saddle issues and funny gait in trot

[scewal]

I bought a brand new wexford black country last summer. Was fitted by a master saddler. Had it checked in February this year. My mare has always been very laid back, however she has been feeling extra lazy and walks out very slowly and doesn't seem to be able to keep up in walk and trot with others. She is 16,2hh.
While trotting in company she couldn't / wouldn't keep up, and prefers to break into canter. Today a friend trotted her up ridden, and she can't seem to extend in trot and has a shuffle side to side movement rather than forward in trot.
She was checked by a physio who found her out in her pelvis but ok else where.

Her saddle seems to be ok at the wither but tight when you run your hand down the side of the panel.
DO you think the saddle is the cause for this reluctance?
I have phoned my saddler and waiting for an appointment.

 

[sbloom]

Press down on the pommel and see WHERE the tightness is - tight right at the top of the panel may mean the tree is too wide, a lack of contact at the top of the panel and being tight at the points ie a few inches down, means the tree is probably too narrow. Flocking can also affect how this feels, plus it's not applicable apparently to Wintec/Bates headplates where they nearly always feel tight at the top, no matter the width of headplate (just saying in case others try and use this technique )

Your saddle fitter will be able to give you a better idea, and saddles should really be checked at least once a year unless you are monitoring the fit yourself (ie knowing exactly when there might be a problem, when your horse has changed shape etc).