Pony pad saddles

[No_Angel]

My section A pony has come home from the riding school she was being loaned to (yay!), she has an muscle injury.
She is going to be out of work for a while but when she is ready to start agin I want to get her a treeless saddle. My sister and I will be the ones ridng her the the most.

I was looking at this sort of saddle http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7150560522&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Would this be just like a normal pony pad (stirrup rings attached on the outside over the withers) or would they be more like a treeless saddle?
Im more worried about this as she is only 12 hands and im 9 1/2 stone, so dont want to put added pressure on her back.
Thanks
Tasha

[Showjumper]

I'm not keen on it...I'd far rather get a well fitting treed saddle or a small Torsion/Barefoot.

[No_Angel]

can I ask why you dont like it?

[Showjumper]

A few things.
1) it curves. I don't know why it's curving but I find it really offputting. If you look at the photo of the underside, right in the middle where it curves, the panels move further apart and then narrow again. The gullet is kite shaped.
2) the stirrups are too far forwards, and judging from where the nail/screw is above the stirrup flap, I'm guessing that the stirrups are held by one thick strap that runs directly over the top. Being so far forwards, it will pull down on the withers when you put weight in the stirrups.
3) it doesn't look in great condition.

[No_Angel]

I see what you mean about the gullet, but I think its in pretty good condition for 75 years old! :eek:

[Showjumper]

It's not bad for 75 years old, but I wouldn't use it. I'd love to look at it, but it wouldn't get anywhere near Dolly's back :)

[No_Angel]

Im not sure I could get a girth short enough to fit my Trekker, I think shed need a 10 inch girth.

[Showjumper]

I think Libby's Tack Shop make girths any size you like :)

[No_Angel]

Anyone else got any views?