What saddles on your natives!

[Lintel]

Just out of curiosity what saddle size, width, brand do you use on your natives? And are they quite short/long backed and if you don't mind, how big bum/small bummed are you?

I have a 16" cliff barnsy WH saddle and have just bought a jeffries WH also 16" but I'm finding its coming up quite short in the saddle flaps! I have a highland who is quite short backed but not too wide, so currently in a quandary on what to do!

 

[FfionWinnie]

I have an AH custom made jumping saddle. They specialise in natives and it's only a MW or a M I think. I can't remember. Flat tree and takes my stupidly long thighs. It's a 17.5" seat but I don't think it's as long on their backs as other saddles that seat size.

 

[Highlands]

I have

17.5 Native pony on baby highland, 18 inch H&C ideal onto big boy and mum has a Matthew Lawrence 17.5 on pearl! You can always get a bigger seat on a smaller panel

 

[MissJessica]

A Barnby omega, it's had A LOT of work.
Would recommend it for an off the shelf fit.

 

[brucethegypsycob]

Various saddles over the years. Now use a ghost saddle and I wished I'd had one years ago.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Various saddles over the years. Now use a ghost saddle and I wished I'd had one years ago.

Quick question. Do you feel a long way from the horse with the Ghost or do they bed down a bit?

 

[hippocobamus]

Solution smart native

 

[Ella19]

AH saddle in sport pony Gp. Only one that doesn't move! She's an Irish sports pony (read fine cob!) Very flat backed. My saddle is 16.5" she looks long but is deceptive. They do upswept panels for short backs of needed. Worth a call. The only saddle fitter I trust now.

 

[webble]

17" Heather Moffett Vogue - love it

 

[FfionWinnie]

Various saddles over the years. Now use a ghost saddle and I wished I'd had one years ago.

What do you like about it? Would it be a good saddle to use for beach trips and long hacks or not?

 

[Fransurrey]

I now use a Thorn Pad for my very short backed Exmoor. I'm a size 12 and use a 16 in pad, but could easily have gone longer. Think they go up to 18 in!

 

[Inthesticks]

Solution Native Saddle, never looked back - short backs 14.3 cob, I have a big bum

 

[Hillpark]

Fiona Cork Showing saddle. I absolutely love it and having always had Native Pony saddles I'm now a convert!

 

[PollyP99]

Solution dressage and for hacking a trekker, both treeless both great for shape shifting natives!

 

[Juni141]

I use a Harry Dabbs 16.5" jumping saddle (which I love) and Collegiate Convertible dressage saddle (not so much!) on my 14.2hh MW Welsh Sect C/D. Harry Dabbs is amazing, fits both of us beautifully. Collegiate fits her very well (adjustable gullet but never had to change it) but I don't ride well in it. I think it tips my hips back so I struggle to ride long with a secure seat whilst feet are in the stirrups. If I ride without stirrups I sit completely differently so thinking of changing it soon.

I am 5'1 with a little bum for reference!

 

[rara007]

17 inch Ideal Grandee Medium Wide jump and 17.5 inch ideal Ramsay Wide show saddle on my D. He's short backed but 15hh, Im relatively small bummed (size 10)

 

[milliepops]

my section D is long backed at 6'3/14.2hh

she has a 17.5inch MW albion VSD and also fits Millie's MW equipe emporio dressage saddle, which is lucky as I don't get on with Albions much

 

[Greylegs]

I use made to measure Black Country saddles on my chunky highland, both 17.5 ins.

 

[brucethegypsycob]

Quick question. Do you feel a long way from the horse with the Ghost or do they bed down a bit?

Hi faracat. I use a polypad under the saddle for everyday use . Both ponies, one a section d and the other a wide gypsy cob. Not at all perched. Really close contact and able to wrap legs around ponies which is fab. Lovely and stable and no lateral slipping even when I get off. If I do longer rides/fun rides I use a suber pad under the saddle. Again, no problems . I tried the saddle pad that the ghost people advertise for it and didn't like it one bit. That pad did make me feel a bit perched. Incidentally, Louise from equine whispers also suggests using a polypad.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Thanks for answering that. Just a normal polypad, or the extra thick treeless one?

 

[Cheshire Chestnut]

Mine is a 14:2hh Welsh D. He was a stallion until he was 5 so he's massive all over his shoulders, back and neck. Means saddles have been a nightmare. Currently have an old Antil saddle. It's in very good condition and fits him well. Currently saving up for an AH saddle though

 

[brucethegypsycob]

What do you like about it? Would it be a good saddle to use for beach trips and long hacks or not?

Ffionwinnie. It is great for long rides and beach rides. Got a lovely supportive comfortable seat. The arch at the front of the saddle makes for a good hand hold if required but I am still able to get a good forward seat in canter/gallop. I have the seat version that has no flaps rather than the dressage seat ( which you can buy swap over as as when) so less leather to get wet from the sea . There are two stirrup positions depending on how straight you want your leg. Fab saddle for the price.

 

[JFTDWS]

17 inch Ideal Grandee Medium Wide jump and 17.5 inch ideal Ramsay Wide show saddle on my D. He's short backed but 15hh, Im relatively small bummed (size 10)

What's the tree like on the jump saddle? I'm looking for something very, very flat...

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I've got a "Tree-Free" Exmoor saddle from Viking Saddlery (based in Buckfastleigh, Devon, so nice and local) on my Welsh D mare. Her previous owner rode her in Barefoots so she's used to treeless saddles and goes well in them.

I'm upgrading to their new GP (treeless) saddle; had one on trial recently and just LOVED it; so am looking forward to that!!

Just a word to the wise: if buying any "native pony" saddles just be aware that as well as Andrea Hicks' company (which Steph Bloom - "sbloom" on here) fits for, and who are a thoroughly reputable company who make lovely saddles and look after their customers well; there is another company in existence which also sell "native pony" saddles. I have had a bad experience with that "other company"....... as have others on here. Do a search on here and on other forums, do your research, choose wisely...............

 

[Rhodders]

My 15 1 short backed d has a wow 17"

 

[dizzyneddy]

My NF pony has a wide 17' Jefferies stamford working hunter saddle l've had it for years & still a fab saddle

 

[brucethegypsycob]

Thanks for answering that. Just a normal polypad, or the extra thick treeless one?

Faracat - at the moment I just use a shaped normal one that has a back seam.

 

[Bobbly]

I have a Native Pony 'Glen'wh saddle for my connie which is great, better known now as A H Saddles.

 

[Stroppy Mare]

Barnsby omega gp on my conny x TB

Solution smart native gp on my cob x Anglo Arab, it really has been the perfect solution, we love it. She's jumped up to about 1m or so in the saddle and done dressage.