Western Saddles....Fitting advice

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Rosehip

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As the title says really! Im looking into alternative saddling for my big girlie, as Im struggling to find an english tree'd saddle that will fit her....one saddler said that she is pretty much unfittable (is that a word??) at the moment, as she has fat pads on her shoulders and behind the saddle over her loins that we think are a combination of her rank diet - mars bars anyone?? - before I got her, and poorly fitting saddles (a 15" medium on a pony who needs an extra extra -then add some more x's!!) wide!!)

Anyway, I was wondering is, would a western saddle be an easier fit for her? How does the fitting work?? Im riding bare back at the moment, which isnt really pratical!! lol!!

Thanks in advance!! x
 
dont be told that western saddles fit all.

western saddles have widths called quarter horse bars,semi quarter horse and full quarter horse bars.
these are like our widths.
then there is the length and the `rock`and `bridging` to look out for. and then there is the different styles,pleasure,barrel,roping etc.

it will cost more than English and is just as complicated.

i do not want to put a downer on your plans and beware,there is a lot of rubbish on the market too.
have you looked into treeless saddles?i do not know about these but it may be another option.
good luck.
 
Thanks Cahill, thats just the sort of thing I was looking for! I have always had a very nieve view that you just chuck any western saddle on and it will fit, as I have no experience of them! Im just reaching desperation ponit where Melly is concerned!
Im going to get a babreback pad from Robinsons http://www.robinsons-uk.com/products/Pro...age=2#sku.35111
as the one I have fashioned for a bit of support if she spooks isnt really up to full hacks!
I have thought about treeless and Im really interested in them, but Ive been told and have read that they arent any good for really roly poly neds like mine as they just slide round.... Anyone who has more info on treeless saddles for tubs would be great!!! x
 
Thanks for that Cahil...unfortunately the extra wide prearches on top of her...... the 'wide' horse in the thorowgood comparisons looks like a bag of bones compared to Mel! She is literally a table! Its not all fat I promise!!!! x
 
What about the Wintec Wide with the pink, lilac and purple gullets? I've just had to buy one for my very wide cob and I find it comfortable too.
 
No expert, but others have said, western saddles do need to be fitted - they are not quite as difficult as english, but you do need the right width and length.

As someone else said, you may need to look at treeless - avoid the real cheapies, the best of the cheaper range is the Barefoots. You will probably need their extra wide table top fitting. I have one for my two horses - fits both my gypsy cob and my clydesdale who are very young and still growing.

You may also not like riding in one - people tend to love or hate them. I love mine for hacking and general schooling, but jumping I do prefer my WH saddle which I bought for showing.
 
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