Further to my Barnsby saddle thread....

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showqa

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I've been having second thoughts about whether I should have a MtoM off them (not least because they haven't called back after a week!!) and so wondering about looking at some of the second hand ones. I have no confidence in the saddle fitters around here frankly, so I am trying to research as much as possible and plan to have a few to try out when my trainer is here in a few weeks. He is much more experienced of course.

Firstly, which makes/models are more likely to fit a flat backed, low/no withered Iberian, currently in a med/wide 17 inch Isabel (just to narrow my search). Secondly, would any of you have photos of flatter trees v deeper trees. Thanks all - desperate to try and extend my knowledge to get this right.
 
I do have a Barnsby saddle which I loved but my absolute favourite saddles are Humphries & Swain serge lined ones. Whilst they don't work together any longer Barry Swain is still making saddles I believe and although a funny bloke to deal with he really knows his stuff. So might be worth looking into that route as well?

The whole saddle scene is a nightmare IMHO!
 
Thanks ISH - and it is hellish. I know that my horse is not 100% in his current saddle, but I've already had a bad experience with the fitter who is recommended around here, been put off going the MtM route. There are clearly a lot of high quality second hand saddles for sale, but I'm also aware that I'm not as qualified as I need to be to fit frankly. I know the basics, the obvious bits and pieces, but the more subtle aspects (yet equally crucial aspects) might pass me by. Hence why I'm trying to get organised for when my trainer is here.
 
I remember seeing these people

http://www.silhouette-saddles.co.uk/Cob GP.html

at a trade only equestrian show, they looked like good saddles and I was impressed at the time with the wide cob saddle, although it doesn't need such a cut back head but they do seem to fit the cob's and wide flat backed horses in general I have seen them fitted to over the years.
Oz
 
ISHmad said:
I do have a Barnsby saddle which I loved but my absolute favourite saddles are Humphries & Swain serge lined ones. Whilst they don't work together any longer Barry Swain is still making saddles I believe and although a funny bloke to deal with he really knows his stuff. So might be worth looking into that route as well?

The whole saddle scene is a nightmare IMHO!
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ditto that, I have a collection of Barrie's saddles and they are wonderful. unlike a lot of saddlers he and Kay are in it to make horses comfortable and not to make £££s. very very highly recommended.
is he not working with Kay any more? i didn't know that.
 
Might be a stupid question, but what are the implications of serge lined saddles? What are the benefits? Thanks.
 
showqa said:
Might be a stupid question, but what are the implications of serge lined saddles? What are the benefits? Thanks.
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softer, warmer, easier for saddler to adjust flocking.
but, some horses don't like the feel of it against them so i always use a thinnish numnah.
the flocking can give and move, which is great when it moves to fit your horse of course, but not when it has hardened over time - it needs checking more often with a serge-lined saddle. not very fashionable now but many sensitive horses love them...
 
On my Barnsby there are two sets of D-rings at the front, how do I know which pair is attached directly to the tree in case I ever need to use a hunting breast plate etc.

I emailed them months back and never heard from them.
 
Have you considered Strada Saddles? Ilga is great and the saddles are very well made. There are second hand ones available sometimes via the forum on her website?
 
I have had great service from Barnsby with my new made to measure saddle the fitter came out on time and did a great job. 8 weeks later the fitter was back with my new saddle arrived it fitted both me and my horse. It looked fantastic and is a real comfy ride. In three month time they will come out and recheck it all. I had a great service I am in Cheshire it did cost quite a bit but was well worth it I believe you do get what you pay for.
 
I loved my Barnsby saddle, so comfy, got stolen by gypos, never replaced, insurance wouldn't pay out, not a 5 point mortice lock on the door hey ho
 
Tharg said:
On my Barnsby there are two sets of D-rings at the front, how do I know which pair is attached directly to the tree in case I ever need to use a hunting breast plate etc.

I emailed them months back and never heard from them.
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on every saddle i've ever had, incl Barnsby, it was the furthest back pair of D-rings - the ones right at the front edge of the flap are not fixed directly to the tree, the ones closer to the stirrup bars are.
 
These are called fall down staples not dees and go right through the tree, as you say Kerilli the front ones aren't safe to use for anything that is going to put a lot of strain on them, these are fall down staples

BrassFallDownStaple.jpg
 
Iberians fit very similarly to natives and cobs, hence we fit a lot of them. We have a choice of three dressage saddles. ReactorPanel is also great for wide horses and you can adjust it yourself, but there is a big question mark over where to get them at the moment. I'd recommend enquiring with Carmi who owns the company in the States.

Too many dressage saddles that I see have a narrow head which is not helpful for broad horses, and are not flat enough i the tree from front to back. It IS possible to have a moderately deep seat on a flat wide horse, but there are few trees out there that can do it. You will also want to watch out for flocked flat semi-close contact panels and a point strap - both will help with fitting.
 
ISHmad said:
I do have a Barnsby saddle which I loved but my absolute favourite saddles are Humphries & Swain serge lined ones. Whilst they don't work together any longer Barry Swain is still making saddles I believe and although a funny bloke to deal with he really knows his stuff. So might be worth looking into that route as well?

The whole saddle scene is a nightmare IMHO!
Click to expand...

I have been through the mill on saddles - prob bought more than 10 and tried different saddlers & fitters - none of which I felt were quite right - horse never overly happy. I eventually shelled out for a Barrie Swain saddle and so glad I did. My horse LOVES it! Wish I'd bought one sooner.
 
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