Okay. So.
I’m a young professional looking for a jump saddle that will fit a variety of horses. I understand that no one saddle will be able to fit every horse, but I’m looking for something that will be okay on the typical sport horse- thoroughbred and warmblood.
I own a draft x and have a custom saddle for him that will be used on wider horses. Just curious about other people’s experiences with different saddles and what seemed to work best.
Thanks!
When I was freelancing, my county solution monoflap (medium tree) fit a ton of different shaped horses, from TBs (with a Mattes half pad) to WBs.
It’s best to ride horses in the saddle that fits them best, but if that’s not possible, that is what I had success with.
I worked for a trainer in CA who had a lot of OTTBs and Grand Prix WBs - we rode in Butet there. I’m on my second one since then! Mine fits most, but of course my personal horses needed a little less so I got another one just for her.
I feel like a variety of brands would suit this need, and everyone has their preference.
3 Likes
Traditionally, the older Stubbens were known for fitting more horses and riders than other brands, Passier second best.
I had both, a Stubbed Rex 16’" I used for colts and some showing and a really old Passier 16" jumping that fit what the Stubben didn’t, used on all kinds of breeds and sizes of horses.
I used a real sheepskin pad and later the hospital fleece white pads that became more popular and were thicker and I weighed 98#, so many saddles were ok.
If a rider is heavier, that may change what saddle you should use.
I still have my old Stubben Rex and is in excellent shape.
Those last forever if you keep them cared for.
3 Likes
Well it all depends on what type of saddle you like, and how fashionable you want to be. And how much you want to spend, of course. Myself, being of a certain age, I don’t think that you can beat a medium width Crosby PDN for versatility and fitting lots of horses. Minimalist saddle, that puts your leg and seat close to the horse’s sides. For something with a bit more wither, I have my Courbette Stylist I, also medium width. And because these saddles are old now, and not “in style” any more, they are often available for cheap, and often have lots of life left in them. My Courbette I bought new in about 1979. It’s had the billets replaced (easy and cheap to do). It’s still my favourate saddle really. I’ve picked up a few more saddles too, a flat minimalist Stubben, built on the same plan as my other saddles. Just like vehicles, the older saddles were quality built to last… the newer ones tend to be junk, built cheap, shiny and flashy, wear out fast, and expensive to purchase.
2 Likes
County on a M tree seems to fit a lot of horses, they have a generous fit and aren’t so A frame you pinch everything. A good shimmable half pad goes a long way. Tad Coffin is another one that seems to fit a remarkable number of horses, but some people don’t like to ride in them.
For the horses, I think it’s best to ride in what fits them. However, two used saddles, one more A frame and one more open headed like a Stubben or TC can fit a lot of horses for occasional rides.
1 Like
Look for the most average M tree with a saddle that puts you in the best position–this is like the one time where I think it matters more that the saddle fits you, because you need to be able to ride your best as a professional across a wide range of horses. Then get a shimmable mattes pad–that will help more than the saddle tbh.
I’d look at older used saddles, too, so you’re not out a lot of money if for some reason you need to change saddles. CWDs are plentiful and are predictably MW, but they don’t necessarily fit all horses well (definitely need a mattes pad). I know someone who seemingly has a magic Butet that fits everything–it’s 10+ years old. I personally still wistfully think about my old Pessoa A/O that seemed to fit every animal I put it on, but I think you’d have a harder time tracking something like that down.
I think realistically you’re going to be better off with two saddles, one narrower and one wider and then shimmable pads that are specific to each horse. That’s what most of the professionals I work with do. The shimming pads will be especially helpful to correct any asymmetry that so many horses have. I really like my renaissance saddle that’s wool flocked. I think the wool may be softer against different backs and that can buy you a little fit as well. It has that traditional butet fit for the rider.
2 Likes
Oh another PDN fan! I still ride in mine from the 1970s and bought another one on eBay a few years ago that needed conditioning. I’ve ridden everything in my PDNs—from OTTBs to ponies, to a couple warmbloods and a completely round, 50-gallon-barrel-built foundation QH. I showed the “A” H/J circuit as a junior, did the Maclay finals, have played polo, trail ride, and pushed cows in it. I’ve never ever had a horse with back or pain issues from it.
2 Likes
One more time with feeling, I wish I hadn’t sold my medium Stylist 
Though, to be fair, I’d need a bigger seat size these days.
1 Like
Do you mean a close contact saddle or an all purpose saddle?
