Achinghips
Well-Known Member
Obviously made to measure is better, but how do you tell what size your horse needs if buying off spec? Anyone got any idea?
sizing and buying a new saddle
- Thread starter Achinghips
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FleabittenT
Well-Known Member
Saddle fitter?
Bought a 17.5" wide fit off-the-peg saddle for my mare. Saddle fitter came, pointed out where it was too narrow over withers. I had thought it fitted & was mortified
Know some people are quite happy (& experienced) to by off the shelf, personally I am neither and so will never do it again. Doesn't need to be made to measure, but I will use a professional saddle fitter every time. Just my thoughts!
Bought a 17.5" wide fit off-the-peg saddle for my mare. Saddle fitter came, pointed out where it was too narrow over withers. I had thought it fitted & was mortified
Know some people are quite happy (& experienced) to by off the shelf, personally I am neither and so will never do it again. Doesn't need to be made to measure, but I will use a professional saddle fitter every time. Just my thoughts!
JVB
Well-Known Member
I'd go and speak to a saddler or get someone out to have one fitted.
My local tack shop has a saddle guy who when I described my horse have me two saddles to try, one of which was great and my instructor helped check fit was ok.
You'll also need a saddle to fit you though, so not just about the horse, best to go and sit in a few and see what you find comfy
My local tack shop has a saddle guy who when I described my horse have me two saddles to try, one of which was great and my instructor helped check fit was ok.
You'll also need a saddle to fit you though, so not just about the horse, best to go and sit in a few and see what you find comfy
BigRed
Well-Known Member
The first thing you need to sort out, is what size saddle you need - for your bottom/leg. I need an 18 inch saddle. Many saddles also come with longer flaps.
You then really need a saddler to come and measure your horse - they use a flexible piece of plastic that they bend to your horses back, to make a template and decide if it is a medium, wide, etc. The problem here, is that not all saddle companies stick to the measurements. For instance I believe a Medium Stubben would be wider than an Medium Albion.
The saddler will also adjust the flocking (stuffing) in the saddle to make it fit your horse. After all that if your horse gets more muscle or fat you need to get it adjusted again anyway.
There are so many variables, if you are buying second hand, you will be limited to what they have in the shop. There is a shop fairly local to me that has literally hundreds of them to choose from. A huge variety in price and condition.
You then really need a saddler to come and measure your horse - they use a flexible piece of plastic that they bend to your horses back, to make a template and decide if it is a medium, wide, etc. The problem here, is that not all saddle companies stick to the measurements. For instance I believe a Medium Stubben would be wider than an Medium Albion.
The saddler will also adjust the flocking (stuffing) in the saddle to make it fit your horse. After all that if your horse gets more muscle or fat you need to get it adjusted again anyway.
There are so many variables, if you are buying second hand, you will be limited to what they have in the shop. There is a shop fairly local to me that has literally hundreds of them to choose from. A huge variety in price and condition.
Winklepoker
Well-Known Member
Preparing to be shot down but I bought a Wintec 500 when I bought my girl as I had limited cash, fitted with a medium gullet, fitted fine - not perfect but fine for pottering. Then though ahhh... so shes a medium and bought the Wintec Pro Dressage and I had to change the gullet in that to a Med/Wide! (same make but more flocking in the panels) - also fits a treat. Recently acquired a Falcon Hawk Event in a medium and again with a prolite, fits lovely. I am very old fashioned when it comes to fitting tack, 4 fingers under the gullet, flat hand under the shoulder panels, sits evenly on the back (no tipping or rocking with pressure), panels not sitting too far back on the lumbar, even distrubution of flocking on the pressure points and will my bottom fit in it! 
I would try out a few but before you do you could speak to a fitter who will try and convince you it is crucial to have it fitted, but at the end of the day... its your horse and it really is your decision.
I would try out a few but before you do you could speak to a fitter who will try and convince you it is crucial to have it fitted, but at the end of the day... its your horse and it really is your decision.thatsmygirl
Well-Known Member
You can really buy off the shelf. Most off my horses are med fit but different from make to make. You really need a fitter or somebody who knows what they are doing. ( the 7 points off saddle fitting)won't bore you with them would take long time to write.
Yes the saddle must fit you but also the horse. Can't put say a 18" on a 14hh else your more than likely to go into the ponies lumber section.
Iv got a tb at the mo who I can't fit to and think I'm gona have to have one made for him.
Yes the saddle must fit you but also the horse. Can't put say a 18" on a 14hh else your more than likely to go into the ponies lumber section.
Iv got a tb at the mo who I can't fit to and think I'm gona have to have one made for him.
thatsmygirl
Well-Known Member
Preparing to be shot down but I bought a Wintec 500 when I bought my girl as I had limited cash, fitted with a medium gullet, fitted fine - not perfect but fine for pottering. Then though ahhh... so shes a medium and bought the Wintec Pro Dressage and I had to change the gullet in that to a Med/Wide! (same make but more flocking in the panels) - also fits a treat. Recently acquired a Falcon Hawk Event in a medium and again with a prolite, fits lovely. I am very old fashioned when it comes to fitting tack, 4 fingers under the gullet, flat hand under the shoulder panels, sits evenly on the back (no tipping or rocking with pressure), panels not sitting too far back on the lumbar, even distrubution of flocking on the pressure points and will my bottom fit in it!
Spot on I say. Nobody can buy off the shelf but if you know what your doing than you can do it yourself. I fit all mine and several have been checked by a saddle fitter when they have been about and all have been fine so I trust my own judgement. You get to know what size to start at and when I get a new horse I will know by looking at her/him as to where to start. If you don't know I would say best get somebody out to make sure it's done right