saddle length question-has there been a mistake

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clairefeekerry1

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i bought a brand new leather saddle of a well known master saddler(father and son business, son came out first) about 6 months ago. came out first to show me a few saddles, rode in a couple then he took my chosen one away to adjust the fit slightly. the father (also a master saddler) dropped the saddle back few weeks later, i rode in it, felt nice and bought it. however, i've just found out its 17.5inch in length. i'm 5ft 6, 9stone and my horse is a 15h tb x connie. i am now having a major panic that they've dropped the wrong size saddle back. i cant remember ever needing a 17.5inch saddle, and i dont know of anyone that has that length of saddle for a small horse. even the larger horses and riders at my yard are not that length. my old saddles have always been 16.5/17 inchs. unfortunately my horse went oddly lame about 2 weeks after i got the saddle and now needs all of winter off so haven't really looked or used the saddle much hence just noticing now. am going crazy or does 17.5 seem too long....
 
pop it on your horse and see if it comes past the last rib. Is it particularly deep seated? If so this can often mean you end up with a larger saddle as you are supported a bit more by the height of the cantle. Does seem a little long but check above and if not happy call them and explain. If they contest it get another saddler out for second oppinion and then take it from there, do also bear in mind that with time off your horses shape may have changed but that shouldn't affect length.
 
what makes me worry slightly is my old saddle for the same horse was 17inch and they fitted it and new saddle from same saddlers is 17.5inch and they were both fitted in the same year. i'm ultra sensitive about this as my horse does have a currently unexplained lameness thought to be from the back or pelvic area, however there is no suggestion the saddle is the cause, even tho the lameness is only ridden. maybe i'm just being over cautious, i have no reason to doubt the saddler's opinion
 
Hi,

When I bought my 14'2 connie he came with a 17.5 inch saddle. I was worried this was too long. Had his back and saddle checked. Both back lady and saddle fitter said it was fine. Saddle fitter was very honest. I was a new customer to him and said if he needs a new one he will get a new one.

So my answer is 17.5 could easily be fine x
 
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