What size saddle??

[Bays_R_Best]

I was just wondering what size saddles you all use and on what size ponies??

I am looking to get a bigger(seat size) for my pony. She currently has a 15" GFS, which fits her fine, but as you can imagine (being an adult) is too small for me. My little mare is a 13.2 sec D, fairly long backed, not overly wide. Any suggestions would be appreciated.


Thanks.

 

[tango'smum]

i have a 16inch on my 12.2hh.

 

[Joyscarer]

Back length and horse height aren't correlated so the best thing to do is to get a reputable fitter out to assess what saddle best fits you and your pony

 

[Bunnylover]

I wanted to get a new saddle for my pony as the one he came with was a childs saddle, not really any good for me at 5.4!! Had a saddle fitter out yesterday and he recommended a 16.5 inch x-wide for my 13.1 welsh x. I was surprised at how difficult it is to get a good fitting saddle, unless you have one custom made. I would not have been able to just go and buy him one. It definitely helped having this advice. Hope you find something suitable. xx

 

[Dlux]

I take it saddle fitters are common over there? I don't know of any around here in the US. Wish I did - might make life a bit easier when it comes to finding a saddle.

I've always been told each type of saddle will be different on how far back they will go back on the horse's back depending on the design of the saddle. So while a 16 may fit in one saddle brand, it may end up being 15.5 or 16.5 in a different brand. I'm not sure if that is true or not. Best thing to do is take a measurement of your horse's back (to where the rib connections end) and make sure your saddle doesn't go back past that into the weaker loin area.

 

[shandy84]

You need a saddle fitter as you can cause untold damage with a missized saddle even if only the lenth is out, Bramble can take up to 17 1/2 inch saddle to give you an idea

 

[marli@missi]

gonna say my 13.2 new forest has 17.5 and wide fit, had to be fitted by fitter!! All are different need to be fitted.

 

[titch_]

Candy, 14.2 Short backed in a 17inch

 

[coloredred]

my 14.2 can only take up to a 16.5 inch

 

[Bays_R_Best]

You need a saddle fitter as you can cause untold damage with a missized saddle even if only the lenth is out, Bramble can take up to 17 1/2 inch saddle to give you an idea

Thats a great help. Thanks shandy. Bramble is a fairly similar size back length to amber. Everyone always comments on her horse sized body, with shetland pony legs. LOL.

We've got Dave Merrit coming out to see us soon, so hopefully he will be able to help us. Fingers crossed. I have heard good things about him, don't know if any of you Essex peeps have heard anything about him??

 

[shandy84]

No haven't heard of him, but if someone at your yard has recomended him hopefully that is a plus

 

[gb050573]

Flare (12hh) is getting a saddle made which is 16" and which he was measured up for by a Master Saddler. He has a relatively long body for his height, takes a 5'6" rug.

 

[kturner]

17" maxam on a 11.3 (didnt make 12h). He doesnt have any kidneys, regularly has a child sat on his bum too. He doesnt mind how far back it goes as long as it isnt pushing on his shoulders.

I use his treeless cashel as much as possible though, then he is very comfortable and so am I. His shoulders can slide underneath it.

A saddler showed me that a smaller one would put all the weight in a very small area, and if he would take a longer one, it would spread the weight further. She was so right. But I know some are sensitive to long ones, wouldnt have been able to do that if he was a mare for instance, as my mare was very sensitive when in season and we rode her bareback then.