Help Me Choose a Changeable-Gullet Saddles

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Always-Riding

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I recently purchased a underweight TB who is putting on weight but I'm struggling to find a saddle to fit.

And now with my other horse needing surgery, I'm rather tight for cash!

She has a fairly high wither, but the main problem is that she drops down either side of her spine.

I'm currently looking at Wintec's and Tekna saddles. But what would you suggest?
 
The best qaulity-wise synthetic changeable gullet saddle I've ever had (and still have to jump in) is the GFS range. Very similiar to Wintec in design but much better qaulity .
 
Look at the Kent and master's. Brilliant for tb' s and not that expensive even new (595) but plenty of 2nd hand ones about x
 
I have two Tekna saddles, one adjustable, one not. I actually really like them. My saddle fitter and riding instructor liked them too.

Tekna have gone out of business though i believe but means most of their saddles are on offer and if you buy all the gullet sizes you need it shouldnt be an issue.

Edited to add - I had a GFS genesis saddle too and did like it, but the Tekna gives me a better seat :)
 
They all fit slightly differently so you really need to try them!

The thorowgood highwither (or the Kent and Master leather version) and the new wintec model are both well made and a decent price so would the first ones I'd try.
 
I've got an immaculate brown leather Bates Dressage saddle that I no longer need. These as you will be aware have changeable gullets which are easy to alter just using a screwdriver. If you are interested pm me. :)
 
If you are on a budget, the Thorowgood T4 in the High Wither version would be my recommendation - under £400 brand new. Changeable gullet, drop panel to deal with the lack of muscle behind the wither, cut back head for a high wither & deeper gussets at the back to help stabilise the panel on a back which may have a ^ profile. Also a flock panel for minor adjustments. We have one on our TB while she is building condition. They are also very comfortable to ride in. I don't find the Bates do a very good job at the back, but that is just my opinion :)
 
Thorowgood T4 its pretty much designed for your exact horse! I've had one and also a T6 but prefer the cheaper of the two!
I also have a Kent and Masters VSS high wither (for sale if I'm allowed to say that) but its pretty much brand new. I upgraded from the T6 and then retired my horse a week or so later :(
 
Kallibear said:
They all fit slightly differently so you really need to try them!
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Even if things SOUND like they should fit, it doesn't mean they do. I see lots of changeable gullet saddles that people think fit but they so often do not. See if you can find a saddle fitter if you're not quite sure on how to judge fit.

A TB with muscle loss will need at least a sheepskin pad under the saddle, if not a shim system, as well as a well-fitting saddle, fitted to allow for padding. Did you know that pretty much all regular wooden treed saddles can be adjusted a handful of times up to a size or two in each direction? You just need to find a fitter who works that way, opens up many many more brands and models for you to try.
 
I have a GFS Genesis saddle on my TB, started out at NM width and now an XW but I have it custom shaped to fit. It has saved me a fortune in not having to swap saddles, it is v comfy, wears brilliant (have the all fake suede version) and is light :)
 
Paint Me Proud said:
Tekna have gone out of business though i believe but means most of their saddles are on offer and if you buy all the gullet sizes you need it shouldnt be an issue.
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They have not gone out of business - they just have changed from WEFI to Shires for wholesaling, so there's a gap whilst they get up to speed.
 
ExpressPrincess said:
No idea what there are like to ride in but my friend has an “all leather” (I assume European leather but not manky, calf skin type look) Optimus saddle which cost about £450 brand new and looks the part and has the same gullet system as the Wintecs – just throwing the brand in the mix

http://www.shiresequestrian.co.uk/shop/product.php?productid=16422&cat=766&page=1
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Please don't put an Optimus on a high withered thoroughbred - their panels at the front are very short, and the panels at the back are very narrow. They're great for rounder horses, but the narrow panels are a fast track to muscle wastage on a not very muscled thoroughbred. I've had three saddlers tell me this.
 
Thanks everyone. I've gone through 4 saddles so far so hopefully Ill find a interchangeable gullet that fits well enough.

I did originally have a Shires Optimus but I didn't like the fit although I had it fitted by a saddler and I felt very perched.

Im going to rummage through Ebay later!!
 
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