Saddle help!

[becstew]

So had the saddle fitter out for my boy, my Dad kindly offered to treat us to a 'new' 2nd hand saddle as I was feeling down about breaking up with the OH. (I'm actually considering milking it further to see what else I can get )

Apparently my TB is crossed with an elephant as he needs such a wide fitting & despite the saddler having 20+ saddles on him, none of them were big enough & he has none in his shop suitable. So I'm considering getting a brand new GFS synthetic saddle but to be honest I have no idea about saddles.

What does everyone think of synthetic saddles compared to leather & are GFS any good?

I'd appreciate any help guys!

 

[KatB]

You'd need to try one to see if one fits first... if it fits your horse well and your horse likes it, it's a good saddle

If it's any consolation, my mare is also part heffalump, and needed a saddle ordering to fit her... blooming expensive shopping trip THAT was!!

 

[tinkandlily]

Lucky you, getting treated to a new saddle My tb had a synthetic, he was an older horse, and needed a lighter weight saddle, for general riding i perfer a synthetic because it takes minimal effort to care for, it doesn't need soaping after rain for example and its lighter on the horses back. If you really like the leather ones you can get a synthetic that looks like real leather.

 

[becstew]

Well the saddler is going to order it & ensure it fits etc. I think I might just go for a new synthetic one since Dads getting the bill. I'm 20 years old & I can't remember the last time he offered to 'cheer me up' I almost snapped his hand off. He is also getting a body protector too, or body armor as he calls! Who needs boyfriends ey?!

 

[Kallibear]

Some syhtnetic saddles are great. Some are rubbish. Some fit a wide variety of horses, some are more specific to one type.

If you're thinking about a synthitic, have a look at the new Thorowgood range. Very well designed saddles, English made and high quality. The T6 version looks and feels like leather too The newest versions have adjustable gullets so will accomidate any change in your horses back plus are much easier to sell on later.