Thorowgood T8 or T4?

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Ellietotz

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So I've come to the terms I will have to spend more money than I would have liked on a new saddle but what one now?
I can't decide. Do I save money and go for the T4 or get the T8? I mean... the T8 looks really really nice, but the T4 will be easier to keep clean won't it? Oh I don't know. Someone help me!
 
Casey76 said:
Erk, neither... back killers for me! sorry!
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Agree with Casey, I had a T4 years ago and quickly sold it on (only positive is they seem to hold their value quite well). Was really uncomfy due to a fairly wide twist and despite being fitted correctly my horse still wasn't particularly happy in it either.
 
I've not tried or seen a T8 but had a T4 and I actually loved it. My horse seemed very happy with it and he was uber sensitive!
I upgraded to a T6 and absolutely hated the damn thing.
Conclusion to your question is make sure you ride in both as although they really should feel the same they may not!
 
I loved my T8 and sold it quickly when I sold the horse. I found it comfortable and it looks much nicer than the T4
 
It seems the tree shape fits some horses and not others! I had a T4 for years and R was always perfectly happy in it (and most definitely would have let me know if she wasn't) but sold it to upgrade to a second hand Albion as much prefer the look and feel of a leather saddle. Friend has a T8 dressage which fits her horse nicely and looks really smart, I was thinking of buying one as R's dressage saddle but she was PTS before I had saved the money up. Would definitely see if you can try it on your horse and ride in it before you buy it, I'd see if your saddler carries them and would come out and see if one would suit you and your horse before you commit.
 
FestiveFuzz said:
Agree with Casey, I had a T4 years ago and quickly sold it on (only positive is they seem to hold their value quite well). Was really uncomfy due to a fairly wide twist and despite being fitted correctly my horse still wasn't particularly happy in it either.
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Same. My T4 could only have been less comfortable if it had been covered in spikes. Was very tempted to burn it, but it held its value well so it went on eBay instead. If you haven't already, see if you can ride in one for a bit: they really do divide opinion.
 
I like them both (and have both!) the upside of the T4 is the price and the only downside really is that you get really soggy backside and legs when it rains and it can take a while for the suede to dry out!
 
I'm not a synthetic saddle fan but currently have T6 on my monsterous beast and actually I'm impressed with how comfortable it is so will be keeping it a while until she settles on a size and is ready for a leather saddle.

Shame they don't make them any more as I prefer the look of them to the fake suede of the T4 and much cheaper than the T8, they still come up on eBay though!
 
I love the t4, the suede grip comes in very handy indeed and for local level showing is smart enough in the brown to pass for a more expensive saddle
 
I had the new compact T 4 , sorry to say I hated it. Yes it was cheap and did a job but it was uncomfortable. However when i had an issue Thorowgood where excellent. Also i would not hesitate to have another to fulfill a short term goal on route to a better saddle because they have a place and do a good job.......but I don't miss mine :)
 
I have a pony club (basically T4 in pony size) and a T6 and I prefer the pony club as it's grippier :D If the grippiness wasn't needed I'd prefer the T6 or T8 for looKS and certainly if I was planning to compete seriously in either :)
 
Haven't ridden in the T4, but very briefly had a T8 dressage for my boy who has a biggish shoulder: never again. Despite being fitted by a well-respected saddle fitter, it caused him all manner of problems. The thinking in the long term was that the longer-than-usual gullet bars hadn't worked with his front end conformation.

New saddle and a few physio sessions, and my horse was an angel again!
 
I've put a bid on a gorgeous brown T6 in excellent condition on eBay. Got 4 days or something to wait to see if I win it. Only thing is is it's missing a nail head on the pommel but I'm hoping to get a replacement! If I don't get it, I have a T4 on stand by for £300!
 
I love my T8, I have the high wither for my older boy and it's so comfortable, we upgraded from his trusty griffin gp at xmas and we both love it.

But! I have a T6 high wither GP 3D (fish inserts & changeable panels) for my big lad and it's even comfier than the T8. In fact, I used to have an Ideal Jessica & it's comfier than that was too!

I've never managed to find another, but the T8 is *almost* as nice.
 
Hiya I've got a t6 and a t4 pony club and I have so much love for my t6 I bought it brand new about 8 years ago when they first came out and it's had so much use and still looks new and is so comfy. I've also got a t4 for my 6 year old daughter to ride in and it's comfy and fits well I just don't think it looks quite as nice as the t6 and the t8
 
HorseMad91 said:
Hiya I've got a t6 and a t4 pony club and I have so much love for my t6 I bought it brand new about 8 years ago when they first came out and it's had so much use and still looks new and is so comfy. I've also got a t4 for my 6 year old daughter to ride in and it's comfy and fits well I just don't think it looks quite as nice as the t6 and the t8
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Are the gullet bars the same for all models? As in, are all cob models with changeable gullets all the S bar, even the older ones and all others are the R bar? Just need to know what one I need for the t6 cob if I win it!
 
Ellietotz said:
Are the gullet bars the same for all models? As in, are all cob models with changeable gullets all the S bar, even the older ones and all others are the R bar? Just need to know what one I need for the t6 cob if I win it!
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Is it definitely a cob? The only ones I've seen on there are standards. I'm not stalking you either, I promise! but I spent ages today looking for one for a friend :lol:
 
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