What type of saddle for his back?

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chebeau

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He is a 19 year old Morgan gelding. He measures between a medium wide to wide according to the fitter as well as using the Thorowgood guide for measuring.

He has been a saddle fitting nightmare. If he is unhappy with a saddle, he drops his back and belly and is resistant and hollow. Also, he will not offer the canter. He is happiest in his Abetta Endurance Arabian tree. We found completely new movement when we started using this saddle. While the saddle is fine for trails or schooling, it does not work for little local shows. I am open to all-purpose or dressage.

I need something with some curve, but not dramatically banana shaped as he did not care for the County Drespri Wide tree or the Passier Baum Dressage MW tree (probably too narrow). Also, I have to watch for his shoulders being impeded. We've done the Heather Moffett Vogue which I thought was our answer, but after the random Abetta endurance saddle purpose I realized he was only tolerating the saddle. Any ideas are appreciated. My budget in US dollars is now more than 1300. I have been wondering about Thorowgoods as a possible option.

Thoughts and ideas are appreciated.

Happy riding,
Jessie & the Stinky Pony aka Bosco
 
Saddle fitting is a nightmare!

Just looking at your wither tracing, however, it seems as though your boy is a bit more muscled on one side than the other. If this has been caused by his current saddle , it might explain why he is uncomfortable in most other saddles.
He would have tolerated the HM saddle because of its flexible tree.

If the tracing is accurate I would be getting a good physio or chiropractor to check your horse out. I would also have a good look at your saddle from the front to ensure that it is even.

Hope this helps!
 
Looks more to me that the tracing hasn't quite been scanned straight than there is anything wrong with the horse.
Can't really help with the saddle though.
 
He's had a chiro, vet, and massage. Vet said he's fine. She felt he was just happier with a saddle that distributed weight better- the Abetta Endurance. We actually boarded with her for a few years so she witnessed the differences in saddles. Bless her as I asked a myriad of questions and had her check him. The chiro felt his longer neck and shorter body made him more particular about fit. He did advice me to not use treeless- HM Vogue. The massage therapist was not a beneficial route to understanding more about him. The saddle fitter was not nearly as helpful as reading the saddle fit book. Also, the saddle fitter is a few hours away and does not come to our area that often. I've been taking short videos on my phone to see how his movement changes in different saddles. My trainer and I look at them to discuss what we see. Educational experience to say the least....tired of the expense of buying trying, selling or returning saddle. What is hard when a saddle technically fits, but he does not like it. Just want an AP or dressage saddle that works.

Thanks and happy riding!
Jessie and the Stinky Pony aka Bosco
 
We used a HM Vogue GP for almost two years. Thought it was the answer until I randomly bought an Abetta endurance Arab tree. He really starting using himself well in this saddle...moving like a different horse. Very forward and light. Quite a surprise. Selling the HM Vogue was a sad day.

Happy riding!
 
I can heartily recommend Kitt Hazelton at Panther Run Saddlery in VT, she has great skill at fitting remotely and may be able to source you something used or direct you to a good fitter with the right brands new - her brands are probably out of your price range. She used to be with Trumbull Mountain and is the author of the saddlefitter blog on blogspot.
 
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