I’m riding a beer keg. Any advice on saddles?

[Bristol_Bay]

I decided to start my own thread after resurrecting an Off Course thread with little attention.

I’m leasing a PRE that is basically the opposite of the high withered TB I’m used to buying saddles for. I own a CWD Mademoiselle that works okay for now, but when my friend tried to ground mount, the saddle ended up underneath him. I’d really like to find a used dressage saddle for him as that’s closer to his training.

Can I look for a wide tree, or does it need to be a hoop tree? I have my eye on a couple Albions on eBay that are a model that suits me (forward flap, open seat) and have W trees.

Pics for reference. Pardon his dust.

His face.

[Demerara_Stables]

What a c/hunk!

My only advice is that my Countys tend to fit wider horses (I have two QHs and a wide Hanoverian going in them). Not sure if that’s your cup of tea or not.

[Bristol_Bay]

I love County saddles. I tried several times to find one for my TB without success. Haven’t seen any for sale around here though. More of an east coast thing.

[Demerara_Stables]

Agreed. You’re in SoCal right?

I’ve bought a few from a local fitter that used to be a rep and still sells them used as an independent fitter, and got one from Highline.

[Bristol_Bay]

Yes, I am. I’m looking at Highline right now.

[Demerara_Stables]

I’ve got 3 that need new homes. One is a M tree so probably wouldn’t work for this guy, and I need to check the widths of the others. They are all jumping saddles though, not sure if you are looking for dressage specifically.

[Bristol_Bay]

No, my jump saddle is okay on him. I want something around $1000, but it has to fit me.

[Greys]

My (and my lads’) preferred saddle for my PREs is the older Albion Original Comfort dressage saddle, with a hoop tree. I also have Albion SLKs, and a Europa, but the OC just fits better. They often come available through the usual reseller sources.

greys

[OverandOnward]

I have no idea about the saddle, but that “beer keg” description is hilarious and I’m borrowing it.

What a handsome horse! Enjoy your new equine acquisition, with or without a saddle!

[Bristol_Bay]

He’s just a half lease to give me something to ride, but yes, very easy on the eyes! I just started and am hoping it goes well.

[enjoytheride]

I would check out the Loxley brand saddles. They have both a hoop tree and a baroque tree.

I have one for my own beer keg with legs.

[Festivity]

That’s not wide! This is wide…

Just kidding, he’s a pretty boy and I feel your pain on the saddle fitting front. I’ve had really good luck with the EQ saddle science saddles fitting wide well without being too wide for me. I also have the dressage saddle that doesn’t fit the above back now that it’s this wide that needs a new home. It might be too wide for your guy. It has a 17” seat, PM me if you want more details.

[alpine1]

This might be a good place to look, although mostly (all?) UK Used Specialist Saddles

[Demerara_Stables]

[Bristol_Bay]

17” is too small for me, but thanks!

You could serve dinner on that back!

[Festivity]

No worries. I hope you find a saddle that works for both of you.

Mine’s not a keg on legs, she’s a propane tank on legs!

[shall]

My propane tank went well in a Fairfax (Kent & Masters now) adjustable cob saddle. The K&M’s come in full synthetic or partial leather. The price and upkeep needs are low. Might consider that. The finish was finding a girth she liked. She muscled up and popped a wither. New saddle was needed then.

[Nous]

The advice I got was thin panels are a must, a hoop tree is not a necessity.

The link that alpine1 posted is to a Facebook page run by Andrea Hicks saddles for used saddles, this is their main site:

AH Saddles - Wide Horse, Cob & Pony Saddles

A friend has her beer keg in a Comfort Elite Mathew Lawrence Show Saddle, they also make an Iberian saddle and coblet saddles:
https://www.comfortsaddles.co.uk/comfort-elite-saddles

I have mine in an Ideal Rebecca:

Rebecca Dressage - idealsaddle

Ideal also do a Podhajsky saddle:

Podhajsky Dressage - idealsaddle

ETA My saddler also recommended an Equipe saddle.

[Nous]

Second hand saddle retailers in the UK:

Saddles Direct:

Saddles Direct | The Saddle People

Saddlebank:
https://www.thesaddlebank.co.uk

Sheepham:
https://www.sheephamsaddles.com

[enjoytheride]

I’m confused how thin panels are the answer?