Saddle for pretty average section d

[cat100]

Hi all. I suspect this has been covered so many times, and a quick search reveals that, but left me even more confused! We have a 15hh section d. Apart from being a bit short in the back, she is pretty average, with the usual flat cob back and I know her gullet size to be wide. There is nothing quirky about her confirmation, or one sided. We have only had her a few months and she came with an awful saddle which obviously was far too narrow and didn't fit. So we bought her a cheap and cheerful premier equine monoflap x country saddle to get her started and until we could save up for something more suitable. Saying that, the PE doesn't seem to be a bad fit, and while I am no saddler can see if something looks ok or not as a start. Both our jumping and dressage instructors say it seems ok too. Yes I know it's much more complex than that! Our saddler came out, wouldn't even let us put the PE on to look at, said there was no point as they are awful and she refuses to even look at them. After taking some templates, she said that only 2 types of saddle would fit her... A black Country on a freedom tree or Harry Dabbs on an IB tree. She is obviously on commission with those as that's all she seems to try and sell to anyone! In fact we do have a m2m Harry Dabbs for our other cob from her. While I don't doubt that those trees would be a great fit, and I am not questioning her ability to fit saddles, I do believe their are other makes out there that will fit nicely too and would like to have more of an option. It does have to be a jump saddle. We have looked at chunky monkey, monarch, bates and lots and getting even more confused by the range! Whatever it is, it has to be 2nd hand as we cant afford brand new or m2m. I am happy to stay with the PE for now, but she has planted some serious doubts in my mind.. What does everyone like on their section d's/natives and what to stay away from! Many thanks

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I've not got Welsh but have a flat wide Arab which are similar in fit to natives, I've used Black country, Heritage and Farrington, I currently have a Lavinia Mitchell Dressage in an xxw and this fits him the best no slipping or movement at all.

I was recommended to get a Black country freedom tree as well but I looked for a second hand one for ages, then I saw the Lavinia Mitchell one and as I use one on my other Arab I know they are really good saddles and work on both of mine.

AH saddles are made for native types and are really lovely plenty of those second hand on there Facebook page.

Ideal can also work for the wide flat types.

 

[Widgeon]

I've had a similar experience - 15hh cob with big shoulders, moderately flat, but really not particularly remarkable. I was told by a reputable saddler who came out to us that *only* x saddle (that she happened to stock) would fit. It didn't, and since then I've been very wary of anyone making such confident and restrictive pronouncements! Can you find anyone (even if you have to travel to them) who stocks and fits second hand? They might be a bit less partisan.

(FWIW I have also had good experiences with Ideals for widish-flattish horses)

 

[gryff]

Ideals have always suited mine.

 

[Ali27]

I have a 14.2 Connie x cob who is very flat backed! I tried a saddle company cob, then a Farrington event saddle which was bridging! Then got an Equipe expression which fits her perfectly! Best thing I ever do did! She loves it and so do I?

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I have a T6 cob saddle on my Welsh d boy. He however is wxw or yellow gullet so like a table top.

I’ve been recommended a cavallo vsd for him when he settles as it has an open head plate so more likely to suit his type

 

[McFluff]

The two mentioned are (in my experience) good for that type, however, fit to you is important too (personally BC was comfy for me, HD not so much, which was a pity as lovely saddle). I’ve had success with Ideal (H&M tree or FWB tree) on that type, and can be easier to find second hand. I had a lovely ideal that was very comfy (me and horse), and was good value.

 

[sbloom]

Every saddle fitter has their preferences, it doesn't make one right and one wrong. We fit and recommend what we are familiar with, and that fit the way we like to fit. I like flatter, straighter rails to give a really stable fit, so many cob type saddles to me aren't really suitable for the job, and get fitted often a little too narrow to stabilise them.

If you're looking second hand then it becomes harder as usually you can't try one first before going off to look for one, and choice can be very limited. AH have been mentioned, I fit for them, but would say they're actually rare second hand, though yes, search for "used specialist native" on FB and you'll find the group the company runs, where all sorts of cob specific saddles may be listed.

 

[Vodkagirly]

Ideals have always suited mine.

Which Ideal please?
Sorry to jump on thread but I got my 3 year old checked and xw bates fit him. 6 weeks later and its too tight already ? so looking options, I have an ideal impala for another horse and love it

 

[ihatework]

I’ve a young horse of not dissimilar shape that I’m keeping an eye open for. My ideal would be to find a Black Country quantum on a freedom tree.