Saddles - How much difference does 1/2" make?

[piebaldsparkle]

How much difference does 1/2" make?

I'm currently looking to buy a dressage saddle, my GP is a Barnsby and has 17 1/2" seat. I have seen a Barnsby dressage saddle for sale but it is 17"...........does 1/2" make that much difference?

 

[PapaFrita]

Depends on the saddle. I can squeeze my bum comfortably into some 17" saddles, but not all. Any chance you can try one out to see?

 

[piebaldsparkle]

I'm not sure as it's a 2nd hand one (private sale), guess I could ask the seller, but doubt they will.

 

[PapaFrita]

I was thinking more along the lines of asking model (if you don't already know it) and going along to a tack shop to sit on one

 

[piebaldsparkle]

None of the tackshops locally stock Barnsby's.

Shame as if they did I would have kept an eye out for an ex-demo one (that's how I got my GP).

 

[PapaFrita]

Oh that's a bit crap. In that case perhaps you could ask them to measure seat to kneeroll and compare to yours? Only thing I can think of.

 

[pixiebee]

if its the same make then I guess it wont make a lot of difference in all honesty-it tends to be the different makes that measure up differently!

 

[Sundae]

Hope I can help- I have a 17'' barnby- had the saddle fitter out recently and tried a barnsby 17.5'' and it really felt different to me... on my 17 I feel 'perched' but with the 17.5 I sat more deeply. Wouldnt say I have a large bottom (some might!), just standard build, but I am now looking for a 17.5!! Both were dressage saddles so it wasnt the type of saddle. just my personal opinion! My 17 is now sold, but if you are desperate to try a 17 I do still have it...

 

[misterjinglejay]

The other point is that the larger the saddle the better the distribution of weight on the ponios back.

 

[RachelMcTimoney]

Mister_Jay you are exactly right! In bigger horses or with a longer back 1/2" can spread weight significantly better, in small horses or with a short back that 1/2" can make a massive difference too, so in my opinion and experience get the size that fits the horse and rider best!

 

[piebaldsparkle]

O.K. guys thanks, guess I'll keep looking for a 17.5" then.