What would you do?

[KTSmini]

OK ... a long one.

All the saddles I've had have been 'fitted' by a qualified saddle fitter. The last two I've had were a 16 " Albion pony selecta and a 17.5" custom made saddle. Since those saddles were fitted when I was in a differet area, I asked around for recommendations when I wanted to get his saddle checked this time around- I suspected it was pinching because of his behaviour.

I had one saddle fitter come out take measurements and basically tell me I'd be lucky to find one to fit. Oh, and did i know the made to measure 17.5 inch saddle was way too big for his back & little me. Anyway, they said they'd let me know if they had any ideas- they haven't come up with anything so far.

So, I borrowed a torsion saddle from a lady out our yard- who was 'in between' ponies- which, at first, was OK (despite a unscheduled dismout- my fault!) - but after a few uses I noticed the saddle pad rubbed a little at the back where it moved around too much.

I've tried a Barefoot Cherokee (not the cheyenne) and that also didn't work for us- too long, even the size 1. I knew it wasn't right for us after the first ride. I conclude that maybe treeless isn't for us.

So... back to traditional saddles. Tried another recommended saddle fitter. Got messed around- not phoning me back, and after waiting for him to turn up for an hour and a half yesterday- I'm not going to bother again.

In summary, I'm not sure treeless works for us, and the high withered- big shoulders- small pony (and short legged rider!) makes it difficult in the treed saddle section too!

I've done SO much research, on both threed and treeless- and I really want to do the right thing for my pony- but I'm now not sure what that is.

Anyway, I'd like to know what you guys would do in my situation.

[Bronya]

Have been in a similar situation - 13.2hh pony, adult rider. Tried Torsion/Barefoot (all too long and rolled), tried barefoot size 0 - too small for her (pommel didn't sit right and was on her withers not on either side of them). Tried a freeform - too long again, tried a fhoenix - lovely at first, then the pressure distribution went wonky as she grew and she's now had 10 months off and is left with two white patches where the stirrup bars were as a result - lovely (NOT!). Oh, not to mention the cashel saddle (lovely, comfy, useless if she bucked so not for us).

Treed saddles we tried only seemed to fit if they were made for cobs but then didn't come small enough. Finally, she's stopped growing and does actually have withers of a sort.

My horse has just got a Saddle Company saddle by Poohsmate on here, and loves it (and boy does she tell you if it doesn't fit right!!), so the pony's booked in to be fitted for one in a month. I've gone for one of those because the fitter comes recommended by loads of people on here (and has done a good job for us too on my horse), and the saddle can be adjusted as she changes shape/weight. Any saddle fitter you use needs to come seriously recommended, as there are tons of incompetent/greedy ones out there, regardless of the make of saddle. You've obviously met a few, and I've met loads!!!

[KTSmini]

At least I'm not alone!

Another friend of mine also recommended the saddle company- so the last fitter I tried to have out- was one of their sellers. I don't think there is one out there for miles and miles after that! Maybe I'll head back to the website again.

Thanks for the advice Bronya :)

[Bronya]

PM Poohsmate - I'm sure he does do people in your area - seems to sort of do a day per part of the country from what I can work out!