new saddle.....what would you choose?, help?

[laceyfreckle]

ok, so Lacey still has a sore back at the moment (caused by overjumping i think:rolleyes:) Before she had a bad back her saddle was a 'ok' fit but not terrific. There is a bit of a gap at the cantle where it should touch her back, not a lot but some movement. Also the pommel is quite high for her (can get 4-5 fingers in it. As she's older she does have a little of a sway back but not a really bad one.

She's a welsh sec B (trad built) and i think her saddle at the moment is a med-wide. Her current saddle is a leather gp lovatt & Rickett 16 inch saddle i bought with her. It was checked and had some flocking taken out about 5 months ago but tbh i''m still not happy about it. It also sometimes rides forwards a bit.

As lacey is nearly 21 now i also thought she might benefit from a synthetic saddle which would be lighter for her then her leather one as well.

As she is out of work i thought i could use the time to save up for another saddle for her as i don't know how long she is going to be out of work for (vet coming to give a idea at the end of the month when he does her vaccs.)

Idealy i don't want to spend a fortune, especially as she is getting older now. I would also have a saddler fit it but wondered if you all had a idea about what type of saddle would/could suit and what sort of price range they are.

Are maxam any good?

Also what sort of amount would i be likely to get back on the lovatt & rickett? if i sold it?
here's a pic of her to get a idea of shape

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t40/laceyfreckle/EBAY126.jpg
current saddle (a bit far forward)
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t40/laceyfreckle/EBAY054.jpg

excuse the child

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t40/laceyfreckle/EBAY057.jpg

[y03mylers]

I bought a maxam one for my mare when i had her. I found it was good but not as easy to fit as a leather one and i didn't think it was as comfy as a good old worn in saddle, but then again only had her with it for about 6months before i sold her. But in comparison to some saddles it was quite comfy. Sorry that's probably not helped but overall it was a nice comfy-ish saddle but found that they could be qite high sitting x

[BlueWicked]

i was warned away from maxams - pretty cheap. T4/T6 are meant to be better. Avoid wintecs ;)

[Fizz]

what about a saddle company saddle?

they are light, part synthetic & 2nd hand are fairly cheap:)

might be worth you pming poohsmate & find out what he thinks:)

[zippytys]

I had a Maxam for my exmoor x gelding before he was retired so it was a few years ago but it was comfortable for me and him, lightweight and generally a good saddle. Mind you I think they've changed a bit since then?!
Not much help, sorry.

[NicP]

Please have a proper fitter out. Sorry but to say you don't want to spend much as she is older sounds harsh to me - surely she deserves comfort more than ever? If you have the money to buy two new ponies, surely Lacey deserves some of it for comfort? Particularly after her experiences when out on loan.

Echo Fizz re Saddle Company - I have an all leather but the part synthetic ones are lovely and even lighter. And they can be changed if she changes shape. Poohsmate can advise and you can pick them up on eBay and have them changed.

[Palomino Mare]

i'll have to jump on the saddle co band wagon too!!

i think you could get £300 for yours? and i'm sure you could get a second hand 1/2 leather 1/2 synthetic scs for that. another plus point is when she is retired you could use the saddle on another as, as said above it is adjustable

[showjumper-zoe]

I love black countries or jefferies. I would avoid john whitaker or jaguar as my saddle fitter told me to avoid those!

[connieD]

all i can say is i had a wintec which i hated and it moved terribly so i would not recommend those from my experience. i have ridden in a friends maxam and i personally did not like it as it did not feel very supportive, the fit on the horse was not too bad but that was on a large cob

not much help, sorry

[laceyfreckle]

Please have a proper fitter out. Sorry but to say you don't want to spend much as she is older sounds harsh to me - surely she deserves comfort more than ever? If you have the money to buy two new ponies, surely Lacey deserves some of it for comfort? Particularly after her experiences when out on loan.

Echo Fizz re Saddle Company - I have an all leather but the part synthetic ones are lovely and even lighter. And they can be changed if she changes shape. Poohsmate can advise and you can pick them up on eBay and have them changed.

As i said in my FIRST post....any new saddle would be fitted by a qualified saddle fitter, this post was just to give me a idea as to what make and model MAY suit her as i know some saddles are made to only fit certain types eg wintec's.

When i say i don't want to spend much what i mean is that i don't have 400- 600 quid floating about for a new saddle and even if i did i wouldn't want to spend that on a saddle for lacey as as she is older her back will probably change shape more. also as she gets older her workload will be decreased as neccesary. The whole reason i want a new saddle is for lacey's comfort......as said in my first post i think a synthetic (or part synthetic) will be lighter for her to carry.

Incidentally for your information the two new ponies cost me probably what one leg of most peoples ponies on here cost them.:rolleyes: They were meat ponies bought for meat prices. (not that that has anything to do with lacey's saddle! or would you have preferred it if i had left her without company permanently?:rolleyes:) They are ponies that need a lot of work but i don't mind that....i prefer to make a pony anyway.

the only thing that puts me off the saddle company saddles is i can't find out what their RRP is??:confused: i am under the impression they are VERY expensive. I have spoken to poohsmate and would like him to come out to fit when Laceys back is better but want to really get a idea on price and types of saddles available so i know how much i need to save first. (lacey is not being worked at the moment) i know poohsmate only sells saddle company saddles?? so if they are out of my price range then it would be silly to arrange a fitting etc with him.

hope that makes sense. I get the impression some people on here are against not only adults with ponies but also adults with families. I might admit i have struggles on here/share posts more then i should but unlike a lot of people i'm not on a livery yard with lots of horsey people to chat to generally;):o

Lacey is and always will be well looked after and there is no way she would be going on loan away from me again (although for a while i did honestly believe there would be someone out there that would care and love her properly as much as i do.)

[kylieandella]

i have to say i agree with nic p, its hard to suggest a saddle that might be right for your mare as i am not a saddle fitter. if you had a saddle fitter out im sure they would advise you on the best make and model to fit your mare, try to get a fitter that someone has recommened then you know there good rather than just picking a random one.

[laceyfreckle]

i'll have to jump on the saddle co band wagon too!!

i think you could get £300 for yours? and i'm sure you could get a second hand 1/2 leather 1/2 synthetic scs for that. another plus point is when she is retired you could use the saddle on another as, as said above it is adjustable

do you think so? i have no idea how much mine is worth as i bought it with lacey. The adjustability would interest me as i'm aware lace will probably change shape as she ages as well.

[shandy84]

I have only ever used synthetic with mine with no probs, I don't think there is any problem with using them so long as they are fitted well I think nics comment is a bit harsh, choosing a synthetic over leather due to finances and lightness is something some of us have to consider, me included ;)

You are welcome to have a look at mine, one is a maxam I think and one is a thorogood, very happy with both tbh but would avoid wintecs as they are built for TBs etc more than natives, none of mine cost over £250

[Back2Black]

Really depends on the horse and what the saddle fitter has in hon! I wouldn't discount a wintec like any saddle out there there are horses they will fit and horses they won't!

[laceyfreckle]

I have only ever used synthetic with mine with no probs, I don't think there is any problem with using them so long as they are fitted well I think nics comment is a bit harsh, choosing a synthetic over leather due to finances and lightness is something some of us have to consider, me included ;)





You are welcome to have a look at mine, one is a maxam I think and one is a thorogood, very happy with both tbh but would avoid wintecs as they are built for TBs etc more than natives, none of mine cost over £250
thank you shandy...will have a look tomorrow if you don't mind??


Really depends on the horse and what the saddle fitter has in hon! I wouldn't discount a wintec like any saddle out there there are horses they will fit and horses they won't!

thank you.....this was what i was worried about to a degree...if i use a saddler who only has one make of saddle surely it will limit the choices of what i have to fit her? if i can get some idea of what types 'might' fit i could give the saddler some sort of idea as to what price/style i am looking at:):)

[shandy84]

saddleworld.co.uk I think they were the one in the essex rider have a massive range of saddles and will tell you if a particular brand is suited to your horse or not, I had them to bags and they brought a mux of leather and synthetic :)

[Back2Black]

I would just tell her your price range, height and breed of pony and let her bring out a selection! :)

[shandy84]

BTW you're fine to have a peek tomorrow i'll meet you around half nine - ten (so knowing me it'll be the latter :rolleyes:) if that's okay

[joshes mum]

I paid £575 made to measure for my saddle company saddle, but you can get them a lot cheaper on ebay.

[Fizz]

i know of a few saddle co saddles at the £250/£300 range, i paid £250 for mine:)

[NicP]

I have only ever used synthetic with mine with no probs, I don't think there is any problem with using them so long as they are fitted well I think nics comment is a bit harsh, choosing a synthetic over leather due to finances and lightness is something some of us have to consider, me included

I apologise if I misread LF's post re having a fitter but please re-read mine. Did I say don't have synthetic?? No. I said that whilst I have the all leather SC saddle, the part synthetic ones are just as good and even lighter.

Re cost - new the leather are £750 and the part synthetic are £550 - as has been stated you can get them on ebay too.

I am sorry if you think I am anti adults with ponies or anti families LF - I am neither. But recently you have posted that you are pregnant without your OH knowing (obviously he knows now but you told NR before him it seems) which not only could you not afford but which put your health at risk (which has an impact not only on you, but also on your OH, your existing kids and your pones).

Then you had ponies being sold and on loan.

Then you have new ponies.

I am sure they were cheap but we all know buying a horse is the cheap part - feed, keep, insurance, vets, farriers etc. etc. and I only have one horse and no kids (not though choice on the kids LF before you judge) and I know that is more than enough for me. Trying to cope with ill health, a young baby and giving ponies the start in life they deserve is more than I could manage so hats off to you if you can.

[Sophie..*]

I love my bates.. but got mine cheap. Mines the ones with air pockets insted of stuffing..

[laceyfreckle]

I apologise if I misread LF's post re having a fitter but please re-read mine. Did I say don't have synthetic?? No. I said that whilst I have the all leather SC saddle, the part synthetic ones are just as good and even lighter.

Re cost - new the leather are £750 and the part synthetic are £550 - as has been stated you can get them on ebay too.

I am sorry if you think I am anti adults with ponies or anti families LF - I am neither. But recently you have posted that you are pregnant without your OH knowing (obviously he knows now but you told NR before him it seems) which not only could you not afford but which put your health at risk (which has an impact not only on you, but also on your OH, your existing kids and your pones).

Then you had ponies being sold and on loan.

Then you have new ponies.

I am sure they were cheap but we all know buying a horse is the cheap part - feed, keep, insurance, vets, farriers etc. etc. and I only have one horse and no kids (not though choice on the kids LF before you judge) and I know that is more than enough for me. Trying to cope with ill health, a young baby and giving ponies the start in life they deserve is more than I could manage so hats off to you if you can.


you see NicP i thought I HAD said to you about my situation in my last thread....do you want me to keep repeating?:rolleyes: wether you personally agree with my decision is another thing.

I don't incidentally judge anyone on if they have children or not:confused: but i DO feel like i sometimes get judged by others because i have four. It might be best to realise there are some of us who cannot just happily prevent pregnancy easily without ill health. It is not something i take lightly but then neither is termination/adoption etc. I am hopefully being assessed to being sterilised after this baby if my consultants will let me. (have previously been denied due to my age)

Sometimes you just have to cope with what your given.

If i was not experienced in bringing on youngsters i would not have considered two foals....at the moment it is better for me to have two foals that need basic manners and to grow as companions then a older pony that will need work straight away.

I will look at the options other people have given, thanks for those that gave rough prices:) it is good to know the saddle company do do some cheaper saddles that are worth a look too. .

Originally Posted by NicP
A new hoss LF? How exciting!

I haven't been on much recently so seem to have missed some stuff! I thought you had to put yours on loan due to pregnancy/illness/money stuff. How come you have such a lovely new one?

oooh yes you've missed loads
Lacey went on loan with view to buy and Shandy84 and myself went and brought her home after a heated discussion with loaners. Lace came home with a trace clip carried out with a clipper with no guards on. A bad back, a bad mouth and a bad attitude as well as a few cuts. She has since got back to her normal self but i have decided she is going nowhere I have found a excellent sharer (a 10yr old and her mum) who want to help regardless of wether they ride or not and are happy to 'take over' when i go on holiday and if i end up in hospital for a bit.....thats something that i didn't have before that worried me and was one of the reason for selling. OH decided that my two weeks of me being horseless made his life hell so said i could have lace. YO has dropped my lease by 50% as she likes me being there as i look after the land so she doesn't have to worry. she isn't charging me anything extra for the others which was a big consideration!

I'm not riding at the moment due to illness and tbh Laceys back needs time off to heal but i;m long reining her a little and i;m happy for my sharer/s to ride her to keep her ticking over. I was worried before if i couldn't ride and couldn't find a sharer then she'd miss not being worked and fussed over.

[Roofio]

It might be best to realise there are some of us who cannot just happily prevent pregnancy easily without ill health. It is not something i take lightly but then neither is termination/adoption etc. I am hopefully being assessed to being sterilised after this baby if my consultants will let me. (have previously been denied due to my age)


sorry but i think that's a bit of an irresponsible thing to say on a board with so many younger members. some people can't take the pill/use a coil/latex products but there are STILL alternatives available.

[scoob&lill]

Take your O/H and get him gelded!Best thing i did LOL:D
x

[Joyscarer]

This is a horsey forum not a debate on lifestyle so lets stick to the topic in hand shall we :)

[laceyfreckle]

sorry but i think that's a bit of an irresponsible thing to say on a board with so many younger members. some people can't take the pill/use a coil/latex products but there are STILL alternatives available.

if you have a MEDICAL reason ie not just becuase you don't want to and supposedly have a fertility of not very much at all.............what exactly can you take?!.???? I can't take oestrogen, progesterone or latex and i have a child from the coil. the only other 'alternative' you could be speaking of may be right for some and i don't have a problem with it but it is not right for me.

even my doctor couldn't think of anything.

it annoys me when people answer posts about things they do not understand!

My condition is extremely rare as in 2% of the population.

[laceyfreckle]

This is a horsey forum not a debate on lifestyle so lets stick to the topic in hand shall we :)

thankyou:)

[NoviceNic]

Saddle Co saddles can be picked up on Ebay for around £250 - 300. I would recommend them as they can be changed to fit a forever changing pony for whatever reason.

In the meantime I'd advise longlining and lunging to build up Lacey's topline ready for the saddle fit. :)

[laceyfreckle]

Saddle Co saddles can be picked up on Ebay for around £250 - 300. I would recommend them as they can be changed to fit a forever changing pony for whatever reason.

In the meantime I'd advise longlining and lunging to build up Lacey's topline ready for the saddle fit. :)


thank you....yes i was going to carry on long reining her as i thought that might help her topline which has changed quite a bit since she has been out of work. I will have a look about on ebay to see what sort of prices they go for etc so when she gets fitted i'll know roughly whats available :D

thankyou for keeping this thread on topic

[Baffled2]

I would be a bit wary of buying a saddle from someone who only sells one make of saddle, as has already been said on here some saddles are more suited to some shapes than others. Also most saddlers will bring a selection to you, and many also sell second hand saddles, and will part-exchange what you have if it is in good condition.

Hope you manage to get something at a reasonable price and hope you will feel better soon.

[sotanimals]

What about a thicker saddle blanket, or a Simco. Not a lot of people use them, but I use a western Simco. Then there's the Miller saddle. I think they're good. Don't know much about the english saddle. Use to but my mind went to my dad's old saddles from his cowboy days.

[Pink's lady]

A synthetic saddle may be perfect for her. The thorowgood saddles have a really good range of diffrent types of saddle's, from TB saddles to cob saddles. I'd stay clear of anyone who fits wintecs - a wintec fitter will invaritable tell you the wintec they put on her fits, regardless of weither it actually does or not.:mad: I'm afraid I don't trust wintec fitters are far as I can throw them. You will generally find that those don't actually retail wintecs directly won't touch them with a barge pole :eek:

It would be worth getting a saddler out to decide the type of saddle you need then having a look on ebay for it - you can buy brand new maxam saddles for £50.

It would also be worth looking on ebay for saddle company saddles - smaller saddles go cheaply and you could find one for under £200 if you're lucky.

I don't think you'll get much for your leather saddle - it's hard to tell smaller saddles unless you find a willing saddler to take it to sell. Again ebay may be your best place - you may get up to £200 for it.

[NoviceNic]

I would be a bit wary of buying a saddle from someone who only sells one make of saddle, as has already been said on here some saddles are more suited to some shapes than others.

See I didnt have a problem with that. I'd researched Saddle Co saddles have a very good reputation with being able to fit the horse for its ridden life. And then with all the highly thankful threads that Poohsmate gets on NR then it made sense to meet the man himself when I wanted to treat myself to a new lifetime saddle. :)

[xxxkristinaxxx]

I am riding the horse I may be buying in a maxam it is synthetic but really comfy and fits her great.
I would recommend having a saddle fitter out but in my experience I got ripped off ...

[chickyd444]

poohs mate advised me of what size and type of scs to get, and i bought mine off ebay for £250 and then norm came back and adjusted it and re-flocked it to fit my boy, and he's never ever ever been so happy as he is in that saddle :) hope this helps :)

[Skippys Mum]

Have you thought about treeless for her? That would allow for changing shape as she ages.

This from the woman who has been researching for MONTHS and has 98% decided on a Freeform (incidentally, they have been very helpful and have given me lots of advice - just need to see one in the flesh now!)

[eventerbabe]

As has been said, i'd get a saddler out, see what make/size fits her then trawl the for sale ads and find one at a fraction of the new price. If you want a wintec i've a 16.5 inch 500 for sale that nobody seems to want :rolleyes: i'm a bit sick of this anti-wintec attitude, they do fit some horses and not all fitters who sell wintecs are crooks :mad: our wintec fit our small welsh beautifully, i'm only selling due to now having the widest horse i've ever come across :rolleyes:

I do agree with the previous comments, i wouldn't use a fitter who sells just one type of saddle. Every horse is different and no saddle is a "one size fits all". When i was looking for a leather GP i tried about 8 different makes before i settled on my jeffries :)

Good luck laceyfreckle, hope you find her something :)

[Joyscarer]

i'm a bit sick of this anti-wintec attitude, they do fit some horses and not all fitters who sell wintecs are crooks :mad: our wintec fit our small welsh beautifully

Hense why it was so good that Pink did the diagrames so that anyone could see from the word go if the saddle was suitable.

Having been the victim of a crook who told me my saddle fit when it didn't because of all the usual reasons I would rather bang on in what seems like an anti Wintec way but is actually an anti ill fitting saddle way.

Anything to have people think carefully and proove to themselves that the saddle fits rather than waiting for their horse to get beyond the point of being good natured and willing and letting owners know it doesn't.

If your saddle fits eventerbabe then this doesn't apply to you and isn't aimed at you so why take it personally?

If there is the posibility that a saddle doesn't fit - no matter what the make - then sure it is better that the doom and gloom threads continue so that others are awar and can change saddles is necessary?

If pink had listended to the disenters and given up posting on this subject in autumn of last year then I wouldn't have been any of the wiser because my saddle fitter didn't have a clue. It took the continued posting to really push home the message and then prompt me to get a back lady out who confirmed there was a problem despite me having had the fitter check it.

I'm not the only one. This is actually a fairly common problem hense the need to post about it.

Sorry but I'd rather pee you off everytime the subject comes up to make people aware.

Wintecs are a set shape with limited adjustability only at the gullet and native types don't tend to have a back suitable for the wintec despite being sold as a solution for most horses which is how the Wintecs were marketed.

[eventerbabe]

i'm not "taking it personally". But it seems on this board you've only to mention wintecs and people are like "oh my god, they are the work of the devil". It's horses for courses. Not every saddle fits every horse. It would be like me slating Ideals at every oppertunity because my cob got a back problem due to his grandee. But i don't. They are great saddles if they fit. If not move on and try something else. Which is another illustration of why it's so important to try a whole plethora of different makes, see what fits your horse (and you!) best.

I also think owners need to take a bit of responsibility and get educated themselves on fitting. Do some reading, galadriel's book being an ideal start, so that when the fitter is out you aren't being fobbed off and being sold something that doesn't fit.

[Joyscarer]

i'm not "taking it personally". But it seems on this board you've only to mention wintecs and people are like "oh my god, they are the work of the devil". It's horses for courses. Not every saddle fits every horse. It would be like me slating Ideals at every oppertunity because my cob got a back problem due to his grandee. But i don't. They are great saddles if they fit. If not move on and try something else. Which is another illustration of why it's so important to try a whole plethora of different makes, see what fits your horse (and you!) best.

I also think owners need to take a bit of responsibility and get educated themselves on fitting. Do some reading, galadriel's book being an ideal start, so that when the fitter is out you aren't being fobbed off and being sold something that doesn't fit.


I totally agree.

In fact I wish my wintec did fit Joy because it was better for me than the new one is. I loved it :(

I'm not sure anyone has ever said that they are the 'work of the devil' but the posts tend to be about fit and the falacy that just because it has a removable gullet it will fit every horse and that is how they are widely regarded.

Trouble is that when you have a qualified fitter telling you the saddle does fit then who do you believe, especially when you have a beautifully natured willing horse and are a newish owner.

Whilst I agree with being educated, I also believe in calling in the experts who should know mare than I ever would. We can't be an expert in everything.

[eventerbabe]

no, but it's always good to be informed ;) and i agree, anyone who believes that changing the width at the front (as in wintecs) means it will fit anything is very naive.

I know it can be hard when you've an "expert" fitter telling you that the saddle fits, but don't be afraid to question! poor lady who fitted bonnie's wintec got a real grilling! i've seen some horrendous saddle fitting and the owners just don't seem to think to question. Worst case being a 16.2hh draft cross in a teeny weeny 16 inch KN dressage saddle. The lady had paid well over a grand for this saddle which fit her but didn't come close to fitting poor horse :( she hadn't even thought to question til i went up to watch her ride and berrated her saddle.

[abrakadabra]

Hi, I use a bates saddle with cair on my vetran, and honestly cant fault it. Its comfy to ride in and my horse has improved 100% since I first got it. :D

[ami29]

Why not try a Solution Saddle?
They can be fitted to any back shape, so very cost effective in the long run as you don't need to change your saddle when you change your horse.
.....And a Solution saddle will not give your horse a sore back when you jump!

[Toffee_Monster]

I love black countries or jefferies. I would avoid john whitaker or jaguar as my saddle fitter told me to avoid those!

Bit off topic but can i ask why they said to avoid these - was this just for your horse :confused:
I had a JW for Molly and its fine (just needs reflocking) and the Jaguar was the best saddle ive ever had

Back to original question .... get a saddle fitter out, and a reputable one at that. No horses back is worth guessing on, especially not an oldies

[Clava]

I've just bought a thorowgood, very comfy and the saddler says they have some of the best pressure test results, better than wintec...

[The Original Crazywoman]

poohs mate advised me of what size and type of scs to get, and i bought mine off ebay for £250 and then norm came back and adjusted it and re-flocked it to fit my boy, and he's never ever ever been so happy as he is in that saddle :) hope this helps :)

I did the same when I wanted a Saddle Co saddle for my mare. Norm advised me what was a good buy and a not so good buy on ebay - and then with all the praise for his fitting expertise I arranged for him to come out and fit it to her.

He was brilliant. I did go back to my Freeform in the end - but simply because I found the Saddle Co seat so blooming uncomfortable after my Freeform!!

[Iron Maiden]

I've just bought a thorowgood, very comfy and the saddler says they have some of the best pressure test results, better than wintec...

I'm a feeling bit sad because I don't think my Thorowgood/Heather Moffett job has enough wither clearance for Mrs P :( It's a really nice saddle but if it doesn't fit the hoss it's no good! Anyone interested in a 17.5 inch HM Thorowgood in wide...