Saddler

And he's part Welsh if I remember rightly? He could easily put on more height and fill out a lot more. I got Luka at that age, he's probably put on an inch of height and changed shape completely - even when he's slim there's a lot more pony there now! In his case he'd been ridden incorrectly too and what looked like it was verging on a sway back has now come up so much more level completely changing his back profile, and then there's the shoulders and quarters he's developed as well. My advice would be don't rush to change what isn't causing a problem, just keep an eye on it, because anything you buy now may be hopeless this time next year.

I know you say what you've got is a bit too long but in the past I've been told by several saddlers that that isn't usually a major problemm as long as the rider is sitting forward and not loading the back of the saddle, indeed one said that it's a better scenario than a saddle the right length that has the rider pushed back onto the back of the saddle. You're a good enough rider to control where you sit, so if you aren't seeing a problem with Monkey maybe you're being over-conscientious in this case?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jessey
Came across this and as it's designed for longer leg riders, perhaps you would only need a 17" in this model?
kentandmasters.co.uk

Kent & Masters Pony Long Leg Saddle - for teenagers and petite adults

Although designed primarily to take children through their riding years, this saddle is a good option for leggy teenagers or petite adults on ponies or shorter-coupled horses thanks to the forward-cut flap. An open-headed tree and versatile panel design which is flocked with English wool, help...
kentandmasters.co.uk kentandmasters.co.uk

They do the S series compact GP which might be an option to look at.
I can't seem to find non deep seat dressage saddles
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jessey
carthorse said:
And he's part Welsh if I remember rightly? He could easily put on more height and fill out a lot more. I got Luka at that age, he's probably put on an inch of height and changed shape completely - even when he's slim there's a lot more pony there now! In his case he'd been ridden incorrectly too and what looked like it was verging on a sway back has now come up so much more level completely changing his back profile, and then there's the shoulders and quarters he's developed as well. My advice would be don't rush to change what isn't causing a problem, just keep an eye on it, because anything you buy now may be hopeless this time next year.

I know you say what you've got is a bit too long but in the past I've been told by several saddlers that that isn't usually a major problemm as long as the rider is sitting forward and not loading the back of the saddle, indeed one said that it's a better scenario than a saddle the right length that has the rider pushed back onto the back of the saddle. You're a good enough rider to control where you sit, so if you aren't seeing a problem with Monkey maybe you're being over-conscientious in this case?
Click to expand...
Yep he’s Welsh x Arab/saddlebred so all late developers. The current saddle will twist/shift into his right shoulder a bit and I’m thinking that’s because the saddle is a bit long. My original amazing saddler said much the same as yours and it was fine for ages but I think now he’s developed a bigger/stronger back end it’s starting to become an issue, which is why I switched into the treeless at the end of last year and started down this road. It might not be the reason, but I don’t know until I try something different.
 
newforest said:
Came across this and as it's designed for longer leg riders, perhaps you would only need a 17" in this model?
kentandmasters.co.uk

Kent & Masters Pony Long Leg Saddle - for teenagers and petite adults

Although designed primarily to take children through their riding years, this saddle is a good option for leggy teenagers or petite adults on ponies or shorter-coupled horses thanks to the forward-cut flap. An open-headed tree and versatile panel design which is flocked with English wool, help...
kentandmasters.co.uk kentandmasters.co.uk

They do the S series compact GP which might be an option to look at.
I can't seem to find non deep seat dressage saddles
Click to expand...
I don’t think the long leg is for me, they’re generally meant for long legged slim people, which I’m not 😅 the compact could work but gp isn’t really what I’m after. Their dressage isn’t as deep seated as most so I didn’t feel wedged in it, it was just a bit narrow in the twist for my preference, and hard seated, both of which should be better with a seat saver.
 
Jessey said:
I don’t think the long leg is for me, they’re generally meant for long legged slim people, which I’m not 😅 the compact could work but gp isn’t really what I’m after. Their dressage isn’t as deep seated as most so I didn’t feel wedged in it, it was just a bit narrow in the twist for my preference, and hard seated, both of which should be better with a seat saver.
Click to expand...
I would expect modern saddles to have a nice comfy seat.
Maybe worth a try and compromise short term if you could get secondhand?
Though it's frustrating as the feel would niggle me if it's off.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jessey
Had a look at Bates saddles? Premium version of the K&M but using the same gullet system as the Thorowgoods?

I also hate being trapped in a saddle and have long and not stick like legs. Ive liked black country and a prestige dressage saddle was one of the most comfy things Ive ever sat in.

Ive also found I like older style saddles. Which is quite handy as they are cheap!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jessey
Jessey said:
Yep he’s Welsh x Arab/saddlebred so all late developers. The current saddle will twist/shift into his right shoulder a bit and I’m thinking that’s because the saddle is a bit long. My original amazing saddler said much the same as yours and it was fine for ages but I think now he’s developed a bigger/stronger back end it’s starting to become an issue, which is why I switched into the treeless at the end of last year and started down this road. It might not be the reason, but I don’t know until I try something different.
Click to expand...

If you're worrying about the saddle being too long you aren't inadvertently placing it too far forward are you so that it's actually his shoulders shunting the saddle? Been there, done that!
 
Tir said:
Had a look at Bates saddles? Premium version of the K&M but using the same gullet system as the Thorowgoods?

I also hate being trapped in a saddle and have long and not stick like legs. Ive liked black country and a prestige dressage saddle was one of the most comfy things Ive ever sat in.

Ive also found I like older style saddles. Which is quite handy as they are cheap!!
Click to expand...
Bates are the fancier version of wintec. I haven’t tried one, but I really don’t get on with wintec and they’re on the same tree I believe.

I tried a Black Country but monkey didn’t like it, it was the X tree, so perhaps another version would be better. Prestige I haven’t tried.

carthorse said:
If you're worrying about the saddle being too long you aren't inadvertently placing it too far forward are you so that it's actually his shoulders shunting the saddle? Been there, done that!
Click to expand...
No definitely not, I’ve been extra mindful about placement because of it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: carthorse
Jessey said:
They work for him but the SLK I tried on him, was painful for me. I have loved SLK on other horses, so must be something about his shape or mine now I’m older.
Click to expand...

I have to say the only one I've ever liked was the K2 Cob Connemara that I had for Luka for a while until his shoulders outgrew it and started shoving it around. Many years ago a friend had a custom made one for one of her dressage horses that was tolerable to me, but by and large I find they can quickly make me wish I was bareback!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jessey
Fairfax might also be worth a look, though they dont size in the traditional way. 2nd hand one should be achievable inside budget...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jessey
I’ve just agreed purchase of a K&M, exactly the same as the one the saddler was selling but at 2/3 of the price, which makes me a little less salty about it not being exactly right for me! And it’s from a friend of a friend so I’m confident it’s been well looked after.
Now off to buy the gullet I need and a seat saver!
 
  • Love
Reactions: carthorse
Jessey said:
I’ve just agreed purchase of a K&M, exactly the same as the one the saddler was selling but at 2/3 of the price, which makes me a little less salty about it not being exactly right for me! And it’s from a friend of a friend so I’m confident it’s been well looked after.
Now off to buy the gullet I need and a seat saver!
Click to expand...
That sounds positive.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jessey
Thank you, it’s an interesting read. It’s not really knee room I struggle for, it’s the narrow twist and pommels that rise too steeply. That one rider she mentioned who puts the stirrup bars back, that’s what I’m currently in and really like.
 
  • Like
Reactions: carthorse
I picked up the K&M tonight, it’s in really great condition 👌 and I ordered the gullet I needed yesterday and it arrived today, so I’ve changed that tonight and I’m all set to try it on Saturday 🤞 I’ll know for sure in about 5 miles if it’s going to work for us!
 
  • Like
Reactions: carthorse
It seems good on him, and more comfortable than the other identical one I tried on him 👍
IMG_3104.jpegIMG_3109.jpeg
We only did walk and trot but he was really forward in it, hopefully that’s the saddle and not just a result of the chilly weather 🤞 I need to figure out the girthing, I’m not sure if the front straps have stretched a little or if was just how I had it set up, but on equal holes on all straps, the front ones were slightly slack, they’re easy enough to change though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Trewsers and carthorse
That sounds like a positive.
Get things made to how you both need it.
Looking forward to the updated photos.
How long is the wait?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jessey
newrider.com
Top Bottom