Saddle for flat backed pony??

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knabstrupper85

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Hi, I have been looking for a saddle for my ex jumping pony who has spent a couple of years lawn mowing :rolleyes: which has led to her being barrel shaped and im really struggling to find a saddle that is wide enough & will stay put. Tried a Wintec wide with the widest gullet (xxxxw:eek:) but the tree didn't suit her at all. Can anyone offer any suggestions? Needs to be sensibly priced & idealy 2nd hand as she is going to slim back down a good few sizes. Have been looking at the saddle company saddles but not sure if they would do anything wide enough?
 
The saddle company are very good they do a cob saddle and there quite adjustable as sool serge filled, they also have the 'Y' girthing system to help stop the saddle slipping on those rolly poly type flat backed cobs.
A cheap alternative if you don't mind synthetic is the Thorowgood T4 Cob, we got this for our 13'2 fatso after he wouldnt fit in the widest wintec anymore, again has the Y girthing system and also with the fish system can adjust a little as they trim up in work and pork out in the winter months as Ours can go from X wide to XX Wide during the year!
 
The saddle companys cob saddle is only available in 17" + which is too big for her :( (shes only 13.2). Printed off one of the thorowgood measuring things but when i put her template against it she was off the chart :eek: Still find it hard to believe shes that wide, the last time i hed a saddle fitted (when she was fit) it was a mw!
 
May have to consider treeless by the sounds of it. What one do you have? whats are they like to ride in? The ones i have seen all look quite large in the seat, our pony size ones like hens teeth?
 
Another vote for Thorowgood T4, my highland has a very flat back and the tree shape suits him really well. He had the XXW version. They are also make an adjustable version now.
 
I've got a Saddle Company one for my tabletop exmoor (approx 13 hh) who was too wide for Wintec. Not sure which model it was (def not cob), but it is a gp, approx 16" and 4X-wide with 5 girth straps. I have recently had it made narrower by a saddler as she changed shape and am very pleased with it - very comfortable.
 
Treeless or pny pads are great for the rounder ones! Just make sure you have even wiegth in both stirrups or you may end up under the belly!!:) (can happen with the wider trees saddle too tho!)
 
Work her on the lunge/long-rein and get some weight off her first. It won't be good for her legs or heart if you ride her while she's that overweight. Then you'll be able to get a saddle that is nearer a fit. Jeffries saddles fit flat backs, but I am guessing you mean your pony's so obese, it gives the impression she's flat-backed?

Seriously, if she's that fat, you need to address weightloss far in advance of riding her again.
 
Having tried every option including Western, the saddle I finally settled on was a Farrington as their trees are flatter with broader weight bearing panels. With a Barnsby grip pad underneath finally I can sit tight without sliding around!
 
brighteyes said:
Work her on the lunge/long-rein and get some weight off her first. It won't be good for her legs or heart if you ride her while she's that overweight. Then you'll be able to get a saddle that is nearer a fit. Jeffries saddles fit flat backs, but I am guessing you mean your pony's so obese, it gives the impression she's flat-backed?

Seriously, if she's that fat, you need to address weightloss far in advance of riding her again.
Click to expand...

Shes unfit but I don't think shes obese. Couple of pics so you can judge for yourself -
mickshan1-1.jpg


One on the left was when she was fit (& in mw pessoa) and one on the right was last summer.

I don't intend to do anything more than gentle hacks with her. She is really only a pet now and i am only bringing her out of retirement (on vets advice) to help keep the weight off.

I broke her to harness last year to give her some exercise but i keep her at home so very rarely have anyone to come out with us and i don't fancy going out alone as we are both novices & seeing out at junctions is tricky so it seemed easier to just ride her.

I think her age may be part of the reason for her change in shape as she is now 23 but shes the only one i had beyond the age of 10 so i have nothing to compare to. Has anyone else found this? Despite her age she is still full of herself and riding her bareback can be rather hairy so keen to get something sorted asap.

I have been considering the wow saddles if i could find the flaps and seat 2nd hand & just buy the panels new. Although it would still be more than i wanted to spend at least they are adjustable & i think the half panel would suit her shape better as the flaps on a full panel stick out a mile from her sides. Has anyone had one of these in such a wide fitting?
 
long reining or lunging would be a good start and then if you still can't get a saddle to fit her then maybe get a treeless.

i've got a flat backed pony, not because he's fat or anything, just his build. i tried lots of saddles on him and none fitted for one reason or another, i got myself a treeless one and so far so good, just need to get a shorter girth now!
 
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