Recomendations: best saddle for a Shetland

[Sherbie]

Hi,

Im going to get the little guy a new saddle. My daughter rides him in a cub saddle but, Im not really a fan of them. She seems comfy and so does pony but I think they need a 'proper saddle', mainly I think it will help with daughters position ect. I have been looking at saddles for him and thinking that a throwgood would be good. He seems to change shape alot and is typically flat backed too. I would love to buy them a good treeless saddle but its a little out of my price range at the moment. Do you have any recomendations on what you are using for your shetties?

 

[sbloom]

Do any TGs come in 14" or smaller? The Pony Club is 15" - 16" and I've not met a Shettie yet that can take one. Your off the shelf options at that seat size are limited - I fit 14" saddles from stock though we don't carry many, more likely is that fitters of brands like Ideal and Black Country could order you a smaller saddle, I have a 13" on just come in for a Standard Shetland. The easier off the peg option is a Shetland pad like those made by Zoe Snape.

 

[varkie]

I think most people do use pads like the Zoe Snape for their ridden shetlands - I'm hoping to get one of these for our daughters shetland in the new year, to replace her cub saddle, which I really don't like - although pony seems happy enough.

I have seen 12" saddles out there, but it can depend on the size of shetland - the up to heights can take a small 'proper' saddle, with smaller ones, you're better to stick with the saddle pads.