Trying a new saddle tomorrow!

[Toz]

I bought Oz a cheapo synthetic to start him off in (ex racer) with the mindset that 1- I might not even have had him as a riding horse and 2- hopefully he’d muscle up a lot.
He has muscled up and I’ve had (I know it’s not the same as a proper fitter) a physio who confirmed that the saddle fitted pretty well. Her opinion was also that he won’t bulk out more but his back will come up a bit. So due to the fact I dislike the synthetic, I don’t feel the most secure on it and he’s a bit of a monkey at times so feeling a bit more held in would be brilliant
I know that Ideal saddles seem to fit him quite nicely (the few I’ve tried) and I sat on the comfiest saddle ever recently which will be just what I’m after in terms of knee rolls and security/comfort!
Can’t find one locally for sale but have found an absolutely mint one further afield. I do have a friend with the exact saddle so tomorrow am going to try it for size.
It’s really difficult because he’s not at the stage of cantering pretty circles round a school, in fact he’s not cantering at all so getting a proper fitter out at this point is a bit difficult.
Here’s hoping it’s a good fit or good enough to be adjusted through flocking!
His first proper big boy saddle (and a fairly long road trip for me )

 

[Jessey]

I'd still be having a saddle fitted even if not up to cantering yet, unless you are pretty handy at fitting yourself. You could be blocking progression or even contributing to the "bit of a monkey" moments with something that isn't quite right.

 

[Toz]

I’d definitely prefer to get it done properly. I’m pretty ok at it but the friend who’s bringing it over is better. I’d trust her judgement.
The naughtiness is just very hot headed TB. He’s fine much of the time but if we go a new direction or with a new horse he just boils over. I’d say if his saddle was causing issues it would be more consistent?
I do totally get where your coming from though and I will be hanging onto my rubbish old one for a while longer if this isn’t a definite yes. If there is any question or doubt I just won’t buy.

 

[Toz]

The other bit that’s put me off the saddlery route a bit tbh is for my budget I can only get really ancient faded crappy looking things. When I called In on the weekend there were only a handful of even remote possibilities and I hated them all

 

[Jessey]

The other bit that’s put me off the saddlery route a bit tbh is for my budget I can only get really ancient faded crappy looking things. When I called In on the weekend there were only a handful of even remote possibilities and I hated them all

I've always brought online (with prior knowledge and advice) and then had the fitter out to do their bit after, occasionally it fails and I've had to resell but most have worked out OK.

 

[Toz]

I've always brought online (with prior knowledge and advice) and then had the fitter out to do their bit after, occasionally it fails and I've had to resell but most have worked out OK.

That’s the plan this one we are trying tomorrow is the exact same and Jake has very similar which fits Oz but is just a teeny bit wider the saddler did day they could alter it but then of course it won’t fit jakey! so this is one I’ve found for sale is just half a size wider

 

[Huggy]

Hope you get sorted. Can't say much more, because I'm a massive fan of thorowgood! Had one for Ramsey that lasted 12 years, and now have one for Hogan, as was advised that they're the best bet for fat, flat backed cobs! The one I've got now cost £40, + 40 for the saddler to come and fit - it's brilliant. Good luck.

 

[Toz]

I’m a bit on the fence about Thorogoods. I had a T4 which i really loved. Decided after a few years to upgrade to a T6 which in theory should have been the same but smarter. Hated it! I always felt tilted forward in it.

 

[Huggy]

I stuck with a maxam as that's what I had for Ramsey. An oldie, but for me, a goldie! I've never had a leather saddle, but am a firm believer in each to his own.

 

[Toz]

I stuck with a maxam as that's what I had for Ramsey. An oldie, but for me, a goldie! I've never had a leather saddle, but am a firm believer in each to his own.

Oh yes, actually I bought a maxam year’s ago for my daughters loan pony at the time as the saddle she came with was so awful. I was pleased with it! My daughter definitely found it far better