Saddles: High wither, flat back, secure

[ApolloandSakura]

I would be interested to see if anyone has overcome the same challenge as I have right now.

I’m looking for a saddle to fit a 17hh ID (XW) who has high withers that slope down to a flat back. A high withered saddle that is also cut back at the front would help. Can’t have a curved tree.

To add to this, I’m looking for a saddle with a very secure seat as the last time I was on my horse I broke my shoulder. I’ve considered Australian stock and pretty much ruled that out due to his shape, so now looking at dressage saddles as they have deep seats and thigh blocks. Tried the Fairfax Gareth and World Class today but they are too curved for him.

Any ideas much appreciated.

 

[Zoeypxo]

Take a look at Andrea hicks saddles.

What area are you in? @sbloom may be able to help

 

[sbloom]

AH saddles aren't likely to be able to cope with a high wither, but thank you, definitely good for wider ones.

Where are you @ApolloandSakura as the fitter is key, many brands would have something that my work. By the way, a secure seat comes from the pelvis being correctly supported which doesn't need a deep seat or big blocks, both of which can work against the horse (both from my own direct experience working on improving equine posture plus the research on blocks from Centaur Biomechanics). I love blowing people's minds when I do fittings, so many think they want deep seats and big blocks...

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Agree AH saddles may work.

I use lavinia Mitchell Dressage saddles on my Arab's one of mine is very flat backed but has a wither and is an xx wide which they call a 5 width.

They are lovely saddles and it's the only one that hasn't slipped on him and I use it with a Flexigirth which also helps with stability.

My saddles are quite old now and we're made when Lavinia owned the business, I believe she has sold the business now so I think someone else designs them, so I'm not that familiar with the newer models but the older ones like mine are lovely saddles.

 

[sbloom]

All depends on how high/long the wither is! Happy to look at photos - conformation photos, whole horse, level ground etc, from both sides.

 

[nutjob]

My wb is in an ideal 1350, he has a wide flat back, big shoulders and a fairly big but not long wither.

 

[ApolloandSakura]

@sbloom he’s currently located near Thrapston, Northants for rehab but normally resides near Bedford.

It’s true, it’s easy to think if you are wedged in you’re less likely to go flying but I’m sure these is a lot more to it. His comfort does come first partly because he’s less likely to try and throw me off otherwise (FYI he’s just had KS surgery). But in case he does try to pull off another rodeo, I want to be less likely to break another bone.

I have attached a couple of photos, it’s hard to get a level one at my yard as the surface has more craters in it that the moon’s surface, and the only recent one I have is too large to upload. The attached ones are a couple of years old just before I got him, he should be a smidge slimmer now. Hope they give an idea.

@Pinkvboots and @nutjob thanks I will check those saddles out.