Fixing up an old synthetic saddle

[lexibell]

Morning HHO'ers

I have a been given a really ancient synthetic wintec. (material type synthetic not plastic-y type) its really faded, and a bit scruffy but up to the job and structually fine.

its super narrow with a cut back pommel, and so far It is the ONLY saddle that seems to fit my high withered TB.

I want to get him a nice new saddle in future once hes filled out and built some top line.

In the meantime I thought I could try and jazz it up a bit, any one any ideas for restoring colour (its black) or does anyone know where I can buy a cheapish saddle matching that discription (not wanting to invest in expensive saddle right now as he has only just come back in to proper work and has no topline or muscle - would rather wait until hes filled out a bit more before parting with cash)

thanks

 

[lexibell]

bumping

 

[teddyt]

Are you absolutely sure he is a narrow fit? i say this because TBs arent always as narrow as people think- they often need a wider (than narrow) tree and a deeper panel to lift the saddle clear of the spine. The panel fills in the classic hollows behind the shoulders and lifts the saddle clear of the withers. if the saddle tree is too narrow, yes it will lift the front clear of the wither but the horse will never develop muscle because it physically cant. I havnt seen a wintec with a deep enough panel and deep enough rear gusset suitable for a TB.

Unfortunately you may have to part with your cash sooner than you want. For a horse to be comfortable and build muscle the saddle must fit. making do wont actually achieve anything because the pressure wont allow the horse to work properly, let alone be comfortable. sometimes that means changing your saddle several times but thats tough, if the horse needs it then its something you have to do.

Have a look at the Thorowgood high wither saddles. they have an adjustable width at the front and a very good panel to clear the spine. One of those would last you longer than a non adjustable saddle and they are very well designed for the TB conformation.

 

[Kallibear]

Ditto what teddyt said. I've seen a couple of ridulously narrow old saddles but I've never seen a single horse who is anywhere near narrow enought to need one. That includes TBs, who are often very high withered but pretty wide due totheir deep chest - the saddle needs to avoid the withers and fit the back.


Plus i's be AMAZED if the saddle isn't badly twisted. Wintecs are very prone to twisting at the best of times (due to their design) and an ancient old old will be just horrible. Plus the flocking will be totally dead.