wither clearance at pommel arch

[collie]

Not being a saddle expert has anyone got any advice on what the clearance should be at the withers. I have a cob with no withers and a back like a table, got a used wintec changeable gullet cob saddle. One of the gullet irons has about one finger or less clearance and the next one up has just slightly over 3 fingers clearance. The damned horse seems to be somewhere in the middle. I am going with the just over 3 fingers clearance any ideas advice welcome.

 

[dwi]

I always thought three fingers but I'm no expert

 

[Paint it Lucky]

Should be 3 fingers, with a rider onboard! Most saddles shrink atleast a finger in clearance once someone gets on so bear this in mind when choosing. As his withers are very flat though you can probably get away with the three and a bit fingers one, the next size up would probably feel like you were hovering far above his back!

 

[asbo]

i have always been told that it needs to be clear the whole way through & if it fits well & only has 1 or 2 figures clearance it is better than it not fitting well & having 3?