I’d try a Duett Fidelio if you can find one, I used one on a similar mare for years with one of those shaped girths. The saddle I bought was a tad wide for her so I got one of those tapered white foam pads to fill out the front and rode in that for the first year until her topline filled out. You can get an upswept panel for a short backed horse if needed too if you order a new one.
The Eq saddle science is another great suggestion for hard to fit horses.
Thanks for all the great ideas, everyone!
Atlatl, in coordination with my fitters, I’ve tried front padding both via flocking and various shim options.
The mare is in full fluff-mode, so I know lack of fitness is a contributor, but the best way to get her slimmed down is to ride. She’s not great on the lunge, and I don’t have a roundpen.
Several people have mentioned the EQ saddle, so I think that will be my next step.
I also ordered a different crupper to try.
I rode her this weekend bareback again and she was just lovely. To those of you saying I might find the canter easier to ride, I just am not a strong enough rider to feel comfortable trying.
Depending on your budget, you might consider a fully custom saddle such as Superior Saddlery. Measured and made for the individual horse and its rider, it will fit your horse and you. Paul Selvey is a master saddle maker. He’s got Tic Tok and Facebook accounts.
If you’re planning to keep this horse for a long time, it might be well worth the investment to have something custom made for her unique figure.
@CobJockey mentioned her good experiences with WOW saddles. No personal experience, but apparently they are highly customizable which might be helpful as she gets fitter.
Here’s her blog with some details - https://www.cobjockey.com/2025/06/breeding-and-saddle-fitting.html?m=1
I am happy to purchase a custom saddle that works for her. The problem is, we haven’t found something that doesn’t slip. And I am not willing to shell out $$$$$ for something without some sort of trial or fit-guarantee. This horse is a homebred and quirky, she has a home with us for life. The challenge is physics, not willingness.
maybe try the Envy/Aviar saddles. My fitter says the tree is neither hoop nor regular. She says it is its very own thing. The Aviar Rook 3 seems to fit my wide bodied pony like a glove. However he is not narrow in front. But its worth a try for them to plop one on and see what it does. and agree maybe one of the girths shaped like a moon but maybe put on backwards, so the bulge points back over her round area?
Agreed. They have a very generous trial program. Try one out. I love mine.
EQ has. A great trial program.
Hopefully EQ works, I now have three of their saddles, one for each of my princesses. Mine tend towards wide front to back, so not the same shape as yours OP. Mine all love the shoulder freedom they have in their EQ saddles. Keep us posted on how the trial goes, fingers crossed it goes well.
The best way to slim her down is to manage her diet.
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