Saddle recommendations For flat barrel shape

[spottydottypony]

I have a 3 yr old fell pony who is very short backed, flat backed and barrel shaped. I want to start to put a saddle on his back but am unsure of whether to get a saddle fitter out (he is not going to be sat on the saddle is just to get him used to one) or buy him a suitable saddle to fit his shape. I am a bit wary of getting a made to measure saddle because i know his shape is going to change so much and the saddle is only going to be placed on his back. Is there any synthetic type saddles for his shape he is probably a 15 inch cos he is so short backed

 

[be positive]

If you are not going to back him,why dont you buy a good roller use a numnah under it and if you want you can put stirrups on the rings, this will do until you need a saddle.

 

[helbe]

I used a cheap synthetic on my youngster with a thick numnah.now she`s 5 and the same shape as yours,flat backed, round and no withers,we used to move around all over the place but I got a Barnsby grip pad,and then barnsby saddle,it doesnt move now!

 

[appylass]

I used a thorowgood cob on my young highland, I did have the fit checked as he used it for backing too. The thorowgood cob tree is designed for flat backs and suited mine really well, it is also very light (compared to leather) which is an added bonus.

 

[rowy]

I did use a wintec 500 on mine but the fit is awful. Do not use a grippy pad if the saddle is liable to slip anyway as, even though the saddle doesnt fit, it will create pressure points instead.
with mine he is xxw in thorowgood saddles, extremely flat backed, plus he is very very big moving. The closest fit in synthetic saddles were the thorowgood cob but even that moved around, though it may suit yours better if it isnt as big moving.
In the end, because i wanted a dressage saddle, i have bought a made to measure which is a native showing saddle tree (designed for flat backed horses) but in a dressage leather, pannels etc of Harry Dabbs.
Im going to have exactly the same issue again though with my flat barrel exmoor pony *sigh*

 

[spottydottypony]

Thanks for all your replies. I may go down the roller avenue for now as i have two for him well padded never thought of putting stirrups on. I will have him fitted for a saddle but will have to save up first.