I have a real wide bodied paint horse that I am looking for a hunter saddle to fit him. His western saddle was custom made for him-the one I had before didn’t fit him (too thight in shoulders). What brands are goo for the wide bodied ones? Thanks!
Not all wide shouldered horses are equal. Back shape is also a big factor to consider. Your best bet? Contact an independent saddle fitter, have them look at your horse in person (or by distance fitting if you can’t find a local one) and have them recommend some brands.
Frankly it’s about impossible to make a good recommendation with the little information given.
there is so much more to saddle fit than just how wide the horse is.
I had an oldenburg mare who had a moderate wither and a big shoulder with very large traps. She needed a wide tree County and hated every French saddle I tried.
I have a tank of a hanoverian mare who is broad backed and has a wide shoulder, she fits best in a custom Devoucoux
When I rode some QH types for a friend, they all fit really well into my Tad Coffin. It’s a minimalist saddle, and doesn’t work well for a horse with any kind of wither without some creative pad options.
BL, get a saddle fitter out, or at the very least, a knowledgeable friend with a collection of saddles to try. Some tack stores will allow you to bring your horse and try inventory on in the parking lot. (but call/ask first, don’t assume)
In general, saddle makers in England are more used to wide bodies (cobs) than saddle makers from other countries. Beyond that, it really depends on what sort of wide you’ve got.
Building on what @no.stirrups said, another vote for English saddles on a wide horse. I’m in the process of buying a Black Country. Highly recommend Patty Merli, who was able to do a lot of fitting remotely, and answered about 500 emails from me graciously.
I had similar issues with the french saddles on round/flat horses, however, the Delgrange Athena standard tree fits my round, flat-backed, big shouldered horse like a dream. Otherwise, agreed with the rest- take a look at some of the English brands.
I have an Antares with the AO (wide) tree. I got it measured for a wide quarter horse, but it fits my wide shouldered Hanoverian too. I got a used dressage saddle with the same tree.