Saddle continued!

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Worried1

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Well it was never going to be cheap but all three have had their saddles checked this morning and i'll start with the good news!

Hils saddle is fine which I am really suprised about. Since being diganosed with Kissing Spines he has had a considerable amount fo time off and then been rehabiliated and has lost a lot of topline. When he re-started ridden work we used a special jelly pad to pad the saddle as recommended by the saddler. He told us to continue using this until he has bulked back up to pre-diagnosis weight and condition.

Now for Diva - when we first got her we used an Isabel Werth on her which was great but as she changed shape it no longer fitted and after much searching we found a second-hand Amerigo which was a fraction wide but was suitable with a pad until we found something permanent. It is the nicest saddle I have ever ridden in and Diva seemed to really like it.

OH explained to the saddler that if it was no good then we would sell it privatley and get her a new one but if it could be adjusted then that would be great. Our saddler seemed to think it could be adjusted and telephoned the UK distributor to check. Basically based on the measurements and template taken by the saddler they can adjust the saddle to fit her no problem! It will cost £150 but I am so pleased as it is a much cheaper option than buying a new saddle for her.

Now Blitz - he had a new Olney saddle fitted when he was 4 and a half. We decided to go for the Olney because we knew he would change shape and didn't want to spend a fortune. I was always a bit dubious about the fit byt the saddler assured us it was fine and when they re-cehcked it I was still not convinced and so a couple of months later we decided to use a riser pad and he immediately was more through and forward.

He needs a new saddle which is not that much of a suprise so we are considering the new Bates or Keiffer as they are adjustable and as he is only 5 we know he will later shape even more. So any info on either would be really appreciated.

So not as expensive as it could have been
smile.gif
but we still need one new saddle
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OH had a Bates and hated it (was about ready to throw it out on the A1!) he's now got the Kieffer Dressage one with the blue stitching (Rusty?) on the Excellece tree and loves it to bits - he's also got a Kieffer GP
 
i would say the bates are more comfortable than the kieffer! tried a keiffer and it was like sitting on a fence post for me! the bates tho was nice, i just couldn't get a fit that was good enough for my horse.

i've got a wow, and have to say its brilliant - worth every penny i saved to buy it. yes it was bl**dy expensive, but its so comfortable for me and my lad moves and jumps so much better in it than he used to - everyone has noticed the difference. definately a saddle for life, can change the flaps as well to make it dressage or jumping, and can change the head plate and adjust the stuffing to get the perfect fit!
 
I have to say I am not that keen on the Bates looks wise but OH says he isn't bothered as he sits in so many saddles eveyday.

Thanks for all your feedback, keep it coming.
 
I am also not at all keen on the bates, they seem to be high and uncomfy in the twist, but not only that,

for the horse, they are only adjustable widthways but they are all the same lengthways, they seem to be made for a horse which has the average curve in its back, not a flat or a sway horse. So don't always fit properly and on mine i've had a moving cantle.

I love the fit of the albion, they are expensive though aren't they?

I have had (for a pony) and have a cob-showing friend who has had great success too - with the Ideal. Not cheap but not too much, and a lovely saddle.
 
Adored my Ideal that I had for Trooper and that is another possibility but the saddler suggested those saddles becasue there is more room to adjust them.
Intresting what Armhole said about the Bates, of the two I have generally only heard good things, so thank you.
 
Yes I could get the Bates to either fit the back or the front of Patrick just not both at the same time and have known another horse have exactly the same problem with them. Personally I think there are much better saddles out there imho.
 
I have a K2 Albion dressage and a GFS pro jumping. The Albion was made to measure though as he didn't fit the normal sizes.
He is sound now just looks stiff but I can't decide whether that is due to the fact that he is in a stable 24/7. He still has about 4 weeks box rest to go so hopefully I will be back on in the new year - keep your fingers crossed!
 
madmare you wouldnt be talking about the suzannah would you?

I might be buying that one if i like it when my horse is back in work in jan, my saddker said the tree would siut her shape and i have to say it looks lush!
 
How about getting another second had Amerigo to fit Blitz? They hold their value really well and you could probably sell it for just about as much as you bought it for!

I really want to get my horse a second hand Amerigo - I had one for a previous horse and absolutely loved it, but keep putting it off!
 
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