Kent and Masters S series compact GP or Thorowgood 8 GP?

[{97702}]

I have been recommended either of the above for Jensen as they are more forward cut than my current Harry Dabbs GP saddle - I wanted an Albion K2 jump for him, but it restricted his big shoulders too much so the saddle fitter said no

I must admit I am not hugely enamoured of the idea of either of the above for no logical reason, but my friends have been very helpful and have told me that if my horse suits a lower cost saddle then embrace that fully and be glad he doesn't need something hugely expensive

Has anyone any experience of either of the above, particularly the Thorowgood as that is even cheaper than the Kent and Masters! I prefer the look of the K&M when I look at them online but haven't ridden in either

 

[milliepops]

I've ridden a horse a few times for someone in the TG and I absolutely hate it. But that's entirely personal! I find it slippery and uncomfortable it doesn't seem to mould to the horse at all. I'm used to close contact saddles so it was kind of the opposite end of the spectrum but I just feel so insecure in it

 

[HeresHoping]

Just to say, the compacts aren't great for those with long thigh bones so you might find them a bit of a disappointment. Am a fan of TG /K&M saddles, but there are a few fitters out there that must be on so much Fairfax commission they can't see the woods for the trees. I have a friend who is 5'8 and, like me, is leggy. Extra long thigh. Unlike me, she's quite skinny. She is a complete novice who, rather against everyone's suggestions, went and bought herself a horse a year in to riding. Her saddler, who must have seen the ££s rolling in, absolutely insisted on a compact for her horse and it so, so does not fit her. It puts an already very novice, unbalanced person into a chair position and she sits right on the back of the seat. If the stirrup bars were further back, I think it would be a different story.

However, you are far from novice, and strong enough to tell the saddler otherwise, I hope.

 

[scats]

I really don’t like my Kent and masters GP at all. I’m not sure if it’s coz I have shorter legs, but the stirrup bars are too far forwards and I can’t get out of a chair seat. Im selling it and getting a different saddle fitted.

Strangely, I find the TG cob on my other horse absolutely fine, but having measured, the stirrup bars are closer to my leg (perhaps due to the straighter cut saddle)

 

[{97702}]

Hmmm sounds like the K&M might be the way to go then - unfortunately I am 5'2" HeresHoping so no chance I could have long thigh bones

Has anyone got any alternatives to these saddles please?

 

[Ruby's Mum]

I had both the TG T8 cob GP and the T8 cob dressage saddle for my previous mare. I was initially unsure about getting either as they were part synthetic (I'd only had full leather and memories of the awful synthetic saddles many many years ago) but once ridden in I was surprised how nice they were and as half leather you still get a feel that you are in a full leather saddle. I have long legs and had no issues and found both the be very comfy and my mare went really well in both.