Heather Moffatt synthetic saddles

[Sharon H]

Dear Heather, I am interested in getting one of the Thorogood HM saddles but I'm going to have to wait untill after xmas at least. The questions I have are; are there any plans to make them in different seat sizes? 171/2" is really a bit big for me, I'm more a 16" person, are there any plans to offer more width fittings in it? comments have been made that they are not that wide and as I have a fat welsh cob, I'm a bit concerned about that. Are the company doing a sort of trial run to see how popular they are before they increase the range? Having said all that, I haven't actually tried one, so they may be ok anyway, I was just interested to know.
Are there any people out there who have one of these saddles? I'd be really interested to know what you think about them, good or bad.

[Heather]

HI Sharon,


Yes, the much wider version is being made at the minute, and a dressage model will be added for next year. I have asked them to change the girth strap positioning, which their designer included without asking me! We have found that with some horses, it slips up the neck. A new arrangement should hopefully stop this happening.

Some further modifications are in the pipeline- I am still trying to persuaded them to build in a Seatbone Saver top. Most things should be remedied by the New Year.

I am very pleased with the overall balance for the rider. Just that it could stil be better in other areas!

Heather

[Mossy]

Heather
If I may some questions about your Thorowgood saddle.
How this minute is the wide version being made, how wide is it, and what is the guide price?
Are the girth straps long straps or standard, under the flap fastening? I am sure this question has been asked before but I cannot remember the answer - sorry.

[Sharon H]

Thanks you for your reply Heather. I'm glad that I've got to wait now!

[Heather]

HI Jill,

It is being designed by a saddler in Scotland who mostly fits Highland ponies, so I think you should find it might fit yours! The girths straps are long at the moment, but I may ask them to make them short. I personally prefer the long straps- years of being used to them on dressage and close contact jumping saddles, I suppose!



Heather

[Sharon H]

The trouble with long girth straps is you need to be supple in order to do them up if they need adjusting once you're on board. Having just come back to riding after 15 years driving, I'm finding I'm not as supple as I used to be, to say the least!

[Mossy]

Thanks for your reply .
If it is possible to organise short straps, it would help all those impoverished folks, including me, who already have long girths, I am still trying to find a saddle for Conn. She is, when sound, still being ridden with numnah and roller. [I seem to make a habit of riding basket cases bareback!] A virtually new Griffin Wide is far too narrow, still it is something to PX, and Moss' Teqnic is too wide. It is also flocked to fit him!
Thanks

[Sonia]

I have just received my Thorowgood HM Saddle - wide fit and thank God it fits this time. It has taken a long, long time to come (from first paying for it at the beginning of August, getting the wrong size and re-ordering). Also when it arrived one of the detatchable dressage rolls was missing, so I had to contact the saddler yet again - he couldn't find it but luckily ordered 2 saddles - the other is complete so he'll post out the other roll to me.

However saying that I used it tonight without any knee rolls and it felt fine (is it necesary to use the rolls Heather??)

Anyway my initial impressions are very favourable and Ellie seemed to like it very much.

Also, Heather re bit contact, I've had Ellie's teeth rasped and she does seem better on the bit - still needs some work though and the leg yield is better when someone has helped from the ground. Thanks for your help and advise.

Sonia

[Heather]

HI Sonia,


The rolls help to keep the knee and thigh down for flat work, and also give support over a fence, particularly if the horse pecks on landing. They arenot essential, but most folk find they help a lot with aiding position. Try and see!

Glad you like, the general feel of the saddle, Sonia, and also very glad it is wider at last- I am still waiting for my prototype wide fit, so you have beaten the designer to it!


Heather