Saddle for New Forest

[peanutsmumma]

Those of you with New Forests.....what saddle do you have?
I currently have a Thorowgood T4 which I have since backing my youngster last year, it's regularly checked and saddle fitter is happy with how it is, but I'm just not convinced it's the right saddle for me.
I find I'm very forward in my position and feel like my legs are too far forward, has anyone else found this?

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

Ideal saddles. I love them.

 

[Carlosmum]

My last NF wore an Albion. I started with a T4 and it was horrible for both of us, never felt like I was sitting properly, always perched on top. The next NF is in a Bates CC,

 

[sbloom]

Those of you with New Forests.....what saddle do you have?
I currently have a Thorowgood T4 which I have since backing my youngster last year, it's regularly checked and saddle fitter is happy with how it is, but I'm just not convinced it's the right saddle for me.
I find I'm very forward in my position and feel like my legs are too far forward, has anyone else found this?

Very common, the seat tips a lot of people's pelvises, couple that with a wide ribcage, forward stirrup bars and bulky panels and yes, it can sit many people in a chair seat. Wide ribcages are challenging, especially for anyone narrow hipped, but there are plenty of wide horse specialists out there who would have something that would fit better though not in the same budget. Plastic trees are seldom the very best bet for wider or flatter backs and most less expensive saddles come on plastic trees.

 

[peanutsmumma]

Very common, the seat tips a lot of people's pelvises, couple that with a wide ribcage, forward stirrup bars and bulky panels and yes, it can sit many people in a chair seat. Wide ribcages are challenging, especially for anyone narrow hipped, but there are plenty of wide horse specialists out there who would have something that would fit better though not in the same budget. Plastic trees are seldom the very best bet for wider or flatter backs and most less expensive saddles come on plastic trees.

I want something that is adjustable as he is still young so is changing shape all the time.

Budget isn't a massive issue, I just want something that fits us both properly ?

 

[sbloom]

I want something that is adjustable as he is still young so is changing shape all the time.

Budget isn't a massive issue, I just want something that fits us both properly ?

That's where you're having issues, "fully adjustable" is always a plastic tree and they just don't work on many flatter backs. You are much better looking at wooden treed specialist saddles and chopping in as required.

 

[peanutsmumma]

That's where you're having issues, "fully adjustable" is always a plastic tree and they just don't work on many flatter backs. You are much better looking at wooden treed specialist saddles and chopping in as required.

Ah I see, I will speak to my saddle fitter about different options then and see what she suggests.
Thank you ?

 

[sbloom]

Just a warning that many generalist fitters aren't that aware of the specialist wider saddles as they tend to have their own fitters. You'll find plenty of used saddles sold here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1641386762817197, I'm a moderator on there.

 

[peanutsmumma]

Just a warning that many generalist fitters aren't that aware of the specialist wider saddles as they tend to have their own fitters. You'll find plenty of used saddles sold here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1641386762817197, I'm a moderator on there.

Thank you ?

 

[onemoretime]

Ah I see, I will speak to my saddle fitter about different options then and see what she suggests.
Thank you ?

Have a look at the Andrea Hicks saddles, they are made for wider horses with flat or no withers. I have 2 and am very pleased with them. They have 8 different width fittings.

 

[Connemara24]

I have a ideal saddle for my nf on loan.

 

[honetpot]

I had a NF, and used the old GFS WH saddle on it, they have a very thin panel, and sit really well. You want the older style where the seat is a slightly different colour, and not what looks like coated leather, a bit like this one.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/27542454...nnk6furuGnYoflzk6bBx9+AKU=|tkp:Bk9SR-Tt_ZCJYQ

 

[Widgeon]

Ideal saddles. I love them.

I don't have a NF but I am also a massive cheerleader for Ideals. Just lovely saddles, particularly if you're on a budget. Had one for my Icelandic, now have one for my cob. Both bought second hand for £550 or less (including fitting for the current one) and both (IMO) an absolute bargain. I tried a TG T4 on the cob and it didn't exactly *not* fit....it just sort of perched up there. Ugh.