Kent and Masters High wither?

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poiuytrewq

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Any one have one or opinions on one?
They are affordable and sold at my local saddlery so easy for fittings etc. I had one a fairly long time ago and felt slightly tilted forwards in it but was told this was because it was a 17"and they recommended going up a size seat due to the curve? True?
I see they do the basic GP version or s-series Anatomic GP, not sure about the wither height on this one and a compact.
I'm not 100% clear on the compact bit!? surely 17.5 is 17.5? Do they feel different to ride in or are they just generally less bulky?

Then whats the real difference between a Thorowgood T8 leather saddle and a K&M?
 
poiuytrewq said:
Any one have one or opinions on one?
They are affordable and sold at my local saddlery so easy for fittings etc. I had one a fairly long time ago and felt slightly tilted forwards in it but was told this was because it was a 17"and they recommended going up a size seat due to the curve? True?
I see they do the basic GP version or s-series Anatomic GP, not sure about the wither height on this one and a compact.
I'm not 100% clear on the compact bit!? surely 17.5 is 17.5? Do they feel different to ride in or are they just generally less bulky?

Then whats the real difference between a Thorowgood T8 leather saddle and a K&M?
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Anyone?! Thought they were very popular
 
I have Thorowgood L6 old leather high wither saddle and I love it. It's a VSD shape so good for both flat work and jumping. Thorowgood and Kent &Masters are one and the same this was confirmed to me by 2 saddles. You have to be cautious if the leather quality of some of the K & M saddles as they changed manufacturers due to poor quality leather at one point.
I like a leather saddle but many are keen on the lightweight synthetic ones and I can understand why with them being so light.

It is true that a too small seat will throw you forward as you will not be sitting in the middle if the saddle.
 
My friend has a high wither K&M 17.5 GP and she loves it, it's the comfiest thing to ride in, but it does position her with her bum on the back of the saddle and her legs in front of her, whether this is rider error or just the saddle shape I don't know
 
I find the Kent and masters terribly uncomfortable to ride in in general. That said they are probably one of the better budget saddles out there.
 
I have no experience of the Kent and master saddles but I have a had a few gfs fieldhouse saddles and picked them up fairly cheap second hand, I found they were quite comfortable and they looked fairly smart the last one I had was a brown dressage saddle and it fitted almost every horse we put it on, I only really sold it as at the time both horses already had 2 saddles each so it was just collecting dust, I advertised it and sold it straight away to a local girl for her section d to do some showing with.

I don't know what your budget is but someone was selling an ideal gp saddle on here last week might be worth a look they are very nice had a few of those too.
 
I've got a saddle fitter coming out tomorrow with a load of saddles for me to try- including Kent and masters. My horse has seemingly outgrown him £1000 made to measure saddle (I'm not happy!).

Horse is difficult to fit- huge wither but then relatively flat backed so many of the high wither versions just don't fit him on the back.
 
I used to be an Albion fan but - with a horse that likes to change shape from summer to winter as the work load changes - I have to say I'm a total K&M Convert.

I have a slightly older style Jump and a Dressage.
High wither saddles shouldn't really feel much different for you as a rider, its more about what fits your horse. 17.5" is 17.5" but that length is to provide room for your leg from hip to knee and not your bottom as I understand

If the saddle is in balance on your horse - you should be in balance on top.
 
I have an s series dressage (high wither 17.5), normally feels great but I know when it needs checking as it tips me forward a little. Its very secure and I bought it from a friend 2ndhand in excellent condition, it's been handy as horse is a shape shifter in width and I can keep up with him, also saddler likes it as they are more adjustabel than some other adjustable saddles out there :) Friend has the anatomic GP and that seems to fit everything!!! I don't like the GP saddles and it took me a while to get used to my DR but I know love it, it's wearing well and horse is happy :-)
 
I love the K&M saddles - can't comment on the high wither one specifically. I have two GP's - bought the more recent one from ebay second hand and had it fitted. Great saddles at a good price IMO.
 
It was more the compact seat I wondered about? Has anyone got that model?
I know there are hundreds and hundreds of second hand quality saddles in this price range but everyone I try one or get a saddler out its a bit more budget gone.
I figured if I get an appointment with a saddler with a good second hand range an who stocked K&M I could almost guarantee a fit?!
I HATE saddle shopping!
 
I have the s series jump, the one with the small seat, 16.5. It fits my high withered boy perfectly and I feel very secure in it - very comfortable!
 
Pie's mum said:
I have the s series jump, the one with the small seat, 16.5. It fits my high withered boy perfectly and I feel very secure in it - very comfortable!
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Did you try a regular size one at the time of buying? Is there a noticeable difference?

They sound a bit marmite like! Love or hate
They do however look smart and not cost the earth so I'm seriously tempted!
 
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