Brands that fit like a Tad Coffin? Prestige, Tech 1 by Erreplus?

[fivestrideline]

I have a new 5yo TB that I’m hoping to get on soon if it ever dries out up here. One obstacle besides the weather - neither of my saddles fit! I have a Pessoa on the adjustable tree, and it’s definitely too A frame for his shoulders. The Tad Coffin A5 fits his shape great, but he needs more wither clearance. I could have the TC repaneled (it needs it) which might fix the issue, but I’m also open to adding to the collection. I don’t mind spending ~$2500 but the cheaper the better since he’s FRESH off the track and bound to change shape

Are there any brands that fit like a TC A5 that I should look at? Or at least options that have that open headed shape without making me feel like I’m sitting on a barrel? I had a CWD but I don’t think that shape is going to fit well. I also had a Stubben but the panels got super narrow right under the stirrup bars and I need a wide channel.

Prestige? Or the off the shelf Antares? I’ve seen the tree in the Erreplus semi custom Tech 1 and it looks interesting. Thoughts?

Here’s the back I’m trying to fit. I can get more pics later but he’s not wide, just has some shoulder.

[IPEsq]

What about the leather TC pads to provide more lift?

[fivestrideline]

of course! I wish I could try one before shelling out for it. Maybe I can find one used.

The TC sits right on his withers when I just plunk it down on his back. But the shape is right (as far as I can tell). The panels DO need new foam, but in the meantime a leather pad might work.

[CBoylen]

Or, just have a mattes properly shimmed to the TC. But if it needs the panels done, do it. I’m holding off on mine going in for service until the end of hunt season, but my bodyworker is already grumbling at me and has added more fill to the mattes pad. Saddle was redone five years ago and literally only goes on my own personal horse and nothing else, so I’m grumbling too.

[fivestrideline]

Do you use shims or wool in the pockets? I have a mattes for a different horse (I don’t use any shims) so I could try that for “cheap”.

Ugh yes I should just get the panels done. But I also want the knee rolls redone, so I’m stalling

[IPEsq]

Maybe call Tad and see if you can do a trial?

[CBoylen]

The felt shims. My bodyworker/saddle fitter does it. It’s one of those art/science things, there’s a lot of feeling and hemming and hawing and removing and adding.

[NaturallyHappy]

I had a Beval Gladstone I loved. The balance was great and it fit well. We rehabbed and sold a loss of use horse for an insurance company. He went so well in that saddle, the person who bought him asked to buy the saddle. I agreed…not realizing it was no longer made and couldn’t be replaced. Dumb me.

[IPEsq]

Also, I would always put my Luc Childeric on a horse like this. Might still need some kind of half pad in the beginning at least.

[MissusS]

I am the furthest thing from an expert but just wanted to chime in that I have a Tech 1 dressage saddle that I love and my horse loves. I bought it for my late OTTB mare who needed a mattes pad under it as she was still developing and imagine all of our surprise (me, saddle fitter, coach) when it beautifully also fit my new appendix mare. I do get a lot of compliments on it as well. I only add this as when I was looking for saddles there was very little out there about Tech 1 so I was a bit uncertain about choosing an “unknown/uncommon” brand but I am very happy with my choice.

[fordtraktor]

I had the exact same issue, sold my A5 and bought a TC2. It solved the either issue entirely and I still have that perfect TC balance for me!

[fivestrideline]

Don’t tempt me. Unless I find one used…

[fordtraktor]

I definitely bought mine used for around your budget, but that has been like 10 years.

[AcuAnimal]

If you haven’t figured it out yet you may try the TC2. It tends to fit TBs better than the A5.

Have you been to his website? He has directions on how to fit depending on the horse’s shape and which saddle you have.

Prestige is going to pinch his shoulders I fear. (Ask me how I know)

[fivestrideline]

Haha the A5 fits one TB like a glove, but not this one.

I ended up getting a fitter out, and they agree the A5 is a no. I started another thread about nicer saddles that have the Wintec shape, as that’s what my fitter says he needs right now. Since he’s bound to develop a lot, I’m not ready to spend $$$$ just yet.

[AcuAnimal]

The TC2 is really, really hard to find used. (Ask me how I know)

It sounds like you are on track though.

[rory.jack]

I have a used TC2 for sale if you are still interested. I just happened across this forum looking for info on stirrup leathers and saw this! My horse passed away in Sept so only selling for this reason.

[NaturallyHappy]

I’m sorry💔.

[rory.jack]

Aw thank you. It’s been the most devastating thing ever

[AcuAnimal]

@rory.jack

My horse passed away in Sept

Oh I’m so so sorry!

I did find one. On the other side of the country and in another country - Canada. For about $1700 shipped. It’s rough but fits and works well until I can get it updated the rest of the way.