I currently riding in a Bates Isabell that I feel is a tad long for my horse, and wanted to know if anyone was familiar with the K&M saddles, specifically if the original series was longer or shorter (or the same) as the S-Series in the panels.
We have no saddle fitters nor saddle shops within kooee of here, so online guesstimation is the best I can do.
They are different trees, and the Original Series has been discontinued. They do fit different types of horses. The panel length is probably similar.
I have been selling them for about a decade. Feel free to PM if you have more questions.
I was hoping you’d see this!
I’ll PM you.
The Original is second hand, actually both are, so yep aware it is a bit different.
I had a Wintec Isabella that I loved and tried a Bates Isabella last year when I was saddle shopping. I liked the older one better than the updated one. I ended up buying a K&M dressage saddle that I liked better and was able to ride in them both back to back to compare. I am happy with it. I truly loved my Albion SLK Ultima from my warmblood days, but my current horses just need a shorter saddle so this is what I have now. I have had it for a year (bought new but I would have to look up the model) and my saddle fitter keeps the horse and I happy with it. I know you said that wasn’t an option though. I have changed the gullets myself and it was less of a fight with the K&M than it is with the Bates saddles that I have.
Which K&M model did you get? Did you find it sits you like the Isabell?
I have the K&M high wither S series and absolutely love it! I ordered it through Trumbull Mountain several years ago and they were outstanding to work with!
I got the Competition Dressage. Again, my Isabelle was probably from 15-20 years that I loved. I tried the new one on my current horse and preferred the seat on the K & M. I do not love a super deep seat and not a fan of huge knee rolls. I actually have always avoided monoflaps because I did not like the knee blocks, but the K & M monoflap seems better (but again, different horses). My current horse has a short and well muscled back, but unlike most OTTB’s he doesn’t have a shark fin wither and is croup high, so finding a saddle that fits well took a few tries and different styles. I tried several Fairfax models but felt the saddle seat seemed too arched or rounded up for my comfort. I typically like a narrow twist as well. And especially for the price point, I was very pleased with the K & M dressage saddle. Happy hunting - it is so frustrating.
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