|
|
Discussion on Best Fitting Saddle for this TB?
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Terrilyn
|
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2006 - 10:23 am:
Hello All--
I'm looking for the best saddle to fit this guy. He just turned three so has more growing to do. I have an older Crates trail saddle that presses directly on his withers, and causes obvious discomfort. I'm not wedded to a western saddle, but want to be comfortable and feel secure on trails. This horse has a prominent spine, as well as a pronounced "hunters bump." Pretty much a typical TB. Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated. I've read so much that it's all swimming together and I can't seem to sift through it all...
 
|
Member:
Hwood
|
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2006 - 11:17 am:
https://www.kates.net/cart/customer/home.php
Lots of affordable saddles here, Terri, and they will send you info on measuring and drawing a template for correct fit. I have never ordered from them, but know that we had one very difficult, high-withered TB to fit once, and we tried over 20 different saddles on him. A Sharon Saare endurance fit him well . . . my Wintec dressage was a close second, but the owner ended up with a synthetic Aussie (with a saddle horn; comes with or without) and it fits him perfectly . . . no pressure points, even pressure on his back, and quite comfortable for the rider. It's not a super high-quality saddle . . . but it fit this hard-to-fit TB who had been plagued with lameness. Worth a try.
|
Member:
Stevens
|
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2006 - 11:54 am:
You may want to consider a saddle with an adjustable tree. I know that's a big feature on Wintecs, but there are others out there like the Laser saddle.
https://www.laserequestrian.com/index.htm
At least then you have a chance of being able to use the same saddle as he grows.
I spent about 6 months trying to get a custom saddler that was highly recommended to build a saddle to fit my horse to no avail. My challenge wasn't tree width so much as finding something that worked on a horse that is really built uphill. I was finally able to find an "off the shelf" that fit him, but it took awhile.
Good Luck.
|
Member:
Tuckern
|
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2006 - 2:35 pm:
My horse's back just like this. She is rather hard to fit a saddle to because she has high withers a pronounced back, and a wide barrel.
The saddle that I found that fits us both is an Abetta Trail saddle. I use one of the Reinsman saddle pads, with a wither pad between the saddle and saddle pad. The wither pad keeps the cantle up off the withers.
Nicole
|
Member:
36541
|
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2006 - 2:37 pm:
Hi Terri, I remember this horse from when you got him - how does he look today? We had discussed whether he might grow a little, or muscle up a little or both. I'll feel pretty stupid if these ARE new pics, but would sure love to see some if they aren't. Stacy
|
Member:
Terrilyn
|
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2006 - 2:55 pm:
Thanks for the responses so far...Holly, I remember you telling me about the Kate's source. I really do hate to buy a cheaply-built saddle. I have found from past experience they are usually not very comfortable...but I'll get in touch with them to see what they have...and will check the aussie saddle.
This horse does not have wide barrel...though at the moment I'm still working to put more weight on him. He's gaining, but slowly. Stacy, he looks relatively the same...I followed the recommendation someone gave in the first post about him and have just let him enjoy turnout without asking anything of him. He is currently with my trainer and in his first week of "real" under saddle training (unlearning his past life at the track and realizing that human legs are supposed to drape around his barrel to communicate things to him). His physique has changed very, very little. Since we are now ready to start putting him into a regular riding regimen, I need to find a saddle quickly. My trainer is using one (custom) that has a very high gullet and that she thinks fits him pretty well. Great! But it belongs to her.
I'll check into the Abetta...and Laser (those look kind of pricey!!).
What about a saddle for a gaited horse? Would that work?
|
Member:
Sjeys
|
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2006 - 3:21 pm:
Wow; your horses shoulders and spine could be mine exactly; I too am looking for a saddle to fit my horse; though mine needs to be hunter/jumper. Thanks everyone for the great links. I've been riding in a really old saddle because I dread trying out and returning saddles. Everything squashes his shoulders and you can see it immediately. I'm about to put a Pessoa up for sale that just doesn't fit. 
I feel for you...I too have heard of several folks who got custom saddles that didn't fit...yikes. Let us know if you find anything. it will give me hope.
|
Member:
Stevens
|
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2006 - 4:36 pm:
Terri,
A friend of mine had a Crates cutting saddle that had a very high pommel. Maybe one those will work for your boy.
|
|
|
