Saddle for a New Forest

[peanutsmumma]

I currently have a Thorowgood T4 but I'm just not convinced it's the right saddle for me and my boy.

My current saddle fitter only deals with Thorowgood, Kent & Masters and Lavina Mitchell.
So I'm potentially looking to book an appointment in with someone else to see what they suggest.

I know every horse is different but what saddles do people have on their New Forests?

I'm looking for something that's easily adjustable because he is still young so changing shape all the time.

 

[[153312]]

wintecs and native pony company saddles are often good for thelwell lookalike ponies

 

[Kizzy2004]

One of my foresters has an Ideal H&C and the other has a Kent & master dressage saddle and an optimum performance jump saddle.

they both went through various saddles before that whilst they were changing shape. Thorowgood and saddle company ones were ok, Tried wintec but the tree just didn’t suit them.

it may be that a saddle fitter could recommend a non changeable saddle that you can pick up 2nd hand until he stops changing shape

 

[Snow Falcon]

I'm not really a fan of synthetic saddles. I find leather sits better on wider barrelled ponies. I've just changed saddles as the pony has altered shape and developed more muscle. Ideal saddles are one of the best fits I've found for mine.

 

[bubsqueaks]

Im hoping to use my AH Saddle when we start backing in the Spring

 

[mustardsmum]

Ideal Event, it’s a 17” medium and has fitted three of my ponies, one connie and two New Forests. It’s been adjusted (as in flocking) and checked regularly but it just seems the perfect fit and shape for big ponies! I darent think how old it is - I’ve had it eleven years and I bought it off a friend who had it on her connie for years before me. Starting to look a bit worn but the leather is so soft and it’s so comfortable. I have another, newer Ideal GP which fits both our NF and BRP. Farringtons are also nice on NF and would be my next choice if I ever replace mine.

 

[mcgreggor]

Ideal working hunter on a hoop tree (was on a barrel shapped nf, actually for sale as we lost him last year, 16.5 xw-xxw)

 

[J&S]

I used an Anthill on mine for many years , then as she got older her withers became a little more prominent and had to change.

 

[sbloom]

I used an Anthill on mine for many years , then as she got older her withers became a little more prominent and had to change.

Really old ones weren't bad saddles but usually have narrow channels, more modern ones are Indian and best avoided.

OP have you used the search function on here, and checked out groups like Used Specialist Native....on FB to see what people find works? I would recommend second hand wooden trees specialist flatter/wider brands over synthetic all day long.

Do your research on any brand you're considering and, especially if you're limited to the company's own fitters (to be fair some generalist fitters can really screw up the fit in my experience) then REALLY search around for reviews.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

OP I would suggest you get an Andrea Hicks fitter out to you; "sbloom" on here (she's posted above) may cover your area.....

The only thing I would say is if you are googling stuff like "native pony saddles" there is a company called "saddle exchange" which also flies under the native pony banner and which I would urge to you avoid, myself (and others) having had a negative customer experience with them.

I tried a T4 on my old boy; hated it. Had to get off after half-an-hour as was so uncomfortable.

 

[sbloom]

Just another note, T4/T8 is the finish on TG saddles, nothing about tree shape etc to know what shape the saddle and horse are.

 

[peanutsmumma]

I have Tom from L for Leather coming out so see us in Feb. I've heard lots of good things about him so ? he can advise what's best.