What size saddle...

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htobago

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...should I buy? I haven't ridden for ages and have forgotten everything I ever knew about saddles (which wasn't much in the first place)!

I am 5ft5 with quite long legs, but very scrawny (6 stone) so virtually no bum!

But the horse will also be ridden by other people, so I can't just get something that's right for me. Other riders will not be huge people, but obviously will be bigger than me.

The horse is 15.1/15.2, rising 4, stallion - pure Arab so has a short back, which may be another consideration.

Any advice on saddle size would be much appreciated!
 
I'd say 17" given that others will be riding, if it were just you I'd say 16.5". obviously the width fitting will need to be determined by a saddler.
 
First concideration is the horse. The saddle should not sit beyond the last rib... have a feel! With a small or short backed horse this limits teh size of saddle that can be used on it. If in doubt get a saddle fitter to come out.
 
I would have thought 16.5" or 17"
smile.gif
can't wait to see piccies of you riding him!
 
Thanks everyone! I was thinking 16.5" would probably be too small for the other riders - and I was worried that even 17" might be a bit small for them, but if you think it will be OK, then I'll get a 17".

I agree that the horse's comfort comes first - hence my concern about his short Araby back. I'm hoping to get Kay Humphries to come and fit the saddle - she's supposed to be the best and is fortunately very near to us. I've mislaid her contact details, though - does anyone have her number?

Re the back issue - here is a photo of the horse; I think a 17" should be OK, don't you?

tobagomalvern0122cr2.jpg


Many thanks again for your help!
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Ooh I'm going to be slightly controversial and say that I'd actually go for a 17.5" because this is likely the most usable size of saddle. I have a little Arab at my place and she sounds identical to your boy; same height, quite muscley and same age. She is ridden in a 17.5 and this makes it more suitable for a number of riders to ride her in. I know that if I were riding her regularly or for any length of time (and I'm no blob) I wouldn't feel comfortable in a saddle smaller than this size.

Saddles are pretty cleverly made these days and it is very possible to have a seat of a decent size still fit a smaller horse perfectly.
 
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