Saddle Fit Advice

[Steph&Zafira]

Hi There! I just purchased a 16" Crates Reining Saddle for my mare. It has a shorter skirt on it and is measured as follows:
QTHB
6-5/8" X 8" Gullet
3-1/2" Cantle
Equifit Tree

I have attached pictures in my profile of my mare with the saddle on at all angles.

She is getting 2 fist size dry spots behind the withers-BUT when I run my hand underneath, both while standing and with front leg extended, the saddle does not pinch at the front in the gullet and the pressure along the panels is even all the way along the saddle.

I've only ridden in it twice-first time there were dry spots the size of your hand. Second time I moved it back an inch or so and the dry spots were reduced to the size of fists.

Her other saddle that was giving her dry spots (which were much smaller) was a semi QTHB with a 6.5" Gullet. I have an arab saddle that does not give her dry spots but sits really low on the wither and does not allow any clearance.

This saddle, in my opinion, seems to fit great..Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank You!

 

[Luci07]

Are you uk based? Best to get a recommended saddle fitter to check as you know that the pressure is wrong. Pressure on the front would suggest uneven flocking as your weight is obviously pressing down the front of the saddle. You would not see this from the floor but would need a experienced eye when riding which a fitter would do,

Also try sticking this in NL for more responses too...

 

[Steph&Zafira]

I am not UK based. We do not have a saddle fitter where I am located. There is a saddle repair man but he does it on the side and only in the winter. All I have to go on in these pictures and hoping someone can give me a suggestion to help as I just spent a small fortune on this saddle and dont have any other options. Thank you for your advice.

 

[popularfurball]

As well as too narrow it can also be

Too wide at the front - weight causing it to tip forwards and push down

Too narrow at the back - lifting it up at the back and tipping you forwards

Not enough curve to the tree causing bridging and weight pushes it down at either end

 

[Shay]

I don't know much about fitting a western saddle but one of the photos you posted looks as if the flocking is really uneven side to side.

The only other thing I could suggest would be to post on a forum for western riding to see if anyone else might be able to help from photographs.

 

[Steph&Zafira]

Thank you for your advice. I have contacted several saddle fitters via email and phone but am unable to find one locally. All saddle fitters are saying something different. Saddle too far forward, saddle too far back, pinching, not making contact...etc..So Im going to watch my horse for soreness, as she is not sore now, and if she gets sore-out the door the saddle goes..although I am still unsure of what size saddle she would need.