Is there a saddle out there for my young short-backed, round Arab, whose girth groove is right behind his front legs? For me, something that doesn’t put me in a chair seat–meaning a flat seat with well-placed stirrups.
Thank you. :yes:
stonewall? advantage? both have adjustable rigging…
Trumbull Mtn sold me an Icelandic pleasure saddle for my Arab mare who sounds much like yours, and that has worked very well for me. Don’t remember the brand, but it wasn’t terribly expensive.
Based on your description, a hoop (or dome, or Freedom head) tree - which is broader across the top of the pommel arch than the typical “A” shaped head - may be an option to explore. These trees work well for and really sit down on the round horses. An upswept panel in the rear may be a good idea, especially if you require a seat size that may cause the panels to extend past T18. For the short, forward girth groove, a point front billet would probablybe a good option. Most of the UK-made saddles - Albion, Frank Baines, Black Country, Loxley, etc. - can be made with this tree and these specs. I’d recommend talking with a fitter who has experience with these kinds of horses; if you don’t have a local fitter, you can send a template and photos to someone who’s good at long-distance work, like Panther Run Saddlery or The Owl and the Rose Distance Tack.
We carry many hoop type trees that may work but tracings, conformation shots and our questionnaire provide more info that enables us to steer you toward some saddle suggestions that may work well. We have some used and some that are new. www.trumbullmtn.com
Thank you for your suggestions. I’ll keep an eye on Turnbull Mountain.
I like the picture of the Fabtron CrossTrail, http://www.fabtron.com/catalog/catalog_fullscreen.html although I usually find western saddles a lot more trouble to use than English. They don’t have any dealers within 200 miles of where I live, though, and I don’t want to buy one that I can’t see and really look over–and I don’t want to pay coast-to-coast postage and a re-stocking fee if I have to return it.
I just checked my link, and it doesn’t take you directly to the saddle, but instead to the catalog–it’s on page 2–3.
Another option is the Abetta hornless endurance model or horned trail saddle with the Arabian tree. The saddle is rigged very forward, made for those round barreled Arabs with the forward girth groove. It is inexpensive and you can easily find them used. I know several people using them for endurance. When hunting for a used one you will find that many sellers don’t know what tree is in their Abetta. The Arabian tree has a distinctive pommel and is the only model with the front cinch ring set so far forward that it is not covered by the fender. A pic taken from the side will let you know if it is an Arabian tree. The gullet is 7" and weight is 15 lb.
I find the Bob Marshall Sport Saddles work well on my horses.
Bonnie
Here in the UK we had quite a lot of success with the Freeform treeless saddles for this type of horse,
I LOVE my Stonewall. Rigging is fully adjustable and can be put anywhere. I also love the flat balanced seat. I can sit comfortably. I just did a week of riding it in and am not at all sore. You can also get it semi customized working with Jackie to get a good fit.
