One saddle for 2 horses?

[Hippona]

I have been having a nightmare trying to find a suitable saddle for my arab....he is typically short backed, wide fitting with a small wither. He has a K+M GPD which has been the best so far but still I feel 'perched' on his shoulders and I'm sure it does slip forwards slightly. Plus....and I know its shallow....I think it looks too 'bulky' for him and not pleasing on the eye.

Over the christmas break I tried the highlands saddle on the arab...its a 16" WH - nice and slimline. It only bloomin' fits him perfectly- doesnt slip forwards, well back from the shoulder and I'm convinced he's happier in it- more relaxed and striding out nicely.

I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner- it would have saved me a fortune....but I have always been one for each horse having his own tack.....so thats my question.
Is it ok to use one saddle for 2 horses? They have their own saddle cloths.....

 

[Squeak]

Yes it is absolutely fine to have one saddle for two horses, alot of people do it especially professionals.

 

[smiffyimp]

I have Ideals for my Arabs - would recommend you try them but looks like you had a lucky break! If the saddle fits both horses - no probs, if it doesnt you need 2. Pros use 1 saddle fits all, but it doesnt mean they fit (notice all the dead sheep they use under it!) Id get a saddler to have a look TBH.

 

[Hippona]

I have Ideals for my Arabs - would recommend you try them but looks like you had a lucky break! If the saddle fits both horses - no probs, if it doesnt you need 2. Pros use 1 saddle fits all, but it doesnt mean they fit (notice all the dead sheep they use under it!) Id get a saddler to have a look TBH.

Yes....I have heard a lot of arab owners use Ideals.....they were next on my list, I was going to see if I could trade in my K+M against one

I'm really happy with the fit and his way of going in it....and frankly- if he's not happy- then you know about it

 

[abbieandfiona]

I use my jeffries saddle on my mare and my loan mare as fits them both and is a better fit than the saddle she came with. Saved me some money getting another saddle, and have her old one as spare when hacking out with someone else riding mine.

 

[TBB]

Guess I've just been lucky then as I've used the same saddle for over 15 years, a Berney dual purpose, on upwards of 40 horses without any of them suffering any ill effects and there have been showjumpers and eventers and successful racehorses as well as hunters and show horses. Always thought it was a British thing to have a saddle for each horse as here it was more likely to be a saddle for each rider, although during the boom time it seemed the riding club people changed saddles as soon as their results weren't good. And before any one says it this is not a cowboy outfit, and we probably fuss more about the slightest change with any of our horses, just ask our vet!