Where can I get an “affordable” (new) saddle to suit me and awkward horse?

[fredflop]

So I have a Warmblood with a powerhouse of a trot. Fairly flat backed and has enormous shoulders. Needs hoop tree.

current saddle is ok, I’d say about 95% right for my horse. However for me when we are trotting it’s not great for me. (Think stirrup bars/flap positions aren’t quite right for me.)

I’m thinking ideally we could do with a “new” saddle that can be made to suit both of us… but I really don’t know where to start looking.

it took me five months to find my current saddle, so I’d be shocked if any saddler has exactly what I need. I also just don’t have £1.5k to spend on a new saddle either

 

[Sossigpoker]

Bliss of London could make you one to suit , they have a selection of trees to choose from. But they're not cheap so worth joining the Facebook group for the 2nd Hand Bliss saddles

 

[saddlesore]

Chunky monkey? You could see if there are any second hand for sale

 

[Regandal]

If you know roughly what you’re looking for, then trawl fb and eBay. Some bargain price ones do pop up.

 

[sbloom]

There are only so many options. If you can get advice as to what would fit, from a generalist saddle fitter, or a specialist even better as they'll have the knowledge of the hoop tree models that you need, then you might be able to buy second hand yourself. However, if you're difficult to fit it's unlikely the fitter will be able to advise on that without seeing you ride in the saddle. Ignore any marketing that says a particular brand or model has "set back bars" or ergonomic knee blocks or any other such rubbish, every rider needs a multitude of different things, some can compromise but most riders, especially if in the wrong saddle that also has a deep seat and big blocks, will be locked into tension just to try and sit in a basic alignment.

You could try plaiting bands on your stirrup bars, even 5mm back from the front of the bar can make a difference, but I usually use leather loops that are 3/8" wide, and put your stirrups on behind them, and see if that helps.

Once you start to really train in how to fit the rider it's astonishing how many are compromising - that compromise is likely to be easier in a more open seat and with smaller blocks, so that may be one route to go, depending on how the flatter seat/tree might fit your horse.

 

[thefarsideofthefield]

Have. pm'd you .

 

[soloequestrian]

I have a Heather Moffett Flexee on my flat-backed warmblood. The saddles have leather trees and so can take any width of gullet plate (or be used without). They are synthetic saddles so not particularly expensive even new but they look smart and put you in a nice position. I really struggled to find something wide enough and flat enough for the horse so very pleased with the Flexee.