Hi, I know there are some threads on this but, didn’t exactly see the info I needed. I am 5’1" on a good day, lol. 107 lbs. It was suggested to me to look for a monoflap saddle less bulk under my leg and the blocks on the outside of the saddle. I apologize if my terminology is wrong. I don’t have my own horse currently so I was thinking a MW to W, and I can always shim with pads. My lesson horses vary. I have a budget of around 3000. My CC saddle is a 17, Antares. I tried a 16.5 but it was a little too friendly if you know what I mean. It was a narrow twist too so that was a little confusing. Any suggestions? I know for this budget it will be used and I’m fine with that. Thanks in advance!
I am very happy with my Stubben Juventus, which is a youth saddle with 17" seat and shorter flaps. Looks like it still starts at around $2500 new (though I have no regrets about upgrading to the biomax seat!) And I see one for $1200 on Ebay.
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With everything we know about saddle fit for the horse I don’t know how much sense it makes to have a personal saddle that you try to shim to fit different horses unless you have similar back shapes and a pretty detailed knowledge about static and dynamic fit.
That being said, I’m the same height and weight down to a pound or two. I really enjoyed my passier young star with my last mare. I found the prestige lucky to be too tight in the seat at least the unbroken one I sat in. A local rider with a similar build loves her juventus but I haven’t sat in one.
I’ve done extensive exercise riding and had a few training horses and always ridden in owners tack. It’s nice being in a smaller saddle but I haven’t found it really inhibits any work below second level. My current mare is in a longer flap black country because it works for her. Aesthetically it’s not a great look with my short legs but it doesn’t really bother either of us.
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At the risk of sounding like a broken record: Trilogy saddles. They offer a short flap option standard for all their saddles. They have 3 dual-flap models and 3 monoflap models, plus a jump saddle to choose from. The monoflaps may be a little more difficult to find used, but the regular dual-flap seem to show up fairly frequently on sale pages. Short flap specifically may require a bit more searching but, as I can attest, they ARE out there…
I stumbled across this brand while I was saving up for my replacement custom-made saddle since I was told I would never find an off-the-rack saddle with a flap short enough for my leg. My Trilogy (purchased well used) has fit everything I have put it on well enough of all shapes (I’m not doing GP movements by a long shot) all the horses have gone very well in it, and my position has been very easy to maintain.
You should be able to buy a barely used Trilogy for your budget- mine was much less than that and it’s still in fabulous condition many years later!
Just to add: we are the same height, OP.
Prestige ‘Lucky’ is a fabulous youth saddle. It only comes in 16" but I love mine. I am barely 5’ / 110# and ride a very broad 13.2 pony in it.
Custom saddles come in short flaps as well. I have 16.5" Wolfgang Solo for my 14.3 Morgan mare. Some people poo-poo the larger knee rolls on Custom saddles, but i have the shorter ones and really like them.
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Was also going to suggest Trilogy, particularly their Debbie MacDonald option.
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