Well I have had a disapointing month. I have a hard to fit TB that fits a dressage saddle but not a western. So I explored my options. I ordered a saddle from Down Under, an Australian that in all rights should have fit my horse. It kept sliding back and was too tight in the shoulders. The man I talked to said his name was Lance and said it would be the first TB it had not fit in 13 years. He did communicate an return number for it and issued a return. And although all I did was put it on her back and ride in it with a covered fuzzy and my own stirrups I still got charged the restocking fee, even though the website says if it looks unused there is no fee. I should have taken pictures, the saddle was spotless on return. I am so mad!!! I wanted others to know in case anyone is thinking of ever dealing with them.
I also tried an Annie George. Wow, lucky I paid very little for it. It fits my horse and is OK to ride but I couldn’t believe the lack of quality. I changed the screws out, they almost went all the way through the saddle, the leather is not finished correctly, the edges are all rough and the tacks and footmans loops are placed crookedly on the saddle. It will work for now but I sure as heck wouldn’t pay what she is asking full price if that’s the quality. Geez.
I had a problem with my aussie slipping as well. I use a breast collar and a crupper to keep it from sliding around. It fit my mare great though. I haven’t ridden in it on my new gelding but it fits him even better than it fit my mare.
Tried treeless, high long wither discounted pretty much every single one from what the fitting people told me.
I guess I could have used a breast collar with the Aussie and see if it broke in. It really was pretty narrow on her big shoulders though. Oh well…
I personally don’t like any Aussie brands but the ones from the Australian Stock Saddle Company. I have three from them and have sold Down Unders for fitting issues- would not fit any horse I tried it on.
I’ve returned two saddles to Down Under. Didn’t have any problems. Guess it depends on who you work with.
Coule you have gotten it stretched at all? I know when I had m western saddle and it wasn’t fitting well the maker stretched it so it would fit better and shaved the fenders so they weren’t rubbing her shoulders.
[QUOTE=Amym600;6990697]
Tried treeless, high long wither discounted pretty much every single one from what the fitting people told me.
I guess I could have used a breast collar with the Aussie and see if it broke in. It really was pretty narrow on her big shoulders though. Oh well…[/QUOTE]
I’ll tell you I have a horse whose wither is like a hand higher than his back, and he has linebacker shoulders and a short back! The EZ fit has this big external pommel that keeps the saddle off his withers. It works like a charm. And it’s rigid. Are you in the Maryland/Pennsylvania area? If you’re interested I’d be happy to let you try out mine. And it’s stable and supportive. Go figure.
My weird, short-coupled, high-withered, wide-shouldered horse http://www.flickr.com/photos/52967336@N00/5941461443/
Paula
I will look into the EZ fit. My horse looks like yours!
:lol: We should start a club! I feel your pain -an Aussie was one of the first fails on Fella’s back. Everything bridges if it’s longer than 17" (and I like an 18 at least). I hadn’t planned on treeless either, but a UDBB poster loaned me her EZ fit et voila! I ended up buying one. All I need now is a dressage-legal EZ fit and the saddle maker, Eli Beiler, is working on an English version.
Paula
Have you considered trying a Frank Baines LDR? I’ve fit those to several Tbs and Anglo/Tbs; they tend to work well for that conformation.
The Baines Enduro has an A shaped tree that can also be very accommodating longitudinally as well for a TB and if needed, wither gussets could be added. Trumbull Mtn carries several that you can demo on a trial.
