What saddles does everyone have?

Potato!

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Hi will be looking for a new saddle for my new boy soon.

Just wondering what make and type of saddles are like.

I have to save up some pennies for buying a saddle so just looking at opinions at the moment.

Also does anybody know of a descent saddle fitters in the Devon area
 
i currently dont have one :( but i used to have a lovely black country dressage saddle and i have also had a gp and a jump and i can honestly say they are so comfy :) especially the dressage. i am currently on the look out for an albion k2 jump or a albion korrector and they are very nice saddles too very comfy and the horses work well in them :)
 
I have a Stubben GP saddle for my boy, it came with him and have since had it checked by master saddler for its fit, and it still fits him really well.
Its a bit heavy though and not the most comfortable of saddles.
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I have a GFS pro event nice and comfy does the job (: Would recommend Launceston saddlery, very friendly, professional and always do a good job. They also have lots of saddles you can try we had two on trial for a month of so brand new saddles hehe I was chuffed!!
 
My daughter has a Kent & Masters jump saddle for one of hers and a Thorowgood T4 for the other, prefers the K&M but the T4 had served them well
 
I have a Symonds made to measure VSD saddle with GP saddle flaps. It is super comfy and has velcro dressage & jumping knee rolls so I can alternate between the two and most importantly fits my boy well and he's happy in it :)

I would highly recommend Nutwell Saddlery. You can either travel to their facilities in Exmouth or they can drive out to you.

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I have a Symonds made to measure VSD saddle with GP saddle flaps. It is super comfy and has velcro dressage & jumping knee rolls so I can alternate between the two and most importantly fits my boy well and he's happy in it :)

I would highly recommend Nutwell Saddlery. You can either travel to their facilities in Exmouth or they can drive out to you.

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tbh honest id say that was not a great fit, it does not sit level, which meens when your in it, your weight will be on the back of the saddle. which will over time cause a huge amount of damage to your horses back.

i am not a saddle fitter, but have seen enough, read enough and experianced enough to have my own thoughts.
 
I have a Stubben GP saddle for my boy, it came with him and have since had it checked by master saddler for its fit, and it still fits him really well.
Its a bit heavy though and not the most comfortable of saddles.
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sorry but this too... it re iterates my point of where your weight will end up in the saddle. a rider should be central, and engulfed in the saddle, not sat on the back of it.

sorry a.. will hop off now. i got asked over the weekend which saddle fitter i used.. my reply was myself.. yep i sounded like a right know it all. but to be fair my horses as you know see vets/chiros just for checks and ive never had a issue yet.
 
A Collegiate jumping saddle, modelled off the Albion K2. It was end-of-line, so a lot cheaper (£500ish? from £950) and looks very smart, supports Al nicely and fits Reg well.
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They also had a Cliff Barnsby dressage saddle, which will be exchanged for something which fits when the time comes that a dressage saddle becomes more essential. Right now, dressage in a jumping saddle won't hurt any one!
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(this is before it stopped fitting- as he's got stronger behind, the saddle pushes down on his shoulder more. It's also not an amazing fit for Al either!)
 
Passier Military II, Passier All-Purpose, Stubben Lorelei, Pariani I don't even recall what model it is.

I'm a male, there aren't that many saddles that really fit us well.
 
BALANCE! Everyone should try them - a slightly different approach to fitting that allows healthy backs to stay healthy and damaged backs to become healthy. If you look on their website you will be able to find someone who can come and show you the saddles, and there may be an event in your area that you can attend before spending any money. They are not cheap new but you can always start with a second hand one.
 
I have a Balance Saddle that was fitted by Lavinia Mitchell who has now started her own business. I personally wouldnt use anything or anyone else. Fantastic service from her and the only saddle fitter that has fitted a saddle that does not exacerbate existing problems but instead has helped immensely in all areas
 
Daughter has a Bates Caprilli.

She always wanted one, I always refused!! Then when the saddle fitter came out to the then new pony, low & behold which one fit?!!! (I'm sure they were in a conspiricy together lol!!)

Got a bargain though as she sold me the one she used to size on her clients so it was half price but still looked brand spanking new :D
 
Ideals all the way, currently have an Impala Jump and a Rowela DR - have had the Tonishia and VSD event. Love em and very comfy. Tried an Albion at the same time as the Rowela and not a lot of difference TBH - except the price!
 
I have a Thoughgood gp
And a Heather moffett Fhoenix (treeless) saddle both of which are comfy and fit nicely
 
Have wintec gp second hand for pony,but checked by saddle fitter and all good. Love fact we can change gullets as her shape changes.
Spare albion which fits all ok in emergency or when their own away for flocking etc.
A lovely saddle company one for old boy who's changed shape and has high wither in old age. It is leather on exterior surfaces,synthetic underneath and can be fully adjusted by saddle fitter when his shape changes.
Also,another Albion and an Olney which don't fit anything at the mo!
 
Daughter has a Bates Caprilli.

She always wanted one, I always refused!! Then when the saddle fitter came out to the then new pony, low & behold which one fit?!!! (I'm sure they were in a conspiricy together lol!!)

Got a bargain though as she sold me the one she used to size on her clients so it was half price but still looked brand spanking new :D

I have a wintec 2000 which I have had for years, it has cair panels but they are not rock hard and really do the job well, I have always coveted a Bates though and have just bought a Bates Elevation Saddle, :D fits like an absolute dream and is soooo comfy, am hoping that they will fit my boy too when the time comes for riding him.
 
Frank Baines Passad jumping saddle

excuse fatty boom boom horse and naff photo

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modelled from another angle by Nits

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I used to ride my old girl in a Wintec Isabella Werth dressage saddle, daughter's pony is ridden in a Thorogood pony club saddle and I am eagerly awaiting delivery of a TreeFree Exmoor saddle. We are looking for saddles too for our Highland pony who is about to go off to be backed. Its a bit of a nightmare but sbloom on here gave us some very good advice.
 
I have a Thoroughgood T4 on my recently backed not so youngster and an ASC Showring on my old fellah. Both lovely comfy saddles, one cheap one bl**dy expensive made to measure!

I also have an Ideal VSD Event and a Kings Dressage - again both lovely saddles but dont fit my gees so are both for sale ;)

On my Wanted List is an Ideal Jessica :)

F
 
Oakfield WH saddle. Fitted by saddler after trying quite a few it was the best one for him and me... It's fairly comfy but I'd love to get an Albion instead.
 
A barefoot cheyenne which I am selling, I love this saddle but for some reason I dont get on with it on my hackney x.

A cheap ebay bargin Barnsby which I love love love and fits like a glove.

I also have a lovatt and ricketts but I have never liked it lol
 
I have a Balance Saddle that was fitted by Lavinia Mitchell who has now started her own business. I personally wouldnt use anything or anyone else. Fantastic service from her and the only saddle fitter that has fitted a saddle that does not exacerbate existing problems but instead has helped immensely in all areas

Absolutely! She was a Balance Saddle fitter originally and as well as fitting saddles she also has her own line of lovely comfy saddles. She travels all round the country to fit, so I'm sure she'd come down to you.
 
I have a kings working hunter saddle. Love it love it love it! Super soft hide on the seat and close contact for my roly poly pony. Cost 500 new as an end of line should have been 700
 
I have an Ideal WH for my boy, was made to fit the 2 of us with shorter panels than usual as he's 14.1 and takes a 16 inch saddle but the shorter panels that are usually on the 16inch were to short for me. My saddle fitter was a star and did loads of looking into saddles for me.
I also have a Wintec dressage which i really like and was a bargain from equestrian clearance
 
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