Hi Lite saddles?

[1alex1moose]

Hi,

Has anyone used a Shires HiLite saddle? I have a baby horse who has rather a lot of growing to do so I want a saddle which I can use until his weight has stabilised and he has some more muscles at which point he can have a more expensive one. These seem like a good idea but wondered whether they actually work as expected? I'd use it with a sheepskin underneath but just wondered if the quality is OK (dont want anything posh) and whether anyone has experienced any issues with them.

 

[Darkly_Dreaming_Dex]

Cheap Indian imports , seen loads with broken arch trees.

Get a secondhand wintec from ebay, easy to adjust as baby changes shape and at least it will be saleable when you have finished with it.

 

[CBAnglo]

I have seen the inside of one - horrible. I wouldnt put that on my horse's back. The material making up the seat and flaps is really sub-standard as well and will easily wear out.

Re adjustability, I can see how it would be widened by used on a wide horse - but there is no gullet in the saddle therefore how will it work if used on a narrower horse.

for the money, I would buy a second hand thorowgood. The Hi-lite is a copy of the Maxam.

If you are looking for an adjustable saddle, I would get something like a Kieffer or a Saddle Company saddle which can be adjusted as your horse changes shape. I have a Saddle Company for my youngster who has grown 2 inches in the last year and is still growing and I have adjusted it countless times.

 

[laura_1983]

my pony wears one and i think they're great, changes with his shape summer/winter. he's just young aswell, we bought it for him this time last year and have had no problems at all.