Jumping saddles for large shouldered horses

horse_lover

horse_lover

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Can anyone help me? I seem to be having huge problems trying to find a jumping saddle to suit my TB gelding with massive shoulders. Has anyone else experienced this, what was the result? I am sure there must be many eventers out there with big shoulders, but my saddle fitter seems to be struggling, thanks
 
My horse is TB x with huge shoulders and he has an ide impala pro monoflap

Only thing that fitted! As the blocks are on top they don't 'dig in'
It's super comfy and he is much more willing to work in it compared to anything else, even his jump has improved!
 
can I just add (as her instructor) that the saddler has put saddles on and technically they "fit" but the horse either hates them or at best gets blocked through the shoulder and develops a choppy gait. He is however much better in a straighter cut saddle (as in his stride length is better), but HL is really hoping to get him a proper jumping saddle.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
I have been having terrible problems with my horse and after spending thousands of pounds on vets and osteopaths and two different saddle fitters I eventually found that the problem was his saddle compromising his shoulder movement. This was not picked up by the saddle fitters but by an equine body worker. I have since tried several different saddles on him to no avail.

Eventually I tried the Thorowgood T8 and the change in him was instant. He is able to take normal strides, is able to work properly and is generally a happier horse.

The Thorowgood is not an expensive saddle and to be honest I wasn't keen on even trying it but it has made my unlevel, unsound horse a real pleasure to ride. I am so pleased that I have just ordered the Thorowgood T8 Dressage saddle to replace my current Dressage saddle.
 
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The saddles need to have short points so they don't interfere with shoulder movement. The flaps o the saddles are just flexible, so shouldnt restrict shoulders. This seems to be a common saddler issue which is rubbish as tonnes of comp horses have massive shoulders!

Equipes, jags, barnsbys, ideals and black county are all worth a look depending on shape as all carry close contact saddles with good points. Some are flocked which is good for typical tb types, others are latex panelled. Find a saddler with a huge range and go from there!
 
thanks KatB the shorter points dilema has come up :)

To the others who have found solutions, did you manage to work out WHY that specific saddle worked for you compared to others you have suggested.

OP has tried Albion K2, an Ideal (can't think of model) and a Harry Dobbs so far....
 
My 4yr old has HUGE shoulders - as does her mother, but daughter is more sensitive.

Ideals get me nearly decked! We are limited to Barnsbys, Albions and Jaguar/Harry Dabbs saddles. I dislike Albions (although thats what shes got atm!) but Barnsby do lots of lovely saddles.

With mine its all about the length of the tree points, even a moderate length one makes her buck like hell, and shuffle.
 
Thanks everyone, some really good points and lots to think about. I now have a new route to investigate and some more brands to try, fingers crossed we can get this sorted as its been going on for a year and I have also spent fortunes of physios/vets
 
I've got a tb with high withers, huge shoulders and a fairly flat back.
I have a Black Country Event in a medium with wither gussets so may be worth trying one of their jumping saddles.
 
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