I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

goneriding
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I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby goneriding » Sat Jan 19, 2019 5:53 am

Pony got a massage this week and she was sore all over :( I was aware that her saddle wasn't fitting her as well as before, but I think a lot of her soreness is the poor saddle fit. So, I will have to get my arse in gear and do it. I'm not sure where to start for her type.

She's a 7yo Shagya mare. She has a laid back shoulder, wide shoulders, good withers, a wide table top back, and is short coupled.

I wondered if anyone can point me in a promising direction for such a beast?

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StraightForward
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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby StraightForward » Sat Jan 19, 2019 5:58 am

Maybe Lovatt&Ricketts/Arabian Saddle Co.?

What are you currently using, and what do you think is wrong with the fit?
Keep calm and canter on.

goneriding
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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby goneriding » Sat Jan 19, 2019 6:07 am

I currently have a County with a hoop tree, I'm drawing a blank on the model. It bridges and sits too far forward on her shoulder, and is still too long for her back.

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Fatcat
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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby Fatcat » Sat Jan 19, 2019 4:24 pm

I would start by using a reputable unaffiliated saddle fitter like Kitt Hazelton at panther run saddlery. You can find her on FB

4Horse
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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby 4Horse » Mon Jan 21, 2019 1:07 pm

I second getting a fitter, if nothing else at least a consultation. I have a Arab gelding, found an older Stubben Scandica that is perfect for him.

goneriding
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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby goneriding » Thu Jan 31, 2019 2:49 am

Thanks! I have a well regarded fitter coming next Friday. Fingers crossed!

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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby Hayburner » Thu Jan 31, 2019 4:14 pm

Keep us posted on what you try and what ended up working.
I will soon be looking for a new saddle too. Finding an excellent fitter that isn't brand specific may be difficult for me.

I have been eyeing the DP saddles, as well as, the Schleese Obrigado.

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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby Abby Kogler » Thu Jan 31, 2019 5:49 pm

I worked with Zsuzsu Illes a few years ago and recommend her highly.

Two saddles I have had really good luck with are the Butterfly and a custom Tad Coffin. The Butterfly seems to work well on lots of horses. They are odd looking but comfortable and my horses like it. I also love love love the Tad Coffin. While he primarily makes jumper saddles he will make a dressage saddle if you ask. I love it. It has flat thigh blocks, short billets, and I have yet to find a horse that doesn't go well in it. TC has developed a pretty interesting tree. They are expensive but no more than any other high end saddle. I sometimes see his saddles on ebay.

goneriding
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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby goneriding » Mon Feb 11, 2019 3:42 am

I ended up with this NSC saddle. The fitter owns this company in the US so she had these in her trailer, but she also had a variety of used saddles for me to try. I tried this one first, and liked it, but wanted something to compare it to. I tried a few more that I lasted about 15 seconds in, just hated them, went back to this one and loved it, so I have it on trial. It's extremely comfortable for me. Pony is so uncomfortable and annoyed with everything at the moment that it's hard to tell how the saddle is. I also bought a sheepskin pad from her and pony and I both LOVE that!

http://www.nationalsaddlecentreusa.com/ ... c-jhuliet/

Hayburner
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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby Hayburner » Mon Feb 11, 2019 3:01 pm

It looks like a very nice saddle - hope it ends up working for both of you!

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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby Ryeissa » Mon Feb 11, 2019 4:17 pm

Awww hope pony improves soon!

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StraightForward
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Re: I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

Postby StraightForward » Thu Feb 14, 2019 4:27 am

goneriding wrote:I ended up with this NSC saddle. The fitter owns this company in the US so she had these in her trailer, but she also had a variety of used saddles for me to try. I tried this one first, and liked it, but wanted something to compare it to. I tried a few more that I lasted about 15 seconds in, just hated them, went back to this one and loved it, so I have it on trial. It's extremely comfortable for me. Pony is so uncomfortable and annoyed with everything at the moment that it's hard to tell how the saddle is. I also bought a sheepskin pad from her and pony and I both LOVE that!

http://www.nationalsaddlecentreusa.com/ ... c-jhuliet/


I've never heard of those, but they look nice!
Keep calm and canter on.


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