Saddles with upswept panels???

[Siobhanelizabeth]

Hello

My mare is a very short backed thoroughbred and needs an upswept panel.

Can anyone recommend any for a horse with shape to her back?

Obviously will work with a fitter but interested in experience and a place to start

Thanks

 

[sbloom]

Definitions vary, it's actually better to look for a saddle that carries you forwards then the panel length isn't such an issue. We really should try to carry rider weight in front of where psoas attaches which is T16/17.

These are "forward balance" saddles and they usually also happen to have plain panels with no gussets (the most extreme version of an upswept in most cases). Sadly many are on French type trees and may have foam panels, neither good for horse without much muscle or with high withers.

Amerigo's can avoid these issues if you can find a good fit for both of you, rider fit is super important, stability for the rider benefits the horse more than you can imagine.

 

[Siobhanelizabeth]

Definitions vary, it's actually better to look for a saddle that carries you forwards then the panel length isn't such an issue. We really should try to carry rider weight in front of where psoas attaches which is T16/17.

These are "forward balance" saddles and they usually also happen to have plain panels with no gussets (the most extreme version of an upswept in most cases). Sadly many are on French type trees and may have foam panels, neither good for horse without much muscle or with high withers.

Amerigo's can avoid these issues if you can find a good fit for both of you, rider fit is super important, stability for the rider benefits the horse more than you can imagine.

Thanks for your reply. Which Amerigo model for a fine tb with average withers and slightly croup high? I’m torn between an equipe synergy or a Harry dabbs future jump on an avant tree with performance panel. Been advised by different saddle fitters that both would work but no one has them to try so I’ll have to buy and be out of pocket if they don’t fit. Same with amerigos…

Any thoughts on either of them?

 

[sbloom]

Thanks for your reply. Which Amerigo model for a fine tb with average withers and slightly croup high? I’m torn between an equipe synergy or a Harry dabbs future jump on an avant tree with performance panel. Been advised by different saddle fitters that both would work but no one has them to try so I’ll have to buy and be out of pocket if they don’t fit. Same with amerigos…

Any thoughts on either of them?

I have no idea, sorry, you'd need a full consultation with a fitter who knows the range, as with all saddles. Do the fitters not have demos that are at least close to what you need? Are they providing you with ts and cs so you know exactly what your liability is? If it's fully custom which of course many are then what are their conditions for a return or exchange or will they absolutely not help if you don't get on with it? It might not be too horrific to return or exchange. What do their reviews say (and if they have no review section here or on Google then why? Search for them on here and FB) ?

I would want to fully trust their protocols - on what basis, from their assessment of you, they think model X will work. What data are they basing that on, if they can't really say then can they show you an example of that model working?

I would go for Dabbs over Equipe all other things being equal.