Saddle for high wither TB with HUGE shoulder

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saddlesore

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Hi there, can anyone advise me on a saddle suitable for a high wither TB with a large, set back shoulder? Seems to be an utter nightmare to fit! Anything that i think seems to fit apparently prevents him from developing the correct muscle and proper physique. He works pretty well into the bridle, generally nice and soft although can lean sometimes, but them i do ride him in a straight bar, loose ring nathe so i guess that's inevitable! I just cannot seem to get a decent topline on him regardless of what i do and given that he is now 11 i fear that it is now or never - argh!!!!!!!!!!
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Rana

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I have this exact problem.

The only saddle I could find to fit her is a Black Country, in medium-wide, with the front gussets flocked to the max.

Do you have a reliable saddler you can ask to fit a saddle for you? I'd really recommend the Black Country - it was comfy for me, fitted Rana like a glove, and looked half decent too.

I got hers when she was at least 16, and she developed topline, so don't give up with your lad!
 

Baggybreeches

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I have 2 TB's with huge shoulders, 1 is a narrow/medium with high withers he has a Prestige Golden Star which is a perfect fit, the other horse is very barrel like (no withers) and he has a very old Falcon Osprey jump saddle. It shouldn't be a problem to get a well fitting saddle but do remember that with such big shoulders you might have to be flexible with the style you choose (oh and your budget!).
 

pnap

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Same problem as me - Jeffries High Wither Falcon Event saddle - I just have to remember and put it on correctly. My saddler informed me I was placing it too far forward and he couldn't move his shoulder correctly. I now make sure that the saddle is clear of his shoulder (apart from the padded knee rolls) which allows full range of motion and he's slowly building up some topline. He's 12/13 so I wouldn't give up at 11.
 

Scarlett

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I had to go for a Saddle Co on my TB who is a similar shape (previous saddle had restricted shoulder so much he went lame) and he now has a Saddle Co event with drop panels - fits a treat and he is muscling up under it really well. Great thing is its adjustable so as he tubs up in sumer and continues to gain muscle I can have it easily altered to fit him.....
 

BeckyD

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I have an Albion K2 on my lad with a huge shoulder - his withers aren't enormous but the head is very cut back so I think might be ok if he did have enormous withers. I've only had the saddle a few weeks and it's slipping back a little now so hopefully just needs the flock sorting out.
 

CBAnglo

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I would definitely agree with Scarlett – not just because I am a SC fitter, but also because I used this saddle on my Anglo who had really bad muscle wastage and was very underweight. He had huge withers where there was no muscle on either side and is also very broad across the back but his spine was so prominent you could count the vertebrae. The softness of the serge panels have done wonders for him, and in the 6 months of ridden work (2-3 times a week) he has gone from a medium to almost an extra wide. The SC saddle can be adjusted in increments, so you can follow your horse’s progress as he fills out. I see a lot of remedial horses the difference between visits is amazing.
 

racingdemon

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I had lots of problems with a very narrow, but expansive shouldered TB i've got, & after trying ALL the dressage saddles Crewe saddlery had (with an unlimited budget from OH) i ended up with the Wintec Isabell Werth one, (i think OH was mightly relieved the Amerigo didn't fit, ha ha) He wears a Stubben Seigfreid for Jumping, and his way of going improved no end in the Wintec, (much to my disapointment that the Amerigo didn't fit!)

Other saddles that i find Suit big shouldered TBs are Black Country, i have a jumping saddle of thiers for Anky,
 

saddlesore

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Hey guys, thanks very much for your help - i was beginning to despair! Everytime a saddle fitter turns up they do that sucking in air noise which means this is going to cost a lot of money! Usually followed by i'll need to make you one...., arghhh! Can the serge panels be altered the same way as traditional ones?
 

ktsaddler

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I'm a qualified saddler and fitter in the NW and i love serge panels, i've had all my saddles made to come with them. The other replys are correct with the Black Country reviews and saddle co ones. You need to look for a saddle with front gussets, they'll give you the support you need to keep the saddle off the horses wither's and they will allow your horses shoulders to move freely underneath them. dependant upon the exact shape of your horses withers and if they have large hollows behind them you may also need drop panels, which allow more support in the hollow areas keeping your saddle in balance and comfortable so your horse can develop.
 

Parkranger

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[ QUOTE ]
I have an Albion K2 on my lad with a huge shoulder - his withers aren't enormous but the head is very cut back so I think might be ok if he did have enormous withers. I've only had the saddle a few weeks and it's slipping back a little now so hopefully just needs the flock sorting out.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto the K2 - just brought a new one for my TB who has very high withers....
 

saddlesore

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Sorry - my computer hasn't been working, technology arrrgghhhhh!
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Yes he has large hollows behind his shoulder and is also much weaker along nearside than off! Very strange shape all in all, i live in the mid, west of scotland, are there any saddlers you would recommend? I also don't have a fortune to spend sadly, but i have a leather KES saddle in good condition to part exchnage for new one. I am also now very interested in serge!
Heather
 

CBAnglo

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Serge is the kindest material for a horse's back - much better than leather that is overflocked (this is usually the cause of muscle atropy as 9 times out of 10 the saddle is fitted too tight and the muscle underneath cannot move).

The large hollows behind the withers is muscle wastage - with a properly fitting saddle and correct work this should all be filled out.

I am always surprised by the number of people I see who tell me that their horses have high withers - no, they arent high, they just have severe muscle wastage. After a couple of months with a SC saddle they are always amazed at how much their horses change shape.
 

CBAnglo

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Sorry – SC stands for Saddle Company. You can read about them on their website:
www.thesaddlecompany.co.uk
They are also frequently available second hand on ebay and the tree can be altered on site by a SC fitter using a special machine.
 
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