Saddle advice

[Leam_Carrie]

I share a lovely 15.1hh Arab, but her saddle doesn't fit very well. As she's not mine I don't want to spend lots of money, but thought I'd invest in a second hand saddle to make sure she's comfortable when riding. I don't know how to fit a saddle and have a budget of £200 max (ideally £150). I was thinking about getting a T4 from eBay and then getting someone more expert to check gullet width etc. any ideas or tips appreciated. Thanks.

 

[be positive]

As she is not your horse you really need to speak to her owner before getting another saddle for her, even if her own does not fit well it is not your decision to change things without the owners consent. The owner may want to look at getting something else or at least having the current one adjusted.

 

[Leam_Carrie]

I've spoken to her owner and she's happy that I get another saddle - and just get rid of the one she's in currently in or swap it (although what'll I'll do is give it back to her). I'll also check she's happy with the fit of the new saddle, before using it.

 

[OldNag]

Is there a good saddle fitter near you who brings out a selection of second hand? I'd really recommend getting professional advice.

You could up spending more if you get something off ebay or similar, and then get someone to fit it, only to find it's not the right saddle (just because the gullet is adjustable doesn't mean it will be suitable).

Saddle fitter may well part ex the existing saddle.

There might be some recommendations on here for some local to you. Good luck!

ETS as said above, it may be that the current saddle just needs adjusting/reflocking etc. Saddle fitter woudl be able to advise.

 

[m3gan]

Hi there,

I have just bought my flat backed low withered Arab a thorowgood T4 on recommendation from my saddler, I have not received it yet, but am looking forward to it and hoping it will be good, I think the adjustable gullet will be very useful, plus it is nice and light, my friend swears by thorowgood and has used them for many years for all her horses, both Arabs.

 

[Orchardbeck]

I'm sure others will have different opinions on this but Arabs are a nightmare to fit - they may be flat at the back but often have a bit of wither which makes cob saddles fit strangely. Added to that they are shorter in the back than most horses so a regular 17" is often too long for them.

Can you tell i've had a pain of the last 2/3 years trying to fit one??!! I've managed to get hold of a Thorowgood Griffin Endurance saddle in a 16.5", the new style t4 is just not right for her in whatever gullet size we put her in.

Unfortunately this one is not a changeable gullet, but is an xw so I will have to make do with adding or taking away padding as and when.

I've had three fitters look at this horse, and all of them have said that with arabs, you often have to make do with what is available - unless you have a fairly decent budget. It might be that the t4 fits your horses, but mine would only fit the pony club one in a 16.5" in the current range as the rest are all 17"+; I used to ride her in the Griffin version of it and it wasn't the comfiest, I have to say.

 

[D66]

Be careful with what happens to your £150. If you trade in the old saddle only the new one will belong to the owner. If you buy a saddle and return the old one Id say the new one belongs to you. If you trade in the old saddle and add your money you both have an interest in it but potentially have difficulties if she sells the horse or you go elsewhere.
Talk to her about ownership of the saddle first.

 

[Leam_Carrie]

Be careful with what happens to your £150. If you trade in the old saddle only the new one will belong to the owner. If you buy a saddle and return the old one Id say the new one belongs to you. If you trade in the old saddle and add your money you both have an interest in it but potentially have difficulties if she sells the horse or you go elsewhere.
Talk to her about ownership of the saddle first.

Good point. Originally I was going to return her saddle to her and just buy another one - then if the horse gets sold etc. I can just sell the saddle on.

 

[Leam_Carrie]

Thanks for all the advice - I think this arab maybe a funny shape! I was going to get her the high wither T4 (recommended by someone with lots more experience). I call round some saddle fitters and see if they have anything in my budget / can advise / check if her current saddle can be reflocked.