Custom saddlery saddles for a long and slopey wither and slightly curved back?

[ebott2015]

Not sure if anyone has a horse shaped like mine rides in a Custom saddle? back picture: https://www.flickr.com/photos/149346558@N06/31056114071/in/dateposted-public/

I didn’t think that my horse is that hard to fit as he seems pretty normal shaped, but unfortunately a lot of saddles don’t fit him. The one that does fit him is an Amerigo classic dressage but I personally prefer a deeper seat. The Custom seats are super comfy, and I’m very balanced in it, but I’m not sure if they have a tree that’ll fit him? He does not tolerate even the smallest bridging. I have the fitter coming out soon but just want to get an opinion here.

[DressageHorses4Me]

My horse has the curved back part. I ride in a Custom Wolfgang Solo. I’ve been told by 2 fitters it’s not the best option for him because the trees are more of a flat and straight tree. However, 2 other fitters that it fits him just fine. Go figure. I have it fitted about once every year or two to check the flocking, etc. My horse goes well in it and I am in love with the saddle. It has honestly made me a better rider. I agree, I like a deep seat, narrow twist, and stay very balanced in the Custom saddle. You have to find a good compromise for you AND your horse. If either one of you aren’t comfortable, it won’t work. I think you can say, in theory, what kind of a saddle should work best on what kind of a horse and for the most part, probably be correct. But honestly, when it comes down to it, you just have to ride in them and see how you and your horse likes it. I think finding a saddle is almost as hard as finding a spouse! Haha

[mychestnutvalentine]

I rode in a Custom Saddlery saddle and had one of the best rides to date on my mare. It locks you in a correct position. It’s like my mare can really move her shoulders compared to other saddles. My trainer also uses one on her Oldenburg event we who has large shoulders and a somewhat slopy back.

[Magicboy]

I agree that you really have to try it, I ride in a solo also and have seen lots of improvement in my own position and my horse is very happy I have an advantage for another, differently shaped horse that is also very good. Try some out!

[Libby2563]

My understanding from buying a Custom a few years ago is that the different models fit differently, have different (and in many cases adjustable) trees, etc so I’m not sure a blanket statement about what type of horse they fit is possible. There are so many models that hopefully you and your fitter can find one that works!

[sortofbyx]

If you’re interested in purchasing a Custom, I would absolutely hi local rep and be prepared to try a bunch. Custom has subtly different balance points and tree shapes that each alter the ride slightly. It’s awesome because you do get a truly customized fit (duh! :P) but it takes trial to find it. Additionally they have different block options so you can find what fits you just right!

[normandy_shores]

I have a custom saddlery Coronado. It has the flex tree and curve to it which my horse seems to really like. Tried a Wolfgang solo but the panels/tree were too flat and caused bridging. The icon flight was suggested instead and that fit well, but I picked upon this Coronado that fit even better.

[rosewoodfarms]

I have the Icon Flight and it works great for my tb with a curved back and large withers

[netg]

My TB fits in most Custom saddles quite well, but he fits in the same saddles as my trainer’s KWPN horses all do, a very standard type of shape. My (warmblood) mare has a more curvy back which is not as easy a fit. I have an Advantage R on her, which is a more curvy tree than the Advantage Monoflap I use on my gelding. Both are monoflap which I prefer and I got the smallest blocks possible so they’re out of my way. The saddles also have flat spots in the seat which I need to be able to sit properly.

Point being, yes Custom should have a saddle with enough curve to fit your horse properly.