High wither - Kieffer, Prestige?

[bcarr519]

Hey guys! I know for a fact this topic has been posted 100x, but I’m with the group of people who needs some help with narrowing down saddle options for a high withered TB mare. I’ve included 2 photos of her so you can see what I’m working with. Against my better judgment, one of the photos shows her a little bit ribby in August (she had some weight loss following an abscess, barn move, and a feed change without my knowledge, but she’s back to normal now. Photo was taken as part of a series when I was monitoring her weight gain).

Most of what I’m seeing is that Prestige and Kieffer are really good options for high withers. My barn owner has also recommended the Albion Kontact Lite (I’ll be able to try that on her this evening). I’m not dead-set on any saddle brand at this point and I’m willing to purchase used if necessary to fit my budget. I’m looking at $3000 or less, but I’d prefer to keep it under $2500. I don’t intend to do anything higher than like 2’6" because I’m a sissy.

Specific saddles I’m looking at are: Prestige Roma Jump and Kieffer Arezzo. I was kind of set on the Roma up until I read a review on it that someone’s fitter said it was really low quality for a Prestige. Any opinions on those 2 saddles would be helpful, as well as any other recommendations based on the photos I’ve posted.

Edit to add: The other issue I’m having is what seat size to buy. It looks like neither of these come in half sizes and I usually ride in a 17.5. Any advice on that front is also welcomed!

Thanks so much!

[gallop_jump]

I’ve quite liked how the U-shaped tree heads have fit my ottbs with large withers. Generally saddles of the German persuasion have U shaped heads - Kieffer, Stubben, Passier, etc. If you need a side by side visual, saddlefitting.us on instagram - she does a good job showing U versus A shaped headplates. Here’s the plug though - work with a fitter, try different saddles, don’t commit to anything without trying it on your horse first.

[Daventry]

Shoot! I have a Jaguar XJS Paris close contact for sale that was purchased for a high withered, slightly wider backed gelding. He has since passed away so I have no use for the saddle any more. Unfortunately, it is a 16.5 seat.

[OTTBs]

@bcarr519

The other issue I’m having is what seat size to buy. It looks like neither of these come in half sizes and I usually ride in a 17.5.

I ride in a 17.5 or 18 inch and I have Kieffers in both size 1 and size 2. Unless you’re worried about swimming in a too-big saddle, I think you could take either size.

[StormyDay]

Passier if you want a U shaped pommel, Devoucoux if you want a French brand. A used devoucoux will be within budget and I find the majority come with a high enough pommel to fit most high withers horses

[173north]

Another vote for Stubben, they are well-known for fitting high withers well as they have a U-shaped headplate.

[Layananda]

I have a herd of TBs and Warmblood/TBs. Big withers. I have 3 Prestige Meredith saddles in different sizes, which have worked just fine for my gang, using slightly different pads.

I recently purchased a TB with ridiculous withers, with a big hollow behind the withers. While one of my Merediths fits fine-ish with the right pad, unless I have the pads arranged perfectly, it slightly bridges.

So, I decided to demo a Michel Robert Prestige. Solved the problem. And this model also fits my TB with remarkably large shoulders, a bit better than a Meredith fits him.

Prestige makes wonderful saddles. You can find an assortment of used Prestige saddles in your price range.

I tried the Roma and did not like it.