Saddle fit for rider?

[SUNKIST090888]

Some background info: I’m currently riding ina wintec 500 dressage saddle that came with my horse. It’s a stamped 18" that measures closer to 19". It fits my mare ok-ish with a shimmed halfpad. She’s the typical TB, high withers but wider shoulders. Recommended saddle for her is something with a cutback pommel, which mine does not have. My saddle fits me pretty well, puts me in a decent position, but it’s so uncomfortable. I’ve taken detailed notes the past few months and have come to the conclusion that my saddle is too wise for me and is causing hip and pelvic pain

I’m on the hunt for a new saddle. I have an extremely limited budget at the moment. Obviously want to make the right decision on fit for me and her and am willing to wait for the right saddle.

Recently have come across a saddle for sale that I’ve ridden in before (my trainer had the exact saddle for her previous horse) and found comfortable. This saddle retails new for $1200, seller is asking $250…but it’s a 17.5"

Test rode my trainers today. Fit my horse ok, will definitely have saddle fitter out if I decide to go forward with this. However, I definitely did not have the recommended five fingers of space in front or behind me. I know saddle fit/comfort varies from person to person, but just curious if anyone else rides in a saddle that would seem technically too small for their seat but they actually prefer and ride well in? If it doesn’t hinder your position and riding it shouldn’t be an issue right?

I definitely plan on having my trainer take a look at me riding in this saddle and get her opinion, and I’ll have a saddle fitter out to make sure it fits my horse if she thinks it fits me ok. Just trying to make the wisest decision and not just jump on this because it’s the first thing in my price range!

Opinions/experiences are much appreciated!

[tbchick84]

I don’t think you’re necessarily going to get 5 fingers space in a dressage saddle. By design, they have deeper seats which will give the illusion of not having as much space front the back. What you need to make sure is that it properly balances you and you have a little wiggle room and not be jammed in there. Definitely let your trainer watch you ride in it and try to leave emotion out of it. Sure it’s great deal, but only if it truly fits both of you.

[BigMama1]

I would worry less about the stamped seat size and more about whether the saddle allows you to sit in the “sweet spot,” keep your legs underneath you and give you the freedom you need to move with the horse. You won’t know without trying a few times and having your trainer watch you. Half an inch really isn’t that big a difference, especially if the saddle has a more open seat.

I am a plus size and can fill a 19 inch seat no problem, but am perfectly comfortable, balanced and effect Be in my current saddle, which is an 18.

[Posting_Trot]

There’s a pretty big difference between an almost 19" saddle and a 17.5" one. Of course it’s possible that the 17.5" actually measures a little bigger than its stamped size, too.

The big potential problems with riding in a saddle that is a bit small for you as the rider are 1) that even though it feels better now, in comparison to your Wintec, it may be that it will begin to feel too confining or “tight” the more you ride in it; And 2) a smaller saddle will not distribute your weight across as broad an area of your horse’s back, so that there will be more pressure and weight on a smaller area. This might result in back problems for the horse, particularly if the saddle doesn’t fit the horse particularly well.

The second issue may not be a problem if you’re fit and are of moderate weight.

[Mondo]

I would recommend against getting a saddle that is so much smaller than what you are used to.

[amb]

@SUNKIST090888

…just curious if anyone else rides in a saddle that would seem technically too small for their seat but they actually prefer and ride well in? If it doesn’t hinder your position and riding it shouldn’t be an issue right?

I ride a very-hard-to-fit horse in a saddle which is way, way too small for me. It’s actually fine for both me and the horse for flatwork, and given that we’re in the Dressage forum maybe that’s sufficient; it only bites when I want to move around. (Down a hill cross-country, though, dang I’d like more saddle back there. FWIW, inseam is 35" or so.) FWIW, I think the “four fingers of clearance” thing is a rule-of-thumb to use as a starting point. If you and the horse both like something else, go for it!

[exploding_pony]

IMO one of the very few things in life you want to skimp on is a saddle that fits you and your horse.

Example: A trainer rode one of my horses over the winter, her saddle gave him a sore back, so I ended up with a thousand dollar vet bill and two months off. He is just now back to work . . .

You don’t want to spend your life fighting against a saddle that doesn’t fit you. Better to save for a few months and get something that fits both you and your horse.

[jaybird660]

This is such a subjective issue. You need to feel you aren’t hindered by the pommel or cantle and that you can sit in a neutral balanced position. Some like to feel snug in the saddle and some like more space. The more open the seat, the smaller a seat size you can get away with. Conversely, the deeper the seat and larger the front blocks, the more this can become an issue. Additionally, some saddles have a steeper pommel and cantle rise with very little actual seat for your behind! If you are tipped forward because you are sitting on the cantle rise or banging into the pommel then it should be a no go. If you are comfortable, balanced and can give your aids appropriately to your horse, then it shouldn’t matter.