Finally buying my “big” girl saddle and would love your expert opinions as this is also a ‘big’ purchase for me. I am 47, 5"4" on a low gravity day and short legs (29"inseam). And oh lucky me, I have heavy thighs and big butt (sad sigh).
I am test riding the Trilogy Talisman (a saddle that looks like it would survive a medieval viking war). It has velcro front and rear blocks and feels like a sofa. The rear panels are pretty thick but very soft/pliable. Color is nearly black but still brown. The Black Country Maelstrom is also very comfy and surprisingly lightweight. It’s a lighter caramel color leather. The Harry Dabbs Platinum Future is very comfortable and has the super cool cut back front panel to allow for shoulder freedom. I am a lower level rider, do mostly flat work, some low jumping (2’6 and under) and lots of trail riding/hunter paces. My horse is an OTTB but has a big shoulder and is quite round through the rib cage. Wither tracings and other saddle trials put him in a wide to medium wide and more of a rounder shaped tree ( like a hoop) vs. an “A-frame” shaped tree. Given all that, any thoughts on what saddle might be the best all around match for us? I’m astounded at the knowledge and expertise of you all- thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts! Much appreciated!! 
http://saddlefit.com/saddles_talisman.html
http://www.blackcountrysaddles.com/product/maelstrom/
http://www.harrydabbs.co.uk/future-saddle.htm
I have a saddle from the ‘sister brand’ of Trilogy. It is a lovely saddle and is very reliable. However it is more geared towards an A frame type horse, so I am not sure if the Trilogy would be too. It does have nice big cut outs for my horses shoulders, but I wouldn’t be sure the Trilogy brand does this.
Black county is known for being great for cobs/ponies so that would be my first look.
I have a horse who needs a true hoop and he takes a duett. Once he grows up a bit I will probably get a Black Country.
I’d go with a Black Country because I think they are very comfortable and their hoop tree (freedom tree?) may be a good fit. I’d also love to have surge panels. I’m saving my pennies to get a custom dressage saddle by them.
I had a Wexford in a hoop tree that I loved, but I sold it as I didn’t have a horse for it anymore. I somewhat regret that!
You are looking for a specific answer to a general question. The only way to decide is by riding in all 3 and seeing which your horse goes best in and which you are most comfortable in. In general, the Harry Dabbs Future is designed for OTTBs and is the absolute best for 90% of them. The roundness of his ribcage has nothing to do with the shape of his back, and is not where I look to determine whether a horse needs a hoop. My own OTTB will only go in a Black Country Freedom tree. The Future is quite open in the head, but the Freedom tree is more open, flatter front to back, and lower wither clearance. All of these things and more go into deciding which is better for your horse, plus you have to like it. 
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Thanks for the info on the tree shapes, so much to learn! Do you know if the BC Maelstrom has the freedom tree? I do plan to ride in all three and hopefully one presents as the clear winner, but doubt it will be that easy. My question was intended to be more general than it sounded. Was I interested in hearing any thoughts like ‘saddle a is best for long legs’ or saddle b is best for all around riding/most versatile ’ Or Stay away from saddle C’ (though I think these are all quality saddles). I welcome all the thoughts folks have to share on these brands or even models.
The Maelstrom can be made on 3 different trees. You would need the serial number to find out which tree was used if buying second-hand. If buying new you will need to work with your fitter to determine which tree is best for your horse.
The Harry Dabbs Future saddle was the clear winner. Those cut back panels were amazing and it was very comfortable and allowed a nice close contact feel.
The Maelstrom is just the Quantum with calf leather.
