Hi Everyone
I am on the hunt for a used dressage saddle. I had a saddle fitter come out today and do a tracing on my gelding. He has very large set back shoulders and a tiny back. I am trying to stay under $2000 for my budget. Can you all give me some advice on brands/models to look at? He needs a saddle that either has adjustable gullet (so I know about the Bates, Wintec, Thorowgood, and Kent & Masters) or rear facing tree points (I was told Hennig or Schleese).
Any other suggestions?
Thanks
Albion short panels, probably wide or X-wide tree if he had large shoulders. Albion SLK generally has curvier trees. Albion Platinum has straighter trees. Albion saddles manufactured from 2014 and onward have adjustable trees. One key consideration is you. You will need to find a saddle you like. Don’t get any saddle you can’t sit well in. You will be wasting your time.
I bought a Kent & Masters for my pony who needed a lower and wider tree and I do like the saddle for the price. I love my Hennig which is now for sale as it doesn’t fit said pony, but I don’t think you’re going to find one for under $2000.
LetItBe
Not exactly true. The Genesis tree has interchangeable gullet plates, but you’ll probably need an Albion rep to do it for you. Standard Albion spring trees can be adjusted within the normal limits of any traditional spring tree (one tree size up or down, and not too many times). But you’ll need to find a saddle fitter with a tree press to do it, and that isn’t always easy to find.
Beware of the so-called Albion “Adjusta-Tree” – it is NOT adjustable. The Society of Master Saddlers sent out bulletins to their members warning that the tree design is flawed, and that adjusting them will crack them. I’ve been warned by two independent master saddlers about this. You will notice that Albion no longer advertises this tree, or talks about it at all. I happen to own an SLK with this tree and am very disappointed that I can’t have it widened.
I have a horse with a VERY short back/space for the saddle. He also has large shoulders, a bit set back, and a forward girth groove. Yes, I really won the lottery here. :winkgrin:
I haven’t been impressed with Albions on him. Still too long. Even a shortened SLK. I picked up a Karl Niedersuss Symphonie that has come heavily recommended that I will try today. I think it will be too long as well, but I bought it cheap enough that I’m comfortable reselling it.
Kent and Masters were recommended to me, Kieffer also makes the Lusitano, Inzell (even shorter), and Amsterdam models that are good for a short back. Kieffer saddle trees are adjustable and they are wool flocked. They are next on my list as well as Harry Dabbs/Jaguar. They run short too. The Sommer Esprit is within your price range and is tailored for a short back and shoulder freedom. I think their trees can be adjusted by a saddle fitter but I cannot recall.
I also opted for a Total Saddle Fit girth due to the large shoulder/forward girth groove.
Weird. I have been incredibly happy with my Albion on my short back 14.1 Morgans. At this time, I own two custom Albion and one I purchased off eBay for three different short backed ponies. I do work with a certified Albion rep though.
There is no Albion rep near me. I could work with one long distance I suppose, but I have tried 3 Albions and 2 of them specified shorter/pony panels. None of them worked. The closest one to being ok, still resulted in a grump from my horse. I personally like Albions, so I wanted them to work. I didn’t find them to be as short as they were made out to be. YMMV.
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