Saddle for a Short-backed Cob?

[MrsMozartletoe]

Titch (7 year old Heinz cob) has started work in ernest. Well, his version of it, anyway.

He's wide in the barrel, non-existant in the wither, and short in the back.

Both I and D1 (his riders-to-be) are long in the thigh.

Suggestions for a suitable saddle be much appreciated folks.

 

[southerncomfort]

With our mini cob we had to get a 16" Thorowgood Pony Club Saddle but we went for the model with longer adult length flaps.

 

[HBB]

Message sbloom on here, she is a saddle fitter for AH saddles and might be able to give you further advice, they specialise in fitting barrel shaped horses.

https://www.ahsaddles.com/

 

[Myloubylou]

My 14.1hh Welsh d was fitted in a 17” flat back K&M. The 17” cob version was too long. I have relatively long thigh.

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Thank you folks. I'll investigate all. Trying to keep the cost down as other horses are going to cost a fair bit this month and next.

 

[sbloom]

I always say that the more factors you stack against you - time scale, budget, difficulty of fitting horse, extra difficulty of fitting ride on top of that, any fussiness on colour or brand etc - then the more you're going to struggle. Most things ARE possible, but it depends on factors such as if the horse has REALLY prominent shoulders, after all a forward cut jump saddle might be a really good option for long legs but occasionally cobs can't take them (not as often as people think though).

A very short panel, a very flat seat, a forward flap, a high set block, riding with longer stirrups, will all assist in solving this issue, but without having the exact horse and rider it's hard to say what the best solution is .

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Thank you S

There's a myriad of factors conspiring against!

He's way oop Norfff. He's as fat as houses. I have a brand new saddle for my ID that'll never be used, so that's £££ gone. I have a huge excess to pay. His current rider is soooo slim, whereas I am soooo not (I think my thigh is a bit longer). Though I don't mind the colour or brand

 

[Leo Walker]

Mine who was very similar sounding could only take a 16 or small 16.5. I got fed up in the end and had a Ghost saddle fitted. It was about £500 brand new, really secure and was used by riders up to 5ft9 with no issues.

 

[JulesRules]

My Highland is flat of back and round of barrel and I've just had him fitted in a 17" Wintec Wide which didn't break the bank. Could be worth a look?

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Thank you

Those Ghost ones are quite fascinating! What made you go for one?

Frustratingly I had a Wintec. Gave it away as had far too many spare saddles littering the place. Will add to the list ta

 

[sbloom]

The Wintec Wide sadly really doesn't fit that many horses sadly. I'm sure a few do work and work well but they often tip the rider, or are terribly unstable.

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Thank you.

I think I'll have to bite the bullet and find a local to him now saddler. What's money between friends.

 

[Leo Walker]

Thank you

Those Ghost ones are quite fascinating! What made you go for one?

I didnt want to, but couldnt get a treed saddle to fit. I got the most conventional looking one and it was actually very nice! Stable, comfortable and lightweight. My fitter stripped it right down and built it back up on him so it fitted perfectly.

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Thank you LW. Sounds very interesting.

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Thought I'd update.

We ended up with a Kent & Masters Cob GP saddle. Fits him nicely. More than I'd planned on spending as got the all leather one, but worth it I think. I've not ridden in it yet; D1 has and approves, which as he's with her for now is all we really need

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

The Wintec Wide sadly really doesn't fit that many horses sadly. I'm sure a few do work and work well but they often tip the rider, or are terribly unstable.

Agree with this ^^^^ I tried a Wintec Wide on my old boy (Profile picture) who was flat/short backed and wide.

It was awful!! Rolled around like a ship at sea and I've never felt so unstable, ever!

Tried Thorowgood T4, had to get off after 30 mins as was so uncomfortable in it!

I've given up on synthetic saddles!