Short seated dressage saddle?

[MagicMelon]

I asked about this ages ago (but as usual, didnt go any further at the time!) but now really need a dressage saddle now we've moved up a level eventing.

I do not want to spend too much as I wouldnt use it that often (a synthetic is fine), all that matters is that it fits! The problem being that my horse is short backed - it was hell finding his GP for him! We tried on a few saddles when the saddler came, he bronced me off in 2 of them and was uncomfortable in all but one (the one I had to buy which WAS expensive!). If the seats too long, it pushes down on those ribs which makes him buck like hell! The one he has was shorter in the seat than some, although still a 17", it also has TB panels either side of the withers.

I dont want to go through this hasstle again as literally, we found ONE saddle to fit him and he chucked me off in the others! So, what do I do? I cant go through all this again to find only one saddle which fits but which is very expensive! Should I possibly go for a 16.5" even though Im a 17"? Would this be better for him? That way I could probably get away with a normal saddle!

Any ideas or recommendations??

 

[nelliefinellie]

Depending on your budget.... jaguar saddles curve up at the back so good for short backed, or saddle company - quite short, serge panels - not quite the same eye candy factor but not a bad saddle for the price

 

[nelliefinellie]

just read the bit about not wanting to spend too much - I guess that rules out the jaguars then!

I would go for a saddle company - dont know if they do a synthetic one, but the half and half ones are a pretty good price new, and 2nd hand ones sometimes go for a song on ebay

 

[Governor]

My saddle is pretty short. Its an Albion K2 Legend and looks very small on my horse (16.2/3 hh warmblood with a reasonably long back) although its still good weight bearing wise. As you can see (not a great picture and ignore my postition) I could probably fit another saddle behind me, might be worth looking into anyway as they're lovely saddles and not too hard to find second hand.

 

[mrsbloggett]

I don't know if they do a dressage saddle, but I bought an Ideal VSD for my very short backed mare, and it suits her perfectly. If you have the cash for a new saddle they will also make a made to measure for the same price as their off the peg. Might be worth looking into?

 

[Iestyn]

Where are you? I took my boy to Derby House recently for a dressage saddle and managed to ick up a barain leather one. It was clearly "used" but n good condition and a little cleaning and TLC and I have a super saddle. My boy is also short-coupled, but didn't have the same extent problem you seem to have. I sat in some synthetic saddles and personally didn't like them - they just didn't have the same feel if you know what I mean?

 

[Louby]

I had the same problem and had to get the credit card out for a Jaguar. Didnt want to spend that much but had no choice really as the back sweeps up so allows a little extra room in the seat for you but not so much room taken up on the back of the horse.
Sorry but they are about £1600 new. Hubby nearly had a heart attack following his choice words!!!

 

[samp]

I use the Winted Pro2000 on mine. Took her to dressage lesson in it yesterday and my instructor - also a judge loved it. Costs about £400 new and you can change the width. I have a 17" which again looks small but I am of a small build and 17.5" has too much room