Saddle dilemma - advice and opinions wanted

melliebobs

melliebobs

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I know, I know. It's been discussed like thousands of times before but I really need your opinions guys.
It's a bit long but I'm trying to give you all the info, here goes....

My horse is a 5 years old wb gelding of middle to hunting conformation with a regular to decent wither, fairly flat back and a big shoulder. He's currently in a mw farrington event saddle that although the tree shape is ok it seems slightly tight below tree point on the shoulder now he's building up and gained weight since I bought him in august.

Tried a jeffries f1 17" mw. Loved riding/jumping in it but again it seemed his large shoulders were fractionally tipping it back as the cantle and pommel were level. Although width wise looks nice over wither with 2/3 fingers clearance. I really liked how balanced I felt and could've rode 'half seat' forever! I also think I need a 17.5 seat as I'm 5'6" size 10/12.

Most people say buy 2nd hand as he will grow more. Problem is I want something kind on his back spreading weight with a gusseted wool flocked panel as I will be hacking and schooling. But need something to jump in as that's my main discipline. He needs a wide channel between the gusset/panel as he has a wide spine. So I short listed a jeffries elite, albion k2 jump, ideal impala, kent and masters s series jump (changeable gullet might be a good idea) or a farrington international.

The problem is I can't find any of these saddles around to buy 2nd hand. I'd also like to know would you stick to a used or would you buy new? Are there any saddles similar I'm overlooking that might broaden my search as I'm getting desperate. Local saddlers etc all trying to Palm me off with gp's or really low end new saddles. Please help!
 
I know I do, and some other fitters will, but most wooden spring trees ARE adjustable and can cope with a handful of adjustments, especially if the horse just keeps getting wider. I agree that a young horse needs a well fitting saddle, soft backs damage more easily. Many jump saddles are close contact and not recommended for long hacks etc, so perhaps look for more of a GP/jump style so you get those nice flocked panels.
 
Do you know of any adjustable jump gp's? I'd like a new saddle as it would be 'his' but if it's not going to be my 'saddle for life' I guess it's just a waste of £££! Saddle fitters round ours aren't helping me much either! Is there such a thing as a good 'virtual' one that will work from photos and templates or is that a bad idea? Has anyone ever dealt with ideal direct, as I'm considering that as my next step.
Thanks
 
Look for elite used saddles on face book - she has a great range of second hand quality saddles - inc. the makes youve mentioned - she does a 10 day trial so you can see how your boy goes in them
I bought my K2 from her and it's absolutely fab!
 
melliebobs said:
Do you know of any adjustable jump gp's? I'd like a new saddle as it would be 'his' but if it's not going to be my 'saddle for life' I guess it's just a waste of £££! Saddle fitters round ours aren't helping me much either! Is there such a thing as a good 'virtual' one that will work from photos and templates or is that a bad idea? Has anyone ever dealt with ideal direct, as I'm considering that as my next step.
Thanks
Click to expand...

Have pmed you.
 
I have a similar beastie, I find the Kent and Masters a bit too curvy in the tree for my flatter backed boy, I ended up with a Bates which is fab for him and adjustable in different ways. If you know someone with a wintec you could borrow it is the same shape but a better quality saddle. They do come with Cair (which is lovely and squishy/moldable) but you can order them to come with wool flock if you prefer. Mine has cair and flocking in it to adjust it as he is to big in the shoulder for the next bar down but it sits to low with the correct bar so ti has been flocked to raise it without narrowing it.
 
Thanks everyone. Loads to consider and looking at my pm,s too :) I have one on the short list at elite used saddles I might try. But it's a bank transfer or paypal with a surcharge. Don't want to pay the surcharge but not confident about the bank transfer as I've read all the scams recently. Is she established and would you feel safe doing a transfer?
 
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