Highland Pony Saddle Woes .... Update and a big big big thank you to Symonds Saddlery!!!

[Louby]

Just an update as I cant be the only person with a barrel shaped pony who has desperately struggled to get a saddle that fits and also stay where it should

I have had four saddle fitters out with no success, mainly that they havent had anything wide enough or the one that was wide enough rolled all over and I spent more time trying to keep it central. I was even told I couldnt have a dressage saddle on a Highland pony!! I really didnt want to buy a M2M saddle for a 4 year old because hes going to change shape quickly and also because I was potentially buying something Id never had the chance to try and would I like it?? but after having to go it alone in my search and ending up with 6 saddles that didnt fit (these barrels are in a league of their own when it comes to saddles) it was beginning to look like that was my only option.

We currently have an older Symonds Fylde Ray saddle that was bought for when he was backed and its served us well but I really wanted a dressage saddle as thats what Im used to. I was so lucky to come across a new Symonds Dressage saddle but it wasnt wide enough, surprise surprise!! I took a chance knowing my Ray suited him and had been able to be widened. Thanks to this Forum Id previously 'spoken' to Baywonder who is actually Ray Symonds wife, so I messaged her on here asking if the saddle Id bought could be widened. It turned out my new saddle was actually the dressage version of the famous Ray WH saddle, I didnt know that and Ray told me they are perfect for my type of horse. Things like this dont often happen for me!

Ray has been absolutely amazing, I actually feel humbled that there are still such lovely people out there. He has gone above and beyond to help me and with his help and advice I took templates, sent photos, spoke to discuss and then sent the saddle to Ray for it to be altered. And whispers..... or shouts very loud IT FITS

Im sure they are sick of me saying this but thank you thank you thank you to Gill and Ray for all your help!! It is an absolutely beautiful saddle, so comfortable, amazing quality and Im absolutely over the moon ❤

It seems Saddlegate has come to an end phew!!! .................. but I wouldnt mind an updated Symonds Ray WH now

 

[Barton Bounty]

Lovely positive post

 

[Louby]

Lovely positive post ❤

Thank you, I honestly cant tell you how grateful I am x

 

[ester]

What a fabulous update! I can feel the relief!

 

[Barton Bounty]

Thank you, I honestly cant tell you how grateful I am x

I was the same when 4 saddle fitters tried to fit a shortback compact tb lol. Finally one amazing woman took my brand new saddle, widened it and fitted flair! It has been an absolute game changer

Now , you do know you have to now provide pictures of the mentioned pony

 

[Louby]

What a fabulous update! I can feel the relief!

Ha ha thank you!! I actually feel a sense of calm lol!!!
Im sure my horsey friends will now say hello instead of hiding away when I appear on the yard As for my long suffering Hubby well he deserves a medal lol!!

 

[nagblagger]

Brilliant update. There are some helpful people out there.
Slightly concerned though, you told us who Baywonder is.

 

[ester]

True, can you edit to say just another hhoer perhaps?

 

[Baywonder]

Brilliant update. There are some helpful people out there.
Slightly concerned though, you told us who Baywonder is.

Don't worry @nagblagger - @Louby did check with me first before posting.

 

[Louby]

I was the same when 4 saddle fitters tried to fit a shortback compact tb lol. Finally one amazing woman took my brand new saddle, widened it and fitted flair! It has been an absolute game changer

Now , you do know you have to now provide pictures of the mentioned pony

Its the best thing ever isnt it!! I said to Gill that it may sound a bit strange but the smell of this saddle to me, is better than the smell of perfume to most normal women thankfully I think she understood lol!!

I took a couple of piccies tonight to send to Ray but will take a better one of my new very cherished saddle I just dont know how to post them

 

[Louby]

Brilliant update. There are some helpful people out there.
Slightly concerned though, you told us who Baywonder is.

Thank you @nagblagger , I did check first with Baywonder as I wouldnt have posted without checking first x

 

[Louby]

True, can you edit to say just another hhoer perhaps?

Thanks Ester, I have checked with @Baywonder before posting x

 

[ester]

I thought you might have all good

 

[Louby]

I thought you might have all good

Thanks Ester x

 

[Barton Bounty]

Thanks Ester, I have checked with @Baywonder before posting x

She is one of my fave posters

 

[dixie]

It’s great when you find a saddle that fits and is comfy to ride in.
I had a Symonds a number of years ago and it was a lovely saddle. One of Those that I should have kept really when the horse went.

 

[eahotson]

What a lovely happy post.

 

[chaps89]

So glad you’ve found something that fits OP.

I still have my Symonds saddle, it’s the one thing I won’t part with.
It is comfy and puts me absolutely in the right position.
It’s probably coming up to 10 years since it was last used but I get it out and clean it periodically in the hope that one day I can use it again, I absolutely love it.
I remember saving up all my pocket money and Saturday job money to buy it many years ago now!

 

[pistolpete]

It’s a wonderful thing when horse and rider both comfy. Current saddle I sit in is horrid even with a seat saver! My all time fave was a Lavinia Mitchell which I still have although no horse for it sadly. Feel a new thread coming on!

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I’ve just had a sneak peek at the range and what beautiful saddles they are. I have serious saddle envy.

 

[Louby]

Thank you all, it is truely a beautiful saddle and for as wierd as it may sound just the smell of it makes me smile, I think thats something only horsey people can appreciate
All of Rays saddles are handmade by him, the quality and finish shows that. I just wanted to show my appreciation to them with this post but also to say that there is light at the end of the tunnel for us owners of hard to fit horses. Rays expertise and kindness in going above and beyond to help me has finally ended what Ive called saddlegate
My quest to get an updated Ray WH may be closer as Ive actually sold 2 of my ever growing collection of saddles that didnt fit!

 

[Louby]

It’s a wonderful thing when horse and rider both comfy. Current saddle I sit in is horrid even with a seat saver! My all time fave was a Lavinia Mitchell which I still have although no horse for it sadly. Feel a new thread coming on!

Thank you, its awful when you are uncomfortable. I actually have an LM here too theres not many I havent tried lol but I think my old hips couldnt cope with the wide twist. I do have a barrel to sit on though!!