Harry Dabbs Dressage Saddles for high withered TB?

[kdoug]

Currently on the hunt for a dressage saddle for a high withered TB. A few months back, I was recommended the Albion SLK or the Harry Dabbs Jaguar. I’m aware the Jaguars are no longer made, but Harry Dabbs seem to do several trees to fit the TB’s specifically. Has anyone had experience with these? Ridden in the Albion regularly on horses at work, and know they’re nice saddles but seems more limited info out there on the Harry Dabbs? Do people tend to have the Avant tree, or is the Original a (generally!) good fit for them too? Also, how are they to ride in, I’m fairly small with narrow hips, so don’t get along with a wide twist? Thank you!

 

[Miszeemare]

I’m currently waiting for my new Harry Dabbs jumping saddle (over 16 weeks so far) for my TB who has high withers & like you, I’m small. The saddler came out with several trees for several makes of saddle and the Harry Dabbs IB tree fitted him best. You really need to get someone out to fit him and if he is an ex racer, Harry Dabbs were doing a 20% discount if registered with ROR.

 

[Miszeemare]

I have ridden in a Jaguar dressage saddle and didn’t find it very comfortable but it was an older one.

 

[kdoug]

Okay, good to know, didn’t know about the ROR either; thanks! Yes of course, will definitely get it fitted properly! Just good to have some thoughts on them because as I mentioned, haven’t come across them as commonly as the Albion! Thank you!

 

[I'm Dun]

I went with the Albion SLK and love it. They seem to sell on quickly and easily as well. I didn't come across a single harry dabbs while I was looking, so if you want second hand it may prove very tricky!

 

[sbloom]

TBs can vary massively in shape, after all show hacks are mainly TB and they can be very wide and flat. I would also say that having narrow hips actually has little to do with needing a wide or narrow twist, it's the width of your pubic symphisis/arch, and then how your hips are articulated, that matters. The narrowest pelvis I've assessed was in a broad curvy woman.