Thorowgood cob saddles - opinions please

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bobster66

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I have a big ISH who is proving difficult to fit with a GP saddle - a few saddlers have quoted me for new saddles but I don't want to pay too much as he is only 7 and still changing shape. What are people's opinions on the Thorowgood cob saddles (T4/T6/T8)? I have read reports of synthetic saddles damaging horses backs - is this true? any help or advice would be appreciated thank you
 
A well fitting synthetic should do no damage, its all about getting the right size and shape for your horse. We have used a wintec normal with a normal and wide gullet for a cob x, our percheron x had a wintec cob with the white (XW) gullet. Both were VSD's so gave more room for shoulders. I also realy like ideals, we had an ex wide VSD for the percheron x for best. My cob came with a thorogood cob saddle, it was nice and comfortable for me but too long for him, he had to have one made to measure in the end (another ideal VSD with a hoop tree). All saddles are slightly different shapes, even if they are specifically for cobs, if you can't find a synthetic to fit a second hand leather might be the way to go.
 
Tg are good enough saddles, but try a cob one before you buy, they are not like sitting on a normal tree, you may feel like you're doing the splits.
 
our still growning belgian draft goes really well in it. perfect as he is still changing shape.
I must admit I have a lovely full leather saddle on my welsh cob and when ever I ride the big boy I notice how uncomfy the thorowgood it for me. very hard etc. but hey for the money can't complain and horsie is happy!
 
I have one for my friesian mare, I got it when she was 5 as she was still growing. Shes now 9 and will have a look at getting a leather saddle however, its done us well.

I also use it on my ID, he's not as wide but still fits like a glove. I find them comfy to ride in to be honest, but it is slightly different.

I like the Thorowgood trees better than wintecs, they are like banarnas!
 
I recently bought the t8 compact for my connie cross but have a feeling it's a bit too banana shaped for her. Thinking of selling it and buying the cob one. Shame because it is so comfortable and looks great. Never liked synthetics but love this one.
 
I have a Cob T8 dressage saddle. Bought it for my warmblood when she was 3 years old for backing as she had no withers and huge shoulders! It did the job well but now she has changed shaped we have moved to an adjustable Kieffer dressage saddle. I found it tipped me forward a little but I think that was a lot down to her age/ balance etc. I am now looking to sell it. Nice looking saddle for the money.
 
We have a leather look T6 for welsh cob mare, and seems to fit her well, but we do have to have regular gullet changes!
For me, personally, it's not got a deep enough seat, but my daughter prefers a flatter seat and loves it!
 
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Tried a Thorowgood synthetic T4 on my traditional cob: saddle looked good and luckily I was able to return it - because it was simply THE most UNCOMFORTABLE saddle I've ever sat in :(

OK so my boy is wide, not disputing that, but this was AWFUL........ way too wide, very uncomfortable - and totally lacking in knee support. I could only manage half an hour's riding in it; was in total agony by the time I got home.

Never again.
 
I got T4 several years ago, teenage daughter hated when she first rode in it but within a short space of time declared it was the most comfortable saddle ever! Unfortunately slightly too long on the back for current NF pony so got one for sale.
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Tried a Thorowgood synthetic T4 on my traditional cob: saddle looked good and luckily I was able to return it - because it was simply THE most UNCOMFORTABLE saddle I've ever sat in :(

OK so my boy is wide, not disputing that, but this was AWFUL........ way too wide, very uncomfortable - and totally lacking in knee support. I could only manage half an hour's riding in it; was in total agony by the time I got home.

Never again.
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Yep i agree the cob saddle is awful very uncomfortable! i hated it and it went back after 3 days. I exchanged for a TG GP T8 the part leather, its really lovely and so comfortable, its amazing how TG can go from one extreme to the other!!
 
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