[quote=“Urbanhorse
[IMG]https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/28/59706992_c59234bd8e.jpg)
Buying a high end semi custom saddle is apparently a bit like rolling the dice. It might or might not end up fitting. That’s why many of us prefer to buy high end second hand saddles and get them reflocked to fit our horses.
That is, if they are wool flocked saddles. Foam saddle panels can’t be altered.
An English saddle in good used condition will be about 50% of retail, less if its quite old.
The wool flocked brands I like for my horse (Passier, County) start at about $4000 new, but I’ve paid much much less. The really popular French foam saddles like CWD and Devocoux, etc. are up to $10,000 in Canada so I assume $7000 plus in the US?
I would much prefer to get an older Passier or County for $1000 than any new English saddle at that price point.
I’m 5’10" and own a 16hh, very narrow TB. I think I look a bit tall on him, especially because he’s not stocky enough to take up lots of my leg, but we don’t have any problems when I’m riding him and I don’t FEEL tall on him at all. I think a lot of that comfort will come with you both learning your new jobs well and getting the feel down.
I’m really glad to read that you plan to have him trained and meanwhile learn to jump on an experienced horse, instead of learning on your green one. That’s the best way to go, for sure. Enjoy it!
Congratulations on your new horse. His size/your size/your weight as you describe is a total non-issue.
Your real challenge is going to be mastering a new discipline, jumping. I would urge you to start with lessons with a reputable instructor on a well trained horse that already knows the job. A good instructor can also assist you with your TB and provide advice in the way of saddle fit and basic training for him.
Your TB very well may prove to be a talented jumper, but an inexperienced person cannot successfully teach a horse to jump. I would recommend starting with teaching the horse basic flatwork under the supervision of an experienced trainer who can provide advice and direction.
Well, I’m 5’8" with long legs and have no problem jumping my 14.3 hh paint mare. I also have a 15.2 ottb that fits me perfectly, and a 16.3 ottb that’s unnecessarily large.
I think that there’s been a shift in what’s considered a “big-enough” horse in recent years with no basis in reality. A 16 hh horse is big, despite show ring fashion. People wanting giant horses is nothing but a fad.
I’m about an inch shorter than you, with a horse about the same size. I love everything about my horse, but every time I see a picture of me on him, I always wish he was just a bit bigger. I always feel like I look too tall for him, even though I’m not. Just a matter of preference I guess. For reference, I do the Low Adult Hunters. 
I am 5’7 with long legs and a short torso, weight a tad under 150#. I prefer a horse who’s barrel will take up my leg. And personal preference I really prefer to not have my heels below horses barrel- but that might require a Shire). My horse is a 16’2 average build OTTB. I wish she were a little more “stout” but we seem to do fine together. Have fun with your new horse!
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