Saddle recommendations please...

C

Chumsmum

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Sorry, don't know much about saddles but it looks like I need a new one and I would like to be a bit better informed before I purchase one!
I have been recommended to get my saddle checked by my instructor as she thinks it is pushing down on his withers. I will be contacting my local fitter (Jane Saunders but also interested in other fitters who cover North Worcestershire if anyone can recommend one) but just wondering if anyone has a similar problem to me - I have a 14hh cob type who has quite high withers and big shoulders too. I have been riding him in a Paul Jones Working Hunter and he was going quite well in this as it really freed his shoulders up but it's obviously not right. However I think a GP style would suit me better as I'm a novice rider and I think it would perhaps help my position. I have been told before that he is not the best shape to fit so perhaps I might have to get one made to measure but I don't have loads of money to spend
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I mainly hack although I do a tiny bit of jumping and flatwork and hopefully lots of hunting next season
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Don't know if you can recommend anything from this info or whether I should just stop waffling and wait for the fitter
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Thanks
C x
 
Hmm...I was in a near enough same position! My pony is 14hh, big shoulders, but has very little wither. Through lots of trying, and as he's still very young we decided to settle for a Wintec vsd in the wide gullet. I think I'm going to save up for a very good leather one from the 'Highlands and Cobs company' though. I'm not sure what kind of leather saddles are out there, I've heard that England has alot more and better saddlers than Scotland! I wreckon if your not so keen on the working hunter style then you try and go for one with a vsd(very slightly dressage) cut. Good luck on your search!
 
I have the exact same problem. I have a cob who has high withers, HUGE shoulders but is actually not that wide behind her shoulders. This results in the saddle slipping back. I've tried an Ideal and Wintec saddle. I've got a Bates Caprilli GP saddle with the Extra Wide gulet in, but I'm still not completely happy.

So I'm going for a WOW saddle in a few months http://www.wowsaddles.com/index.htm They are expensive but they are a saddle for life. The flaps, seat and gullet can be changed so it can be used for any discipline, rider and horse.

Also The Saddle Company Saddles are supposed to be excellent aswell http://www.thesaddlecompany.co.uk/

I'm sure your saddler will suggest the best saddle for you though and will get it to fit.
 
The vsd sounds good as it may suit both of us, I will ask fitter about that. Also, do you have a link for the Highlands and Cobs website (if they have one??).

Thanks for your reply!

C x
 
Just been on both of those websites. The WOW certainly does look the business, I've heard of them but didn't realise how changable they actually are. However the price is a bit more than I wanted to spend, I'm not flush ATM. I love the look of the SCS - there is a dealer in Bridgnorth so I will go and have a look.

I've got a feeling I'm going to go a bit crazy with this saddle buying malarky!

Thanks for reply - I appreciate it.

C x
 
Have you considered treeless - I have bought one recently and am very pleased with it. Mine is the dressage style and so far I have hacked and schooled in it and feel very comfortable. Have not jumped but will do at some point.

What I like is the way Cairo goes in it, Chancer will not outgrow it he is only 3 and has a lot of filling out to do. I can use it on either of my two chunky chaps as they fit just about anything.

First couple of times took a little getting use to the way your leg is, but as I ride western and english, was not difficult for me to adjust.

Mine was the Barefoot London - and with the saddle, girth, dressage leathers, saddle cover and the specialist pad, the lot came to £550 so not too expensive.
 
I have considered this before but my back-lady wasn't sure if it would suit him but I will mention it to my fitter (she is coming Thursday). Also, with me being a novice rider, would I have the experience to cope with a treeless - feels like I can barely ride in a normal saddle somedays
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I was going to suggest an ideal, VSD or WH cut saddle. These seem to be the make and style that really suit the cobby types.
 
Being a novice on a treeless should not be a problem. Only thing I found is that the lower leg feels a little less secure but you adapt.

As I understood it the other thing about treeless saddles is that they are very good for backs provided they are used with the proper saddle pad. I got the latest design which has a gully for the spine and also bought the rather expensive but very good pressure pad and have put in the extra inserts to make sure there is no pressure.

I really cannot see my going back to a conventional saddle - Cairo adores the treeless - this weekend he worked so well. I know a fair few people with difficult to fit cobs converting to treeless where they have given up on getting a saddle that either fits well or they have to keep changing as the horse gets older and wider.

A lot of places selling them offer a trial service and mine was on a sale or return basis from Horse and Harmony.
 
Article in the back of my Your Horse listing the argument for a treed saddle and the argument for a treeless saddle. If you want my copy give me a shout.

Personally I would go with a treed saddle, have you considered the Ideal range? You can borrow my Stubben if you want, let me know and Ill bring it back with me Tuesday.

Hbx
 
Fitter coming out Thursday with hopefully lots to try and she said she would leave the most suitable ones with me to try during my lesson that evening.
I'm already driving myself mad with possibilities and have only been looking a couple of days
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Can I apologise in advance for the many 'what do you think of this saddle' posts and emails in the near future
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Do you know which copy it is as I would be really interested in reading it having bought a treeless.

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Ill have a look tonight for you and let you know.

Hb
 
I love my treeless, it is a barefoot Cheyenne I have from day one with him, It has never stopped me doing anything, I do have an Abetta Trail saddle as well because it is synthetic and we often are found at the beach swimming and it is easier to hose off.
 
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