GP saddles for a short flat backed connemara with little wither. Currentky have an amazing Fylde Majorie

[PONYPC]

I am looking to idealy buy a seconhand GP saddle upto @ £1000. In the past i had a monarch which was sent back by the saddler due to a manufacturing fault and a GFS XCH that i gave away as the leather cracked quite badly. I then got a Fylde Marjorie dressage saddle, that's perfect in every way and had Fylde fit it for me, even though it required no adjustment from the wither measurements I posted before hand. It has been a excellent saddle that is as good now, as it was 5 years ago new. I contacted Fylde to see if they did a GP on a similar tree but no joy. I have the saddler booked and may get a Fairfax classic MGP on trial, as a fellow livery has a similar one which looks a good fit, Although the Fairfax classic low wither LGW maybe a better fit, but these are quite rare second hand. I know there is additionally the Kent and Maters LGC and perhaps a T8 Thorrowood to try. Does anyone have any other suggestions of an adjustable saddle for a short flat back and low wither, or perhaps know what other Fylde sadles may use the same tree as the Fylde Marjorie. Many thanks.

 

[Ali27]

I have an Equipe expression on my flat backed cob x Connie and it was the only saddle which suited her!

 

[Lovethebeach]

Have a look at the Heritage range LS (large shoulder) it's panel is cut right back behind shoulder and flap with surface knee roll 'floats' over the shoulder. There were a few nice ones on Ebay lately

 

[conniegirl]

If the fylde marjorie fits then the ideal ramsey likely will too.

i had a Marjorie for my lad, he now has a black country VSD.

You could look at the fylde Ray as well

 

[gallopingby]

Fylde Ray would be worth a look

 

[sbloom]

Wanting fully adjustable is limiting your options, the Marjorie isn't and I'd recommend avoiding them for a GP too as the tree shapes just aren't right.

I find the rail shapes on Fairfaxes seldom truly work for flatter backs and I get bodyworkers calling me out all tilhe time, usually thinking the channel is too narrow but it's not, it's the tree shape under the rider.

There are several brands out there known for being specialist for wider, flatter backs, I would look at those, and recommended fitters, while realising that many chunky cob saddles are too much for Connies. I would not start with sport horse brands, the odd one may work for some but again tree/rail shape is usually the issue.

 

[pixie27]

It’s not adjustable but a Bliss/Loxley saddle has been a game changer for my big shouldered, wide barrelled, short/flat backed Irish pony.

 

[webble]

Not saying it would fit but I have a newer style t8 endurance which might be worth a try if you can find one, they are cheapish second hand

If the gfs that you have had in the past fitted and the issue was just the leather could you look for another without that issue? Could have just been a dodgy hide or been poorly cared for

 

[sbloom]

Please note T8 is the finish of a Thorowgood saddle and nothing to do with the model in terms of tree and panel shape and therefore fit, you have said yours is an endurance webble so not aimed at you . Personally the standard tree with round cantle won't commonly fit flatter backs, the cob tree/models would on paper be the one to look at but I'd refer anyone back to my comment on adjustable headplate, and chunkier cob, saddles

 

[Baywonder]

Fylde Ray would be worth a look

The Fylde Ray is also available as a VSD or GP with a close contact or wool flocked panel.

 

[PONYPC]

If the fylde marjorie fits then the ideal ramsey likely will too.

i had a Marjorie for my lad, he now has a black country VSD.

You could look at the fylde Ray as well

Thank you, that's the information I was after, Would you know if the Ray have a similar Tree please? I will look at the Black Coyuntry aswell. although may need a GP over a VSD as looking to do a little X country, not big jumps though

 

[PONYPC]

The Fylde Ray is also available as a VSD or GP with a close contact or wool flocked panel.

hank you, that's the information I was after, Would you know if the Ray have a similar Tree please? I will look at the Black Coyuntry aswell. although may need a GP over a VSD as looking to do a little X country, not big jumps though

 

[sbloom]

The Ramsey and Marjorie are basically the same saddle. I'm as sure as I can be the Marjorie and the Ray have different trees (the Ray is flatter) but @Baywonder (as her OH makes the Ray) or Fylde themselves are the only ones to ask, I would encourage everyone to go back to the company for technical questions like this.

 

[Baywonder]

The Fylde Ray tree has been made on the same block for the last 35 years, and it's not available to any other manufacturer, other than the maker of the Fylde Ray saddle. This tree is specifically designed for short backed horses, and it has the shortest base rail in relation to the seat size compared to any other tree on the market. They fit wide horses and ponies and range from a 16" up to 19.5" seat size.

 

[webble]

Please note T8 is the finish of a Thorowgood saddle and nothing to do with the model in terms of tree and panel shape and therefore fit, you have said yours is an endurance webble so not aimed at you . Personally the standard tree with round cantle won't commonly fit flatter backs, the cob tree/models would on paper be the one to look at but I'd refer anyone back to my comment on adjustable headplate, and chunkier cob, saddles

Agreed, I don't love mine but it's the closest we have come to something that suits us both