Dilemma - To Flex or not to Flex

[Georgia68]

I have been advised by a very well respected trainer to buy a Semiflex saddle. I currently have a Kieffer which has been selected and fitted by a Master Saddler.

I really rate the opinion of the trainer, but I have also been advised by another very experienced horse person who runs a top yard, and has been around the completion world for ever, not to go down the Semiflex route.

The Semiflex is v. expensive and my current saddle is only around 9 months old, and we all know the resale value of saddles.

Now all I want is what is good for my horse, but I also have to be careful with money, I’m not exactly rolling in it! I’m really at a loss of what to do.

 

[ThePony]

is there anything wrong with your current saddle? (in your saddle fitters opinion?). With the greatest respect, I would ignore the trainer!!

 

[Georgia68]

is there anything wrong with your current saddle? (in your saddle fitters opinion?). With the greatest respect, I would ignore the trainer!!

Well that's the issue, the trainer believes that the Kieffer is very uncomfortable for my horse and is restricting his movement.

 

[HOLCHE]

Get your saddle fitter's opinion. If the saddle is uncomfortable for your horse would the trainer not advise you to do this? A semiflex may not be the best option for your horse. I would be suspicious of why the trainer is recommending this particular saddle.

 

[Cluny]

It sounds to me that your trainer likes Semiflex's so has suggested it to you. However, no one brand of saddle fits all horses. I'd speak to your fitter, ask them to come out and take a look at your saddle, I'd also have a chiro or similar out to take a look at your horse and see if there are any sore spots causes by the saddle.

If there are then see if the fitter can adjust your saddle, if there are not then ask the fitter to bring a range of saddles for you to try. The Semiflex (which I do rate as a saddle) maybe great for your horse, but you may hate sitting in it!