Tekna, kent & masters or other?

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wills_91

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Just wondering folks opinions on the above saddles or what saddle you would recommend with changeable gullet? My mare has just turned 8 so hopefully finally stopped growing but I know she will fill out more hence my want for adjustable gullet.
 
Not keen on my K&M saddle. Fits my welsh d but don't feel secure as don't feel there's enough saddle in front of me & I have wee short legs. Some non adjustable saddles can be changed up to 1 size up or down I believe. However I love my wintec Isabel werth dressage saddle
 
Also K&M is same saddle as thorogoods just in leather. Maybe if you don't have the straighter cob version you'll be ok. Try before you buy, saddler did warn me.
 
I had a wintec 500 but sadly it doesn't fit her. It's annoying being so rural as very few saddle fitters are willing to travel to us, would love to have a few in one place to compare
 
I have a Kent and masters dressage saddle. Not my first choice and I wanted a slightly higher quality saddle (not in a snobbish way, just so it would last) but my mare was extremely tricky to fit and its the only one she liked. I feel quite secure in it and it looks smart. Leather is holding up well etc.
I also have a tekna jump saddle. Went for the tekna because of the adjustable gullet. I couldn't find a used k+m and couldn't afford 2 new saddles for a baby pony. Overall I'm pleased. It's comfy, fits well. Looks and rides nicer than the wintec in my opinion but not sure I would want to jump anything too big in it. Probably 3ft max as it just doesn't mold and feel as secure as a leather one
 
I have a tekna s-series gp? For my 5 year old, it's fine for now, comfy, looks quite nice and easy to clean but I don't really like synthetic saddles. Once my mare is fully grown I will definately opt for a leather saddle. I do find that they are nicer than winters though and don't squeak like my friends wintec!
 
I will have a budget of around £500 I see a lot of second hand K&M for that and a tekna is roughly that brand new. Although my mare is 8 she hasn't done anything so really this is her starting her ridden career hence my want for something adjustable. It will be for hacking, flat work and low level jumping - no intention of going over 3ft! Ahh decisions
 
I have a K&M cob GP and really like it. It isn't the worlds best quality leather but it is decent. I bought it lightly used and have had it for about a year and it does still look pretty much like new so it isn't likely to wear out any time soon. I swopped the knee blocks for slightly larger ones and have spent a lot of time working on my seat in the last few months and now feel very happy and secure in it. We hack, school and do a tiny bit of jumping at the moment and it's fine for that. It fits my Haflinger x Welsh D beautifully, which is the most important thing. My fitter has told me that if I want to ugprade to something that's more supportive for me as a rider I'd be looking at spending £1200 or so on a Black Country or Native Pony saddle, in order to get the right kind of tree for him, so I'm sticking with the K&M for a good while longer!

The K&M is a leather version of Thorowgood but it doesn't feel the same to sit on, though it will likely fit the horse/pony the same. I didn't like the Thorowgood that I tried out.
 
Myloubylou said:
Also K&M is same saddle as thorogoods just in leather. Maybe if you don't have the straighter cob version you'll be ok. Try before you buy, saddler did warn me.
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I don't know if you mean just the tree is the same but when my pony was fitted the K&M didn't fit him despite me badly wanting a leather saddle, I had to settle for the Thorowgood.
 
I have a tekna jump saddle and have used it hard for around 3 years. It was the best fit on my then 5yo mare who has "shoulders" rather than withers? She's a bit hulk like. It's comfortable and cleans up well. Though after well over 100 days hunting, team chasing, fitness etc etc the surface is peeling off on the pommel and cantle areas. As I'm not the most careful saddle owner and it is a synthetic I think this is not unexpected. In short I'd say it's a great idea for a changing horse and is perfectly supportive, no matter what height you jump!
 
Thanks for all the replies. Someone close to me is selling a thorowgood t8 its only 6 months old and shes only looking for £350 so think I might gibe that a try. I have also found someone local who is going to let me try her K&M, it's not for sale but should give me a rough idea :)
 
K&M or their cheaper make Thorowgood (quality of leather differs) Would not go for Tekna sadyl, although their tack is pretty good. Depends which fits best though
 
I have had two tekna saddles, used to have a gp saddle with previous horse and now have a dressage one with current horse. I really like the tekna saddles, alwasy comfy and never had any issues. They are super easy to look after too being synthetic but to be honest they dont really look it, people are always amazed when i say it's not leather!
 
Paint Me Proud said:
I have had two tekna saddles, used to have a gp saddle with previous horse and now have a dressage one with current horse. I really like the tekna saddles, alwasy comfy and never had any issues. They are super easy to look after too being synthetic but to be honest they dont really look it, people are always amazed when i say it's not leather!
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Yes I think they look nice and the fact it is less care than leather appeals to me!

Obviously I will be going with what fits best, seems to be no clear favourite so far :)
 
Kent and Masters because they do different models to suit different horses and riders, so it's not just the change of gullet you're looking at. I'm just 5'2" and we opted for an S series high withered compact for me and my 17.2 warmblood and it's a great fit for her and a nice deep seat for me, so it depends on what shape and build your horse is.
 
WelshD said:
I don't know if you mean just the tree is the same but when my pony was fitted the K&M didn't fit him despite me badly wanting a leather saddle, I had to settle for the Thorowgood.
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They're both made by same company, also same as Fairfax, basically just different quality levels. was it a different style?
 
I have a K&M S-series Jump Saddle,and a K&M Dressage saddle. I love them; good quality and comfy. He used to have Fairfax GP saddle before which was also very comfy but sold as needed separate ones for eventing.
 
Have a T8 jump and love it for my youngster. Hated all the other Thorowgoods that I tried so was surprised that I ended up with one but it was the best fit for both pony and myself
 
That's what I read. Model I have is the cob so very straight. Fits my mare but don't find it good for flatwork or jumping.
 
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