Saddle

[AMJ999]

Hello all,

I have a 13.3ish, 5yo, cob, mare who I am soon to break in. I have come across a cheap saddle on eBay, it’s wide 16” and was thinking of using it for breaking her in. However, I’m not sure it would fit but I could always put a corrective half pad underneath. It would be a short term saddle until I got one fitted in a few months. Would only be used for sitting on her and possibly light work. Do you think it’s worth buying it?

Thank you!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I would take a chance if cheap enough then get your fitter to check it, I wouldn't want to use a saddle that may not fit on a unbacked youngster, if it pinches or is uncomfortable your basically giving the horse a bad first experience of a saddle.

 

[AMJ999]

I would take a chance if cheap enough then get your fitter to check it, I wouldn't want to use a saddle that may not fit on a unbacked youngster, if it pinches or is uncomfortable your basically giving the horse a bad first experience of a saddle.

Yes that’s a very good point, it might be worth hanging on until next spring when she’s going to go back into work and get a good quality saddle properly fitted for her and ride with a bareback pad until then-I will probably only do light work until winter and then give her the winter off.

 

[sbloom]

If you want to buy cheap then work through your fitter, ask them to recommend what to look for and have them come out and adjust it. It's not quite a reliable as having something fitted by them but it usually works well.

 

[Baywonder]

In a word, no. Even though you only need it for a few months, the fact you will sit on your mare and do light work is more than enough to cause problems from an ill fitting saddle. A corrective half pad may well cause even more damage rather than relieve any pain or issues.

If your budget is restricted, try and find a fitter who has a good stock of second-hand saddles. If they have nothing suitable, they may well advise you of the type / size of saddle to look for. Whatever you do, please get the fit checked by a competent saddle fitter. It is the least you can do for your mare at the start of her ridden career.

 

[AMJ999]

Thank you all for your replies, the plan was to buy it and get the fitter out to see if it would fit. However, i did not buy the saddle. I will get the fitter out in spring time and get a good quality one properly fitted, I’m not bothered if I don’t have one until then. There’s no rush for her or me. Thanks again.