I can’t speak to the truly custom but Fineline tack has a BC hoop for sale rn
https://www.finelinetack.com/product/18-black-country-quantum-x-2015-extra-wide-hoop-treewool-flocked/
Stackhouse builds custom from the trees up. I have some big, wide horses and they have built beautiful, well-fitting saddles.
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I love mine! Matt was fantastic to work with when I was asking questions about the one I purchased used. If I had not found my current saddle, I 1000% would have gone through them!
I agree with SeeSpotEvent and would try to get them out for a fitting. David and Leslie know how to make a saddle to fit any horse. I wouldn’t go into it with preconceived notions from working with other saddlers…they show up with a car full of actual trees. What I thought my horse needed and what she actually needed were NOT the same, but when they placed the tree they selected on her it was obvious their choice was perfect.
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Thought of this thread because I was casually perusing a saddle group on FB.
First ad on the page was for a wide hoop tree, with a measured 6.5 gullet. Black Country Vinci monoflap with serge panels.
If it was brown I would have bought it.
What about Michael Stokes’ Centaur Saddlery? https://www.centaursaddlery.com/about_us.shtml I’m not sure if he will do the tree, too, but it might be worth asking.
@SolarFlare Did you order through them? Were you able to sit in any kind of demo before ordering? I’ve looked at them, as they are extremely well priced but am terrified to order anything without at least seeing and sitting in some other variation first.
I haven’t, but I know one person who has (and loved the saddle), and I’ve seen one other in person. That one, the original owner had ordered, while it was being made horse had a career-ending injury, and ended up deciding to sell it. I found it for a friend of mine whose horse needed a hoop tree. Although it didn’t fit the rider, it fit the horse beautifully so she bought it so she had something to ride in while she kept searching. Horse moved totally differently in it (in a good way).
The one I saw was made with a sturdier leather, not calfskin. I don’t know if they offer calfskin but this leather looked like it would be hard-wearing and last.
I’ve heard good things about Matt and having him help you online. If you know some other makes/models you like and that fit you, that might give him a better idea of what you need as a rider.
I ordered a saddle from Heritage and was very happy with it. I provided info in regards to saddles that I liked/disliked for me and sent tracings with pictures for my horse. The saddle arrived before the estimated time and fit well. The leather was not as grippy as the French saddles but I had no other complaints. Matt answered a lot of questions and followed up to ensure fit upon arrival. Unfortunately my horse passed away within a year of purchasing from a pasture accident so I can’t speak to its longevity but I have no doubt that it would have worn beautifully.
I can dredge up a photo if you’re interested.
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You might take a look here to see what is more available in the UK. There are many more Cob types there, who would use the kind of saddle you may need.
https://www.thesaddlebank.com/products/saddles/cob-saddles/
UK saddle trees;
https://www.abbeyengland.com/equestrian-products/saddle-trees/
