Saddle for 4yo Welsh C

[Little Rose Bud]

I have a 4 1/2 yo Welsh C mare. She's got a lot of filling out to do over the next few years. Obviously her saddle is going to have to change shape too.

My question is would you invest in a good saddle now, and hope it will be able to be adjusted enough by the saddle fitter as she grows, or buy a cheaper/second hand saddle that fits her now, and buy a new one in a few years?

She's currently got a wintec so I can adjust the gullet width. I got it second hand just to break her in. It fits her but it's not the most comfortable saddle for me and definitely not good enough long term.

 

[sbloom]

Cs don't tend to change shape massively, she'll always be flat backed but may go croup high at points and then level out. This levelling process is the trickiest on them as most tree widths are adjustable, even wooden ones. If you can get away with a super short seat size then you'll have more scope as you'll be totally off the croup and on the flatter part of the back. A very upswept panel shape is good for croup high and will often be able to keep working when they're level too.

Baby backs are soft backs and easily damaged, I see a lot of 5 years olds with a lot of damage. If you can find second hand or adjustable that truly fits ie not only the usual checks but is stable, then go for it. Otherwise, as many of my customers find, you may have to go for a specialist brand and go new.

 

[Little Rose Bud]

Thank you That's good to know. I'm going to get in touch with some saddle fitters and see if I can find one with a range of saddles to try so I have an idea what to buy her.