Saddle fitting and Hypersensitivity

[cob1]

My cob is hypersensitive, in general, but especially so to the fit of his saddle. It must fit absolutely perfectly or he gets saddle pain that has to be sorted by the physio. He has his saddle refitted every 6-8 weeks, also made worse by him filling out still (hes rising 7). The vet initially thought an underlying problem, but this is not the case.

I use a very competant saddle fitter and try to keep his weight constant, but i was wondering if anyone knew of a type of saddle that (as long as the tree and main points fit obviously) that would be suitable for him which could 'mould to his changing shape). A prolite doesnt do much for him, apart from exarcerbate the problem. Even something taht meant i get 3-4 months out of one fit!

Even if they cost at the top end of teh scale because its costing me about £100-150 per month for just his saddle!

 

[Foxyeventing]

Have you tried a tortion, I mean im not into those type saddles atall, but my mum just baught a full leather dressage version of the tortion, off ebay for £500, and its actually quite nice, and it fits as no tree, may be worth it while hes still growing etc.

 

[cob1]

Never really fancied it, and the physio wasnt too keen either. I am quite tall - 6ft 2 (not overweight), but heavy in comparison to smaller riders. Wouldnt want my bum causing a big pressure point - i have heard they arnt the best for heavier riders! Also i like the security of a normal saddle.

 

[Foxyeventing]

Thats cool, i dont like them either but my mum gets on fab with it, obviously they are designed to carry 12 to 14st peops on a 14hh arab for days so thought it may work??

Never mind, good luck, what does your saddler reccommend?? Have any friends got any treeless saddles you could borrow? or what about a synthetic they have alot more give in them than a leather one.

 

[cob1]

Ive got an adjustable Barnsby leather one - new when i bought it last year, cost a fortune. Will ask the saddler next week (although i think he is very pro traditional saddles!) thanks for the suggestion, i will look into it though! I cant change saddler either, as my physio works with him direct - to make his saddle fit by a prescription if you know what i mean. Round our area properly trained fitters are non existent.

 

[teddyt]

A WOW. Can be built to you and the horse, so if you need a bigger seat on a smaller panel for example this can be done. They are flocked with air, which has superior pressure reduction compared to flock. Read this:
http://www.wowsaddles.com/flair/Flair%20Pressure%20Testing.pdf

As long as the panel type suits your horse it will be a saddle for life. You can change the headplate yourself (equivalent to tree width) and if you buy a pump kit you can even change the air yourself. Flocking with air allows a much finer tuned fit and can also allow for any asymmetry. They cost £1700 but IMO are worth every penny, especially if you have to adjust your current saddle that frequently. Once you lern how to you can adjust the WOW yourself

 

[Foxyeventing]

Cool, hope i was of some help, good luck

 

[Pearlsasinger]

The Saddle Company ones have serge underside which is softer than leather and are designed to be altered as necessary. It might be worth looking into one.
When I had a very sensitive mare I found she went better in a sidesaddle which had a serge underside (long before SC).

 

[Booboos]

I also went treeless with a really sensitive horse and he is now very happy. I use the Total Saddle Solutions saddle which looks fairly conventional but it does ride a bit different (some people love it, some hate it, personally I find it more secure than a treed saddle).

 

[cob1]

Thanks everyone, thats really helpful - trust me to have a high maintenance horse! Lets hope i can trade my current one in for a decent amount eh!?

 

[ElvisandTilly]

I use a wow korrector pad. Fits under own saddle if room and can be altered every day if required. I use it for my boy who is asymmetric and also sensitive to his saddle fit and its been fantastic!

Ordered from wow site direct First Equine Ltd.

 

[Oliver12]

Barry Swain Semi-Flex. That's what I'm saving up for.