John Whitaker saddles

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SupertrampIII

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I've just bought a 5 year old who's not in the best condition and am prepared for him to change shape over the next couple of years, and i need to get him a saddle for now but dotn want to splash out if i'm going to have to replace it soon! Has anyone got any experience or expertise with John Whitaker saddles, because i'm completely new to the adjustable tree idea, can you have them altered more than once? And is it just the tree that can be adjusted or can you sort of 're-flock' the whole thing to fit any horse? I'm completely clueless when it comes to saddle fitting and have to put a lot of trust in my saddle fitters! Please help :S
 
Some are made in Argentina. My saddler was not very complimentary about the one I had. Very comfy for me but not for the horse.
Bates may be a better option as they have easy change gullets and the cair system can accomodate some flocking for a better fit.
 
The ones I have seen I have been impressed with, but I have heard mixed reports about the "Build" quality so to speak!

I would look at Prestige, if you can get an older one they are fab, and also have the adjustability. However, alot of other makes are very adjustable, so don't right anything off! I know for a fact if you buy a saddle from Barnsby directly, they will change the tree if necessary in the future, and I believe the same is true with ideal
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I really like my JW jumping saddle (the junior one because of my short legs), but I have not heard that they could be adjusted. I think it has latex rather than flock panels. Mine is 2 years old now, and looks like new, and v sensitive horse goes beautifully in it.

Our other mare has a bates which is great too. She has had three different gullet plates in it, and the only problem we have had with it (owned for 6 years) is that the one of the cair airbags deflated gradually. Got it fixed by bates though which was fairly cheap and v quick service. If bates saddles fit your horse (I think they fit some types better than others) then they are a great option for a young horse

Fiona
 
I am in love with prestige saddles, and didnt know they could be adjusted! will have to look into it, and i vaguely remember hearing something along the lines of prestige making the jw ones...
Thanks for all your advice!
 
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