Adjustable saddles

[akdraft77]

I have a 17.2 hh Percheron/Trekehner gelding I am trying to find a saddle for. I am new to and excited to learn dressage, but since I have no experience, I need some advice.

He is hard to fit - he is short backed, and has a crazy big wither. Right now, there is not a lot of muscling in that area, but I expect that to change as he learns how to carry himself.

I thought about a Wintec, because the adjustability and the CAIR systems sound amazing in theory, but I am hearing that I might not be as good as I hope.

I am going to look at a Lazer adjustable saddle - not sure what model - but can’t find any recent reviews online.

What I need is some first hand reviews of either of those brands or ideas for finding him something that fits. I appreciate all opinions.

Adding to the frustration is the fact that I live in a remote area, don’t have a local tack shop, and get KILLED in shipping costs. (I live in Alaska)

[Bedina]

In late August, I bought a draft cross who is short-backed, wide, and was carrying a lot of extra weight, particularly around the withers. My goal was to find a saddle that was wide enough to be comfortable for her, fit me reasonably well, and would give me something to ride in while she slims down.

After trying a number of wide saddles from my local tack shop, all of which clearly were too narrow at the withers, I ended up with a used Thorowgood cob saddle, which came with a couple of spare gullet bars. My saddle fit knowledge is basic, but they have directions on their site to help you determine which gullet to use (in our case, it was the XXW), and the saddle itself designed for a wider, shorter back. It’s not perfect for me (I’m 5’7.5" with longish legs for my height, and it feels a little short despite being a size up from my other saddle), but it’s comfortable enough, it was inexpensive used, and it works for her.

[Texarkana]

It seems like with Wintecs, people either love or hate them. I fall under the “love” category. I do not have a single negative thing to say about them. My experience with Cair is even positive.

Other folks are adamantly against them, often for very valid reasons. But I still don’t think you’ll find a better quality saddle for the price point unless you find a unicorn of a deal on something used.

[js]

I have had a couple (and still do) adjustable saddles. Provided all other aspects of the saddle fit they are nice to have when you have a horse that might change shape a little. I’m not a fan of CAIR, it is one of those things people either love it or not, same for horses, some love it some don’t. Wintec and Bates do offer flocked panels.

The Wintec Wide might work for you as it is made for a wider horse and has extra wide gullets.

[IrishDeclan]

Love love love my Laser saddle!! It’s all I’ve ridden in for about 8 years now. There are about 6 floating around our barn because as soon as someone would sit in mine or my trainer’s they’d want one. We all ride in the Rendevouz model, although a friend of mine has the Trident and loves hers as well. The leather is lovely on the Laser’s, and the balance can’t be beat.

[Draftmare]

I am in the love group for Wintec. The flatter seat really works well for my anatomy vs the more scooped seat on some dressage saddle brands.

I just recently ordered a Hastilow, they are adjustable similar to the Wintec, but have wool flocking so are more adjustable. Other brands to look at would be Thorowgood if you are okay with synthetic, Kent and Masters, and Fairfax. All four are built on the same trees. They offer a cob which is good for short backs, a high wither, and a standard model.

[jaybird660]

Thorowgood does the cob but Kent and Masters and Fairfax don’t offer that option anymore. I like all of the saddles because they offer good options for the price points to fit different kinds of backs and are wool flocked in addition to having changeable gullet systems. Some of Hastilow also offer those options. Additionally, there are other brands and models that can be widened or narrowed up to a size with a tree press by someone qualified to use one.