. Wouldn't find a 16" dressage saddle as comfy, but GP it's fine!

 

[pixie]

Depends on a lot of things, such as leg length and bottom size!
As a teenager I had a 16.5 on my pony. Coming up to 30 soon, with a more voluptuous rear end and I need a 17 now. I did try a 16.5, but saddler and I agreed that it was a bit tight!

 

[TigerTail]

http://www.enlightenedequitation.com/ee/boards/index.php/topic,47310.0.html

2 on here

 

[SarahRicoh]

iv got a 16.5" brown wintec with a wide gullet?

 

[FfionWinnie]

A 17 inch saddle in some makes can be shorter on the horse's back than a different make 16.5 inch saddle.

I have just ordered a 17 inch saddle for my 13.2. We tried other makes and some 16.5 inch saddles were past the last rib.

The one I have ordered has a swept up something or other which makes it work for her and me.