I need a saddle under $1,000 that will fit a fat, wide haflinger. As I said, she is fat and overweight right now with not much muscling. I want a saddle that is either adjustable or has good resale value so I can resell it and buy a new one once she slims down and muscles up. I need an 18" seat and would prefer an all purpose saddle because we dabble in a bit of everything.
Thanks!
This forum turned me on to Black Country saddles, which I have for my similarly shaped horse. (Although it was more than $1K and close contact, not all purpose.)
For something temporary, consider a Pessoa. They run wide and you can find the old ones with some life left in them for around $1K if you shop well.
I always recommend staying away from all purpose saddles. They really put you in a terrible, poorly balanced position for jumping. Instead, a minimalist close contact saddle (with little or no blocks) and maybe a deeper seat will allow you to stretch your leg down and sink in for flat/dressage work but give you proper balance for jumping.
We fit a lot of Haflinger horses with Duett saddles. They’re more in line with your price range.
Duett hands down.
I have a 18" Thorowgood Broad Backed T8 Gp in stock. It should work well for you. It meets your price point, is adjustable and should fit your guy.
Thornhill.
I am in the same boat with one of my lesson horses, who is also a Haflinger! My saddle fitter recommended Duett, but the rep I called couldn’t get me a saddle for less than $1500. I’m interested to see what you are able to find! I’m looking for a little smaller seat (16.5"-17").
Look online for a used Duett.
Thorowgood cob saddles are nice if you don’t mind synthetic. They are actually half synthetic and half leather, and have the benefit of being adjustable and wool flocked. I have been very happy with mine. I have also had a few Duett saddles and liked them all. My biggest complaint about the Duett saddles it that the dye runs if it gets wet/sweaty. They remind me a lot of the quality of the old Collegiate saddles. Not super fancy, but well put together and able to take a beating without falling apart.
I responded to one of your threads that was copied/pasted of this one in another topic, but I’ll go again here too, since this one seems to have more replies.
A used Duett.
