Orchardbeck
Well-Known Member
I know they are a bit older now, but does/did anyone have one? And if so, any good, and what size do/did you have?
Thorowgood Griffin Endurance saddle
- Thread starter Orchardbeck
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pip6
Well-Known Member
I had one, not impressed. Best thing I did was change to another saddle!
Orchardbeck
Well-Known Member
Oh dear, thanks Pip. What was the problem with it?
My saddle fitter recommended the older type Griffin Pony Club or Griffin Endurance as being the most suitable for my Arab X mare who is a pain to fit.
My saddle fitter recommended the older type Griffin Pony Club or Griffin Endurance as being the most suitable for my Arab X mare who is a pain to fit.
MotherOfChickens
MotherDucker
I really like them-I have a very old style one (that fits table top pony perfectly) and a newer but non-adjustable one for another wide pony. Actually considering getting a newer, adjustable one next-they still make them despite not being in their catalogue (emailed them a fortnight ago). Found mine very comfortable.
Orchardbeck
Well-Known Member
Peteralfred - thanks - all the feedback I could find online was complimentary, but slightly older which is understandable considering the Griffin version was made around 2005.
Yeah, I asked Thorowgood this morning if they still made them as they don't seem to be on the website any more - they said they do but only in a 17 or 17.5", not a 16.5" - but the Griffin version used to come in this size too - I wonder why they stopped making them in this size?
I have managed to find a 16.5" in an XW so am looking forward to trying it out.
Yeah, I asked Thorowgood this morning if they still made them as they don't seem to be on the website any more - they said they do but only in a 17 or 17.5", not a 16.5" - but the Griffin version used to come in this size too - I wonder why they stopped making them in this size?
I have managed to find a 16.5" in an XW so am looking forward to trying it out.
MotherOfChickens
MotherDucker
I have a 16.5 in an XW. I think they stopped making them because if you look at later 17 inch models the panels are shorter and wider anyway. they do pop up on ebay from time to time-my main bugbear is they only come in black!
pip6
Well-Known Member
I bought mine new, & within a year had to send it to the manufacturer as the girth straps were splitting (I used roller buckle girth as they recommended) & the panels on the saddle flaps were wearing through. Yes I do endurance, yes I did the miles, but it was sold as an endurance saddle. I was doing my horses novice year, so the longest ride I did that year was 50km so hardly excessive. TG did agree it was not acceptable for the materials to give out so quickly & fitted new panels & straps, so I am not bemoaning them at all.
I also found it tipped forward. It was only when the fitter came to fit her for a podium, that he pointed out the wastage. He fitted a podium & from the moment I got on in the fitting she was a changed animal. Her shape improved as well, despite doing more work in her intermediate & advanced seasons. I sold it second hand (as there is always a horse somewhere who will suit each type of saddle) & was glad to see the back of it.
I also found it tipped forward. It was only when the fitter came to fit her for a podium, that he pointed out the wastage. He fitted a podium & from the moment I got on in the fitting she was a changed animal. Her shape improved as well, despite doing more work in her intermediate & advanced seasons. I sold it second hand (as there is always a horse somewhere who will suit each type of saddle) & was glad to see the back of it.
SuperH
Well-Known Member
I have one. I bought it in about 1998/1999 for a pony I had at the time. I now use it on one of my Welsh Ds.
I think mine is a 17" but it may be 16.5. It is a medium width. I have to use a girth with rollers otherwise it is very difficult to do up as the straps are still stiff. Otherwise quite pleased with the saddle.
It is reasonably comfortable to ride on, I seem to remember it was more comfortable on the first pony but I think that was just a difference in the way the ponies go rather than the saddle being worn/older. The current pony is quite choppy and bouncy and it gives the feel of a secure seat.
Love all the rings, gives lots of options for attaching saddlebags etc.
I think mine is a 17" but it may be 16.5. It is a medium width. I have to use a girth with rollers otherwise it is very difficult to do up as the straps are still stiff. Otherwise quite pleased with the saddle.
It is reasonably comfortable to ride on, I seem to remember it was more comfortable on the first pony but I think that was just a difference in the way the ponies go rather than the saddle being worn/older. The current pony is quite choppy and bouncy and it gives the feel of a secure seat.
Love all the rings, gives lots of options for attaching saddlebags etc.
birdof1977
Well-Known Member
I have just bought a brand new one( about a month a go). And I love it!!
Fits my arab a treat. Leaves plenty of room for a big shoulder and shorter panels means it fits on a smaller back without having to have a smaller seat.
Really comfy too.
We are training for endurance so we cover on average 50 miles a week of riding. And I get off fit to go again. No aches or pains.
The new models have adjustable gullets too.
My boy likes it too. His topline has improved immensly since using it. He has gained an inch of muscle over the wither area since using it according to my saddle fitter who came out to check the fit last week.
Highly recommend them.
Fits my arab a treat. Leaves plenty of room for a big shoulder and shorter panels means it fits on a smaller back without having to have a smaller seat.
Really comfy too.
We are training for endurance so we cover on average 50 miles a week of riding. And I get off fit to go again. No aches or pains.
The new models have adjustable gullets too.
My boy likes it too. His topline has improved immensly since using it. He has gained an inch of muscle over the wither area since using it according to my saddle fitter who came out to check the fit last week.
Highly recommend them.
Orchardbeck
Well-Known Member
Birdof1977 -thanks for that, I'm so hoping that I've finally found the right model for my Arab x - although not the adjustable model she is consistently measuring xw in summer, w in winter so I can deal with that with a prolite. I'm so excited about trying it - now to have this baby so I can... (It sounds a bit weird buying saddles when I can't ride, but this horse is taking years to fit, and these ones don't come up second hand very often!).