NM and MW dressage saddles

[eventer and proud]

Hi,
Finally going to get a dressage saddles, had a look on ebay and found some really nice ones for a good price. my one question is that one is NM and one MW. How big does this mean?? His current saddle is 8.5inchs across.

thank you.

 

[Wheels]

What do you mean by 8.5 inches across? Across where exactly? Are you talking about between the D rings because if you are then that is not an accurate enough measurement to use.

Width angle measurements vary between manufacturers and styles.

There are a lot of factors to consider when fitting a saddle and I would advise you to get a proper fitter out to assist you and to ensure your horse is comfortable

 

[DabDab]

One means narrow-medium and one means medium-wide. So generally saddle manufacturers will classify their saddles as narrow, narrow-medium, medium, medium-wide, wide. You need to know what size your horse needs in that saddle make and model to judge really. Sizes between manufacturers are not directly comparable.

 

[DappleDown]

As above. One manufacturers medium is anothers narrow medium, or medium wide....

Having no saddler fitter carrying pre-owned saddles, I went through a stage of constantly buying and having to sell on saddles when trying to find one for a new arrival. I lost quite a bit of money in the process so now I only buy adjustable saddles.

The latest adjustable saddle I bought via eBay, and am very pleased with it. It is worth taking a look to see what new ones get listed (maybe try a search for 'Adjustable Dressage Saddle'), they often have some nice ones up at sensible prices (I do only like leather saddles though, I love cleaning a leather saddle).

 

[sbloom]

You can't use d to d measurements. I have a lovely photo on my FB page showing a MW and a XXW that have the same d to d. If you have a good eye you can look at photos taken from the front and judge if the angle looks right, but it's an art. It depends on brand and model, they do fair bit in angle (the British standard has a range for each width) but even more so with d to d.

Adjustable can work but is not a cure all - the tree shape must be right to begin with, and then you still can end up with it not fitting as the horse gets wider, or narrower (say if a horse loses a lot of weight and/or is doing fast work) then the tree shape will no longer work and simply changing the gullet won't fix it.

I would suggest using a good fitter unless you really know what you're looking for, or don't mins buying and selling ad infinitum.

 

[ihatework]

Given the question you have posed, I would advise you don't buy a saddle from eBay without some expert help - i.e. a qualified saddler. It could well end up a very expensive mistake otherwise