Saddle Recommendations

[BackintheSaddle1983]

I was just after a bit of advice of saddle suggestions for my new pony.

She is currently stands at 13.2 and is a Cob x Welsh. She has just turned 4. She was backed before I got her and I have turned her away over winter. I have just started to ride her away and I need a saddle. I have borrowed a friends Wintec the last couple of rides but it feels awful to ride in and not at all stable, even though we used the gauge and put in the corresponding gullet. I know they have a banana tree but it's side to side stability it lacks. I won't be using it again.

So, what saddle would you recommend for a still growing, no withered, flat and short backed cob? She currently lacks muscle either side of her spine and needs a bit of extra weight so will be changing a lot in shape.

Ideally something adjustable but not a Wintec. Happy to have the saddle fitter out regularly to adjust. Not a huge budget and happy to go second hand.

Any suggestions much appreciated

 

[poiuytrewq]

If I had just bought a youngster, a blank canvas that has never had any issues I’d definitely be getting a saddler out and sucking up the fact it was going to cost a bit more and maybe not last forever but be safe In the knowledge that at such an important time the pony is comfortable. Saddle issues now could cause real problems

 

[BackintheSaddle1983]

I will be getting a saddler out, I am just curious as to what is out there these days. It's been a few years since I've bought saddles.

I am more than happy to get something checked/refitted monthly if needs be but can't afford a new saddle each time. So wondering what is out there that is adjustable by saddlers, more than just a reflock, and prices, if that makes sense?

 

[poiuytrewq]

I will be getting a saddler out, I am just curious as to what is out there these days. It's been a few years since I've bought saddles.

I am more than happy to get something checked/refitted monthly if needs be but can't afford a new saddle each time. So wondering what is out there that is adjustable by saddlers, more than just a reflock, and prices, if that makes sense?

I wonder how a Thorowgod might fit? I think they are flatter tress, especially a compact and have the adjustable gullet that may keep you going longer (or forever who knows!)
When my daughter had a youngster I got her a TG pony club T4 and it lasted him the first 3 years, checked and adjusted when required.
He was a Connie x Welsh I believe, quite wide flat backed.

 

[BackintheSaddle1983]

Thank you. It does seem to pop up often in my searches. I am waiting to hear back on availability and stock for a couple of local saddle fitters.

It feels like such a minefield for such an important decision. She is going to be a fab pony and I want her to be comfortable to concentrate on learning her job and have fun, and as you say, I don't want to cause issues down the line.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I think they are a bit love or hate so you’d want to sit in one for sure.
Weirdly many years ago I got a T4 which is the basic cheapest model for a TB who I knew was going to change a lot. Loved it, so upgraded to a leather look better model that I absolutely hated! Should have been the same but better materials.
So do try them out!

 

[BackintheSaddle1983]

It's so tricky isn't it!

I went through so many saddles with my Haffy as they either suited him great and I hated it or vice versa. He changed so much too so I saw my saddler more than my then husband (lol)

 

[webble]

Wintec had a redesign a couple of years ago so a more modern one would likely fit differently but yes definitely get a saddler out

 

[throwaway2022]

Hated the T4 my Highland came with. I ended up with a Fylde Ray which fitted him beautifully (sounds a similar shape to yours) and was super comfortable. May be able to pick one up relatively cheaply and get it it checked?

 

[sbloom]

Saddle fitter peeps

I wonder how a Thorowgod might fit? I think they are flatter tress, especially a compact and have the adjustable gullet that may keep you going longer (or forever who knows!)

Unless they have a new version the Compact is on their standard tree, R bar. The flatter trees take the S bar.

We could make recommendations but your fitter may not like them. There are several specialist wider/flatter horse brands but the best fit is generally from wooden trees which are only a little adjustable, if not too old.

Young horses can change shape a lot, and if they change two width fittings then it becomes more likely than not that you need a different tree/panel.combo anyway,.so buying and selling used wooden treed saddles can be a better way to do it. I work with shim pads with horses that are going to change shape, rather than changeable headplates saddles and much prefer it.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Saddle fitter peeps

Unless they have a new version the Compact is on their standard tree, R bar. The flatter trees take the S bar.

We could make recommendations but your fitter may not like them. There are several specialist wider/flatter horse brands but the best fit is generally from wooden trees which are only a little adjustable, if not too old.

Young horses can change shape a lot, and if they change two width fittings then it becomes more likely than not that you need a different tree/panel.combo anyway,.so buying and selling used wooden treed saddles can be a better way to do it. I work with shim pads with horses that are going to change shape, rather than changeable headplates saddles and much prefer it.

I *think/thought theey could take either. The cob (square cantle) on the S bar and the GP or HW (Round cantle) on the R bar? certainly used to be I may be wrong, as i say its years since i used one (fitted by a saddler!)
The Thorowgood website says the compact is built on a flatter tree.

 

[Jambarissa]

Saddle company saddles are adjustable but by the fitter not DIY. Imo best compromise if you don't have the budget for new saddles to fit a changing horse.

You can buy a used one and have it altered to fit. Possibly a close contact tree, vsd, squared cantle?

My friends welshie has a DIY adjustable bates one, not sure how common they are. I'd avoid DIY adjustable really, you're only changing the front arch not the whole fit.

 

[BackintheSaddle1983]

Saddle company saddles are adjustable but by the fitter not DIY. Imo best compromise if you don't have the budget for new saddles to fit a changing horse.

You can buy a used one and have it altered to fit. Possibly a close contact tree, vsd, squared cantle?

My friends welshie has a DIY adjustable bates one, not sure how common they are. I'd avoid DIY adjustable really, you're only changing the front arch not the whole fit.

I hade a Saddle Company on my Haffy for a couple of years and did really like it to be honest. Had the local SC saddler out about 6 times a year and it was fascinating to see the changes he made. It is on my list to consider and I have just checked and the SC fitter does apparently still work in my area so I have text to see if she has any availability as I may go down that route again for now.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I have a Fairfax and love it but I have never changed the bar, I just shim when needed between fittings.

 

[sbloom]

Saddle Company are not always viewed well by experienced fitters. Their fitters get very minimal training to be able to start selling them, though some will have better skills/experience.

Good for you OP (can't tag) for having the fitter every 2 months, awesome!

I'm afraid I'm rather sceptical about TG/K&M/Fairfax and their trees. The Compact is definitely R bar, they say it's flatter now, it might be, but I'm sure as I can be (just from industry knowledge) they were always on the standard tree. The R bar has long points which is seldom the way to go for a low wither. They have also been made narrower somehow, I presume, as they've gone from marketing it for shorter backed horses to now being for petite riders.

My cynicism started when I saw them describe one model as having a more open head - head shape is fundamentally about tree shape, ie the headplate at the front. If the headplate is one of the narrowest v shapes available on the market, in all their saddles, few fitters would agree that they can have a truly open (wider) head.

 

[sbloom]

I'd avoid DIY adjustable really, you're only changing the front arch not the whole fit.

Has your fitter clarified which other parts of the saddle the Saddle Company fitters can adjust? Apart from flocking of course.

 

[BackintheSaddle1983]

My SC fitter used to take a number of measurements over his back and then put the the saddle in some sort of hydraulic machine! She;d then flock, remove flock as necessary.

It did work for my pony at the time and he muscled up nicely, was comfortable and I felt secure. She seemed really knowledgeable and would explain what she was doing and why. I am no expert though by any stretch.

It is just something I am considering at the minute and happy to try on what the fitter has and go from there.

 

[sbloom]

The machine adjusts the headplate, no different to swapping a headplate or putting a wooden tree in a saddle devil press. Some trees adjust a little more through to the bars/rails when the front arch is adjusted, some less. The rails can narrow or widen in angle, and can curve up, depending on the tree design and materials.

The horse's spine doesn't change width so the saddle never needs "widening" at the back as some people describe anyway. Most other changes require a different saddle, though Schleese certainly claim.that ALL of their trees are adjustable I've yet to see it in action.

The SC machines are actually exceptionally good for narrowing I believe, because of the way the work, different to a saddle devil.

 

[BackintheSaddle1983]

Thank you sbloom, You are very knowledgeable and I appreciate it.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I have a very wide flat backed Arab I tried some adjustable saddles on him they just didn't work, they just sit perched on his back then slip to the side so I have to agree with sbloom about those brands they just don't work.

I would get a nice reasonably priced saddle that will fit now and then just sell it on if it doesn't fit down the line.

In my opinion if the horse is a very wide and flat backed go with a brand that is specifically for that, and alot of brands do hoop, cob or freedom trees that are aimed at that type as well.

Just a few I would consider and some I have had.

Black country
Ideal
AH saddles
Chunky monkey
LM saddles
Herritage saddles.

Also I find some fitters just do not understand the wider horse took me a long time to find someone that did.

 

[poiuytrewq]

The machine adjusts the headplate, no different to swapping a headplate or putting a wooden tree in a saddle devil press. Some trees adjust a little more through to the bars/rails when the front arch is adjusted, some less. The rails can narrow or widen in angle, and can curve up, depending on the tree design and materials.

The horse's spine doesn't change width so the saddle never needs "widening" at the back as some people describe anyway. Most other changes require a different saddle, though Schleese certainly claim.that ALL of their trees are adjustable I've yet to see it in action.

The SC machines are actually exceptionally good for narrowing I believe, because of the way the work, different to a saddle devil.

Do you rate SC? As in over other lower budget brands?
I occasionally think that a saddle looks nice then realise it’s a SC
I’ve only ridden in one once and wasn’t keen really.

 

[sbloom]

Do you rate SC? As in over other lower budget brands?
I occasionally think that a saddle looks nice then realise it’s a SC
I’ve only ridden in one once and wasn’t keen really.

Not personally no, nor do any fitters I work more closely alongside. They seem to attract bodyworkers frustrated with saddles who think they can do better themselves.

Bear in mind the last physio I spoke to about saddles, who had written off a Dabbs as "could never have fitted", admitted to me tha she didn't realise the performance panel could make a fit look so different. In the photos I was sent it was nicely in balance so could have fitted well.

 

[Skib]

My favourite saddle is a Podhajski training saddle. Expensive. They may be still made by Ideal. This is the saddle with which I learned to ride and in which I hacked my old share for many years.
I wanted to buy one for my present share but was told that other riders would be insecure on such an open saddle. Out of ignorance or stupidity I never felt either more nor less secure riding with the Podhajski than when cradled by a bog standard GP saddle which is what most RS ponies and shares seem to have. Current share has a Fieldhouse.