underweight horse needs measuring for saddle

[italylyns]

I recently purchased a 16hh irish draught who is very high withered and underweight. He didnt have any tack and i am currently using a friends saddle with saddle pads underneath. I want to get him a saddle but cannot afford a leather one. Does anyone know a company that will measure him so i can purchase a synthetic saddle (for now) without the pressure of me having to buy a leather one????

 

[Lollii]

Wintec make a measure that tells you what size gullet you will need for their synthetic saddles, I expect you would be able to buy a 2nd hand one on EBay or a new one in a tack shop.

 

[hellybelly6]

He will have high withers because he is under weight, I suspect. Thorowgood do saddles for high withers, but I would wait until he has put weight on before arranging a saddle fitting.

If he is very underweight, I probably would not be riding him either as this will use up his energy reserves.

Most saddleries who offer a saddle fitting service should measure your horse, but I would make it clear on initial enquiry that you are after a synethetic saddle. Bear in mind though, that synthetic saddles may not be the best fit for him. it might be worth investing a few extra pennys and get a well fitting 2nd hand leather saddle if it came to it.

You dont want your horse to have saddle sores as well as a weight problem.

Getting a saddle fitter out is very sensible of you.

 

[italylyns]

He is not that underweight by any means he is still a big horse just needs topline which i am working on with feed and exercise. Thanks for your suggestions

 

[hellybelly6]

Oh thats good to hear. I presumbed he was a rescue case or something.

I hope you find a saddle which fits him soon and he gets the top line you want.

Good luck

 

[italylyns]

Thanks, i found the item you suggested, will give it a go. Thanks