Long time lurker, first time poster here! Quick backstory, 9 year old ottb gelding, been sitting in a pasture for a few months after I moved across the country. Got him up here in the winter and had a fitter out who determined that neither of my beloved (foam, non-adjustable) saddles fit. He’s got a short flat back and is level front to hind end (not quite downhill) with a relatively low wither. He is a potential candidate for a hoop tree due to well sprung ribs needing a crazy wide channel. Fitter no longer is coming this far out since the others in the area backed out, so I’m on my own until I find another fitter, hence why I’m here on the board!
I bought a used Thorowgood T4 Cob all purpose saddle with the intent to make this my ‘get fit’ saddle, while I save for something nicer. This model is supposed to be hoop-ish, much less of an A frame tree than the Wintecs. I followed the manufacturer’s instructions on how to select a gullet plate, and put the wide plate in. Saddle sits level with good contact as far as I can tell, and has spine clearance with me on board as well.
Any armchair fitters care to look at the dust marks from our ride today? Past two rides have been short and stirrupless, this is the first time I did any trot under saddle with stirrups in order to get a decent sweat/dust mark. Just used a square pad (my EquiCore system actually), no half pad or anything. I can get more pics, this is what I have now.
Thanks!