Saddle fit

[tracysink]

Hi there, I have a 16.5 inch saddle company saddle fitted to my pony by saddle fitter. I haven't had it very long but have never liked it. My pony is 14hh and I'm 5.6 (long legs).
I've been told by another professional that my legs are to long for a 16.5 saddle, this is possibly why I feel very uncomfortable whilst riding and my legs tend to come forward, also mu bum quite often hits cantel. A dressage saddle has been recommended...what's peoples thoughts please?

 

[Sprogladite01]

Saddles are very individual, one 16.5 won't feel like another. I had a Paul Jones 16.5 on my connie and I hated it - felt like my bum was spilling over the back of the cantle even though I'm tiny and it wasn't. In a 16.5 Kent and Masters I felt fine but tipped forward. Now I have a bigger mare I'm in a 17 inch Albion and love it! I'd find a saddler who has a range of (possibly second hand) saddles you can try and see what feels best for you both good luck!

Edit to add: seems obvious but saddle fitting is just as much about fitting the rider as it is the horse. I have found previously that some saddlers don't always fit the rider, if it fits the horse they deem the job done. It may not hurt to seek a second opinion if your current saddler has only fit to your pony and not to you as well.

 

[HopOnTrot]

I have a 16.5 Ideal WH and it takes my legs better than my 17.5 Albion did. I’m 5ft 8.

 

[holeymoley]

It probably depends on the seat too. We all have different shapes. I can't stand Kent & Masters saddles. Love an Ideal.

 

[SEL]

I hated my 16.5" saddle company one. It felt tiny (I'm 5'3"), like it was designed for children.

 

[Melody Grey]

Might the predicament be that the pony won’t take a saddle any longer than 16.5”? That said, if that is the case, sounds like a different one might suit better.

 

[SO1]

You can get saddles where the seat is made bigger than the panel. So you might be able to get a 17 inch seat on 16.5 panels.

 

[bubsqueaks]

I can really vouch for AH saddles GP Jump 16.5 they are so comfortable & everybody who rides in it comments on it - there's a great 2nd hand market on the facebook page.