sidesaddlegirl
Well-Known Member
Over the past 3 1/2 years I've had my TB, I have gone through saddles galore, tried literally hundreds and probably spent a a few grand's worth on them in an attempt to find something that didn't shoot forward on her due to her forward girth groove and wide mare belly, fit her nice flat topline but that did not come down on her high withers. Every high withered "TB" saddle, rocked on her flat top line and saddles that fit her flat topline, came down on her withers requiring the use of a riser pad.
Basically, I need something with flattish panels, wither clearance, a point and a balance strap. She also doesn't like forward cut flaps on her shoulders so most GP's are out.
I don't know how many saddlers I have had come out and then leave with all their saddles.
The other day I was moaning about my new Barnsby saddle (which is ok, Hattie seems happy enough in it but it's not perfect) and my friend at the yard said for me to try her Thorowgood Maxam cob saddle. Plopped it on Hattie's back and although slightly too wide, it actually wasn't too bad. No rocking, point strap lined up with her forward girth groove, no rocking due to the balance strap, no bridging. Hattie seemed happy in it!
I've been looking for a medium Maxam but can't find them for love nor money now but came across a T4 Thorowgood cob saddle with changeable gullet, FISH and point and balance strap on ebay! It came in the post today and I need to get the next size down in the gullet but the FISH inserts did give me an idea about fit but other than that, it's PERFECT!!! It's cut like a close contact saddle so doesn't have overly forward flaps like a lot of GP and jumping saddles do.
Who would have thought a high withered TB would suit a COB saddle. I only wish I would have have myself the time, money and hassle and tried the T4 cob saddle ages ago.
Basically, I need something with flattish panels, wither clearance, a point and a balance strap. She also doesn't like forward cut flaps on her shoulders so most GP's are out.
I don't know how many saddlers I have had come out and then leave with all their saddles.
The other day I was moaning about my new Barnsby saddle (which is ok, Hattie seems happy enough in it but it's not perfect) and my friend at the yard said for me to try her Thorowgood Maxam cob saddle. Plopped it on Hattie's back and although slightly too wide, it actually wasn't too bad. No rocking, point strap lined up with her forward girth groove, no rocking due to the balance strap, no bridging. Hattie seemed happy in it!
I've been looking for a medium Maxam but can't find them for love nor money now but came across a T4 Thorowgood cob saddle with changeable gullet, FISH and point and balance strap on ebay! It came in the post today and I need to get the next size down in the gullet but the FISH inserts did give me an idea about fit but other than that, it's PERFECT!!! It's cut like a close contact saddle so doesn't have overly forward flaps like a lot of GP and jumping saddles do.
Who would have thought a high withered TB would suit a COB saddle. I only wish I would have have myself the time, money and hassle and tried the T4 cob saddle ages ago.
