The Saga of the Saddle Continues - Help!

Maggiemooo

Maggiemooo

New Member
Sep 1, 2009
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Chelmsford, Essex
Guys, help please.....

At my wits end trying to get a saddle to fit my boy. Basically he's 15'2/15'3 Arab cross but has no withers, huge huge shoulders, short back and fat belly (great picture hey!)

I have tried his old Keiffer which fitted before his accident, but this is now totally unsuitable, sitting about 6 " above his withers, the Torsion we have doesn't work slipping forwards constantly, bought a new Thorowgood Cob GP at weekend and that just looked like he had grown wings - no where near even with XX wide gullet.

Will try to get some photo's tonight, but with rain might be a bit soggy...

So, what do I try next?? My RI has suggested sticking to Treed, just to give me and him some stability, but I am desperate for any idea's....
 
Would suggest a saddle fitter with a range of different saddles you could try - save any further cost buying ones that aren't suitable - save your pocket :)
 
echo the above. will be much cheaper in the long run! something like the GFS haflinger or the Ideal H&C might be worth looking at?
 
I have got 2 different saddlers coming out in the next 2 weeks, 1 who has been before and couldn't find anything to fit, the another has been recommended by RI as known to help with difficult horseys, who I have explained all the issues too, so he may be able to find me something, so am trying that route too, thanks for the suggestions just backs up my thought process.

What I was thinking was if anyone else had had the same sort of issues and could suggest a specific make, then I can find a saddler who carries them to come and try, nothing "standard" seems to work, but only have a budget of no more that £1000 (at a real push)
 
I cant help other than I wouldnt get a saddle wide enough for madam unless custom made for her - although thing having a larger than 15" will make things a bit easier!!
 
i had trouble with my mare, ended up settling with a Heather Moffett Treeless, no slippage whatsoever and fits like a glove! sorry cant be more help!!
 
No withers..huge huge shoulders..short back...fat belly...Are you sure you haven't got a Belgian draft rather than an Arab cross?
We've got all of the above issues, however don't know how much help Flip and I are as we've got the leather version of a thorowgood - a Kent & Masters Cob Saddle, its got changeable gullets and is the most comfortable saddle ever. http://www.kentandmasters.co.uk/Cob_General_Purpose.html
(Arnie, Flump's highland wears the same one - thats our claim to fame!!)

There is also a Cob Plus Saddle as well, however the saddler said she didn't really like the cut of it, not good for my balance issues as wouldn't have given me the security I needed.

Good luck, sounds like a nightmare.:rolleyes:
 
Barry Swain, made on an Aulton & Butler wide seat, Owen panel (half panel) and gussetless at the back. That combination works well on Arab shapes.
 
None of the Thorogood saddles fitted Arnie. They were just the wrong shape for him. The wintec wide bridged on him.

I've currently got an Ideal H&C on trial - so far so good but not counting any chickens yet.

A wow was on my list but I've been put off by the fact that they are apparently not particularly stable on wide, big shouldered horses (like mine!).

My main saddle is a Freeform treeless and its very secure and comfy and he is very happy in it but its not perfect for schooling or jumping which is why I'm trying to get a treed saddle.
 
Not sure but isn't there a saddle company that is for arab shapes? Can't remember what it's called..The Arabian Saddle Company? might be that.

If not then you could have a look at the native pony saddlery company as they specialise in saddles for the big shouldered, no withered type horse. (whether native breed or not)
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, I am off to investigate the Freeform, sensation, native saddle and arabian saddle companies...

Have tried the WOW, actually had one made, put it on, walked round to manage, he went sideways, saddle and me went other way, got off, and got a full refund, not good on my boy.

Barry Swain sounds ideal, but £1880.00...ouch.

Any more idea's will be greatfully recieved
 
My big (16.2hh) lad has some ango arab in him and is consequently low in the whither and very short/quite flat in the back. He also has quite upright shoulders and biiiig shoulder movement (so built a little like your lad). I am a larger lady and so saddle needs good weight-bearing panels, needs to adjust to my ample behind, but can't be too big b/c of his short back.

We just bought a Kent & Masters . . . fits him like a glove and cost us around £700 (including the fitting).

Btw, if you find that an Albion (jumping, 16.5, medium/wide) fits him, I'm selling Kal's. Nothing wrong with it - in good nick (it's been cleaned and oiled regularly and my saddle fitter recently tested the tree), it just doesn't fit him.

Good luck.

N
 
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