So far unable to find a saddle fitter who thinks they have an option for my saddlebred. I have a Acavallo riser to make my current saddle kind of work, but realize that is not a long term option. Any recommendations on good custom brands to consider, that are perhaps overlooked/under valued? I love my custom Frank Baines Dressage…considering looking at one of his Jumping saddles, but I realize their prices have gone up a LOT since 2007.
What part of Canada are you in? If you’re in/near Alberta, look at Sankey saddles through Precision Saddle Fitting. I bought mine a while ago, so prices probably have gone up, but it was only about $4k for full, and I mean full custom… to the point where a) my name is written on the tree and b) the model is named after me.
It’s the most comfortable thing I’ve ever sat in, and the options to fit the horse seemed endless. He was a tough fit because he starts wide, and then abruptly gets really narrow, so I ended up a wide tree coupled with front gussets.
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I am in Alberta. And I have been trying to get Donna out/to communicate with me, but so far communication has been lacking. Maybe it is just Covid making travel trickier, I don’t know. How long ago did you get your saddle? I only paid $2500 for my fully custom dressage in 2007, but I worked directly with Frank Baines, so that probably helped cut costs. I need to find another up and comer perhaps.
Im not in Canada and don’t have a Saddlebred but have you tried any older Butet saddles? They were designed for a curvy back that Saddlebreds tend to have. Might not be wide enough for the shoulders but worth trying a few.
Saddlebreds are so majestic.
I would assume covid for the lack of communication.
I think I got my saddle 6 or 7 years ago.
Sankey also has started making all the same models in a slightly lower grade of leather (the one I saw still looked and felt good), at a lower price point.
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You can also try The Forward Horse she carries a few lines at different price points and might be able to help you out.
The saddle doctor does trips to Alberta. I had a very good experience with her. https://www.thesaddledoctor.ca/
He has a very flat back…big shoulders, but then a long sausage of a body. his thoracic is horizontal, but has big withers/shoulders that have to be accommodated. He is a good sport horse…but would have failed as a saddleseat horse!
I talked to the Saddledoctor, but she had broken her back a week prior and was on bed rest! Not sure when she will be back in action 
she was very nice to talk to.
I sent Karen an email/inquiry on Sunday…no response yet. I didn’t see anything on her website that would be suitable though. So far Four Winds (Grand Parie) has been the winner communication wise. She sells a few brands - I am hoping to connect with her soon.
In the UK but a Kent and Masters and in the CA, Freedmans saddles designed for ASBs have fit most I have ridden with flatter backs and deep shoulders.
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