Looking for a saddle

[Boxers]

Daughter's new pony arrived yesterday and we have to buy a saddle for him. YO has lent us one which will suffice for the moment, but is very old and daughter says the seat is hard on her bony bum!

What does VSD stand for?

Any opinons on the Wintec synthetic?

Currently have a Falcon on our pony but it has been ruined by 3 drenchings at PC rallies in the rain! Having difficulty getting it back to how it was. The leather in places has turned to suede! Hence the synthetic looking favourable.

Also would 17" be ok on a 14.2? He's not cobby, but he's not fine, kind of in-between. He's irish and probably connemara X.

Any ideas or comments welcome

 

[CastleMouse]

VSD means very slighty dressage. Not a fan of Wintecs sorry, think they're very uncomfy! Look out for a decent secondhand saddle, if your certain of the width give Ebay a go. I use a 16.5inch on my 12.2hh, so that should be fine, but would it be too roomy for your daughter?

 

[helenandshadow]

Yes VSD is Very Slightly Dressage, so slightly straighter cut than a GP. I had a Wintec GP for my old pony and I really liked it. I have a 16.5" for my 14.2hh welsh x TB. 17" would probably be ok but it depends on the length of the horses back more than the build, if you're not sure you could get a saddler to check it.

 

[stepahnie]

I have a Saddle company saddle for my daughters pony and really like it - adjustable(Well if you can find a fitter to adjust, sadly I cannot ). I have just purchased her a thorowgood T4 PC saddle and am fairly impressed. I never liked synthetics before but the have really improved. It alsi has 'fish' little shims that you can slot in to slightly adjust the width - Yourself!
Worth a look!

 

[lizzie_liz]

IMO I would get a qualified saddler out and have a look at the pony, they will be able to help you work out what is the best saddle for your daughter and pony.

 

[Chumsmum]

I've just ordered a 17" Jeffries Stanford WH for my 14HH cobby type - 17" is just okay as he has a short back but I need this size for my bum

I've gone for a WH style as it freed his shoulders more.
I sat on a few at the tack shop and must admit that I didn't find Wintec synthetic comfortable, esp. after trying the Falcon Hawk Event and other leather saddles, but it's obviously personal choice. Why don't you see what you like the look, feel (and price) of in the tack shop and then arrange for a fitter to come out? I had a lesson booked so the fitter kindly let me borrow the ones that fit him best so my instructor could see what the pony moved better in.
Good luck in your search