Saddle help/suggestions please

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Ginn

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OK, the problem is we (well Kiri) has an ever growing rising 4YO with a relatively short back... pony is about 14hh, Welsh DxC (so minimal wither, reasonable shoulder and a barrel like/flat back), takes between a 5'3 and 5'6 rug and currently has a 16" Saddle Company saddle. Looking at his current saddle on him he could comfortably go to a 16.5" saddle of the same make of saddle but said saddle now nolonger fits and needs adjusting. Not a problem really as SC saddles are adjustable BUT the saddle does not fit rider at all, neither does the next size up (16.5") so we are thinking we are going to have to try something else!

Kiri is (very annoyingly!) a good 5'7, possibly 5'8 now (I've lost count now that she's over taken me), a size 8 and has rediculously long 34" legs!! You can now see the problem... Fortunately she is only about 8 stone so her weight is absolutely fine on Max and no matter how hard I try she simply does not *do* riding long - I am sure she was a racing jockey in a previous life - so is quite happy to ride short so in reality she doesn't look too leggy on him either. Pics are here for anyone who wants to get a better idea of how they look together.

So, what we need is a forward cut - ideally jump - ADJUSTABLE saddle for Max without breaking the bank. This is also where we seem to have hit a brick wall!!
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Went and had a very long chat with local saddler and his suggestion was a Thorowgood. However, the Pony Club (only model they do in a 16 or 16.5") is not nearly forward cut enough for K. We've looked at Wintec as they do do a 16 and 16.5" jump but 16.5 is too long on him and even 16 is an only just ok length and tbh the tree style isn't really right for him so I think those are out.....

However, saddler did say that compared to Thorowgood (and many others) the wintec PANELS (not seat so much) come up big and he suggested we consider a 17" Thorowgood jump....

Basically (sorry, illness makes for a terrible ramble!) can anyone either comment on the panel length of the Thorowgood jump OR suggest some other alternatives to consider.

Many thanks
 
You could try the thorowgood cob? Although the smallest seat size they do is a 17", the tree is compact and can sometimes be suitable for a smalller horse, although i am doubtful for a 14hh. The pony club saddles have much smaller flaps in comparison. I think the pony club saddles have te same tree as the cob models.

Wintec panels are big and personally i hate the design in general, the panels and tree have drawbacks imo.

Looking at your photos i dont want to offend but her thigh is too horizontal, which adds to the problem. If she lengthened her stirrups slightly and came back at the hip, so her heel was more in line with her hip that would help. At the moment her lower leg isnt underneath her. Try standing on the ground like it- you would fall over! It is an unstable position and ideally the lower leg should be under the body.

I notice you have a wow saddle. They do a smaller panel and bigger seat, with a choice to angle the flaps. But you probably know that! I know they cost a bit but that might be your only option!
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Good luck
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I was gonna suggest a WoW saddle. My mare is very shorted backed (she is 15.1hh and a 16" saddle sits on her last rib). She has a very big but upright shoulder and changes shape continusley (SP). I did used to have a wintec on her but it just did'nt sit right so I brought a second hand wow which is perfect for her. I got 16" panels with a 18" seat to fit my fat arse in lol
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Saddle company saddles also come up long (as do wintecs). Toby's 17" SC was too long for him but he can take a 17.5 thorowgood.

Have a look at the new Thorowgood Cob Plus saddles as they have shortened panels at the back for short backed horses. You might find he can take a 17" cob plus saddle. They're also changable gullets
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Or if if you'e looking for a leather saddle have a look at Kent and Masters, who are the leather branch of Thorowgood. They could probably do you the shortened panels too , if you asked.
 
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