Thorowgood T4 Pony Club - tell me about them

[st_marks]

I have a very flat-backed 12.2 with no wither. I had a feeling my saddle (31cm newer Stubben) was pinching and the saddle fitter came out and confirmed it's too narrow. She was pretty stumped and actually wouldn't take my money because she had no suggestions on brands to look for, just that he'd probably need a wide tree or XW.

I know Thorowgood are popular in the UK for ponies and I have a good lead on a secondhand T4 Pony Club. They're not super common in the US - am I crazy to spend 400ish GBP on a saddle I've never seen or touched? This pony will be for sale in the spring and then I'll get another, so something under $1k and adjustable to fit the chunky little ones is very appealing.

Is this a good bet for a table-shaped pony with no withers? Do the seats fit true to size? I'm a pretty consistent 16.5 and that's not too long for the pony. Is the brown suede as um... unappealing in person as it is in photos?

 

[JackFrost]

I have a used 16.5 brown suede Thorowgood pony club that I will be selling, probably £200-250 (plus postage).
It is an ok basic saddle that seems to work well on a lot of british ponies, and it is the go-to saddle recommended by my saddler for something budget that does the job. The gullet is changeable. I'd say the seats are true to size, and it is def a pony saddle. I actually think the brown suede looks quite nice,but that's just my opinion.A small adult/teenager will fit in fine.
On some ponies I've found it fab to ride in, lovely balance, but I find it feels different on different ponies.
If you want to check dimensions etc, feel free to pm me, I have it here so can easily go and do some measurements if that helps.

 

[rowan666]

I liked the one I had but it didn't fit my pony once she'd finished chunking out (15.5" in an xxw tabletop back, nightmare to fit!) so she's now in a Kent and masters jump which is perfect for her, we did try the pony club Kent and masters but it didn't suit me as an adult

 

[rara007]

I have a long leg one on my 13hh Welsh C. It’s uncomfortable but it fits us as best a compromise as we’ll manage in a ‘non close contact’ saddle. I find the seat too shallow.

 

[vmac66]

I had the Kent and masters version. 16 5 long leg pony club. Fitted my 14 2 nicely and I got on ok with it.

 

[southerncomfort]

I ride my young Fell pony in one. We changed to a leather working hunter saddle for a while but neither of us were happy. We've gone back to the PC saddle and he's much happier and I'm also more comfortable.

He's still growing and I anticipate getting another saddle fitted either this year or next when he finally finishes chunking out but the PC will do us fine until then.