First saddle, so many choices!

[sian_x101]

So originally i was looking for a treeless saddle, but have now decided against it as my boy is only a small, short backed pony.

I am now deciding between these 4 saddles...
1. Hi-lite Elite Club GP saddle- i like the idea of the self adjusting gullet (but does it really work?)
2. Comfort saddle (found on fast tack direct)
3. Wintec 500 pony (has adjustable gullet)
4.Thorowgood Maxam cob.

Any ideas of what you would choose for a 3 year old, barrrel-like, 13hh pony

Thanks in advance

 

[teddyt]

Number 4. Because out of your choices it is the best designed.

The self adjusting gullet is dubious because it may flex with movement, hence causing pressure points higher up the points and potentially lowering the pommel.

 

[monkeybum13]

I would say wintec because as he gets older his size may change so changing gullets would much cheaper than buying new saddles!!

old pony had a maxam and on him it didn't fit well and I found it very uncomfy

 

[Donkeymad]

No 4

First are rubbish, second I don't really know, 3 unlikely to fit well, so four

 

[vallin]

Also 4, for above reasons ^^^^^

 

[Cachee8187]

I personally would go for Thorowgood having a T6 myself. Excellent make and a lot better quality than wintec! There are a lot more choices from Thorowgood such as the T6 GP Cob that has a changeable gullet. Seen alot of people buying expensive saddles for their youngsters then spend a fortune taking them in and out, could be a easier option

 

[CBAnglo]

The Hi Lites are awful. The material is very sub-standard and literally frays through wear. The flocking isn't wool but some kind of fibre. The self-adjusting gllet is ruubish.

The wintec is designed for a TB type.

I would go for a thorowgood on a cob tree. Bit really, the best thing to do is get a good saddler out and see what they have that would fit. You don't want to damage a youngsters back with an ill fiting saddle.

There are adjustable saddles available, such as the saddle company saddles which I fit, but they aren't a one saddle fits all. You still need a saddler out to properly fit it. Another make I would look at is the native pony saddle company (not affiliated with the Saddle Company) who have designed their saddles specifically for wide-barrelled ponies.