17" saddle on a 14.1 - too big?

[AndalusianSara]

Hi id really like a Griffin Whitaker SJ saddle for my 14.1 arabXnf, i normally ride in a 16" although they dont make them in a 16" only 17". do you think this would be too long on my horses back putting pressure too far back?
http://s41.photobucket.com/albums/e274/AndalusianSara/?action=view&current=sparksback.jpg

[Mehitabel]

impossible to say from just that info - back length varies enormously among ponies. you really need a saddler to tell you, but a guide is that the saddle shouldn't go back past the last rib. if you can find that, and try a 17 inch saddle on and see, then you will have an idea.

[frazz_starlight]

That's not too big, mine's in a 17.5, but does depend on back length as mine is 6 ft.
xx

[AndalusianSara]

Yes good point! Heres a picy if this shot helps atall, if not i will get some more this evening:
http://s41.photobucket.com/albums/e274/AndalusianSara/?action=view&current=sparksback.jpg

[chev]

Pic doesn't really show much to be honest. I have a 17.5" on Dolly and it's fine - she could get away with an 18" happily (she is very long though).

Best bet like Mehitabel says is try one and see.

[Holly B]

I have a 17" on my 14hh Fell, she's quite short backed and chunky but it seems fine. Saddles sit quite forwards on her naturally though because of her shape. It's difficult to tell from a photo but I think it looks OK.

[gypsygold]

I have a 17" saddle on my 14.2hh and it fits fine. I have also tried the Thorowgood saddles old and new style in 17" and they fit him but 17" is the maximum of what he can carry.

Unfortunately the TG saddles are quite deep seated in general and so were not big enough for me:o. My saddler recomended the jumping version as the seat is flatter and would give me that little bit of extra room I needed. I decided not to bother as I didnt want to feel forced into a jumping position.
My son rides him in a 161/2 TG jumping saddle and it looks tiny on him compared to the old 17" falcon hawk event saddle I ride him in.

Cant say whether a 17" saddle will fit your boy or not but he does look longer backed than my boy.

[AndalusianSara]

Thanks guys, im going to order the saddle i will post some picys of my boy with it on to see if the length looks ok. Im looking for a saddle fitter with no luck so if anyone knows of any in the Northamptonshire area can you let me know, cheers:D

[Laura+Phantom]

Phantom is 14hh and short coupled and takes a 17" but couldn't go any bigger, Saphy is 13.3hh and daintier and she takes a 16"..I would think it would be okay length wise but see what the saddle fitter says, when you find one :)

[Julz]

Depends

[Ginger Thing]

I fitted a 17.5" saddle for a 13.2 mare yesterday, but she is long backed - their other pony had to have a 16.5".

My 17hh TB is very short backed, wears 6'3" rugs and can only just accomodate a 17.5" saddle!

All depends on the individual horse/pony.