Saddle for petite rider with tight hip flexors

[OceansAway]

Hi everyone,

I know this has probably already been asked to some degree, but using the search function yields few results. I am quite short at 5’1 and always have trouble with saddles because of the tight muscles in my legs (fibromyalgia) and need for shorter stirrups, which results in a more angled leg position. Hence, most blocks are forced into my knees or thigh, pushing me back onto the cantle. I need a saddle with blocks that are more forward, that allow for more of a bent leg than the more traditionally straight downward leg. I am not looking for older models, as the seats are too hard on my back and hips (lots of physical issues there), further complicated by I having a very young, bouncy horse, so I do need some more support from a block due to said physical issues. My budget is small-$2k and my horse has a longer and flatter back. As for me, I am also small, and currently ride in a child’s dressage saddle for perspective, though it is a bit tight as far as leg room. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks very much!

[GraceLikeRain]

Passier, prestige, and kieffer all make dressage pony saddles I believe. The Passier has Velcro blocks you could remove to allow for a shorter stirrup. I found the twist to be quite narrow as well.

[OceansAway]

Thank you! I have the pony Prestige currently, but the pony saddles seem to be a bit tight as far as leg room, from the ones I’ve tried. I think maybe a short flap standard saddle would probably work best. Blocks that I can position would be ideal, as I do still need them, but I might be pricing myself out at that point! I will try and see about the other brands you mention, as their pony saddles might be a bit roomier.

[GraceLikeRain]

I found the passier much roomier than a new prestige lucky. The older lucky models were roomier to me than the new ones

[Demerara_Stables]

My clients all ride in shorter stirrups and I just had a client purchase a Horobin Bondi (it’s a new model and I can’t find it listed on their site) dressage saddle that she and her hard to fit boy are very happy with. There are some other used models on their site: https://stridefreesaddles.com.au/collections/second-hand-saddles.

Most saddles have, or can be ordered with, velcro blocks, and the horses love them.

[OceansAway]

Thank you for that tip! I do have a new model, so perhaps that’s part of the issue.

[exvet]

I agree that the Passier (youth) has more room than the Prestige Lucky. I’m short and have a very short-backed Welsh Cob. I needed a saddle with pony panels, narrow twist, and very wide channel. I ended up getting a different model of Prestige which works great for my pony but I’m not sure it would work for your specific leg length/need. If you could move the blocks (velcro), that might be your best option. I had a Passier for another shorter, Welsh Cob and it was a 16 inch. I had a heck of a time keeping my knee from shooting over the front of the minimal knee block but because it has a flatter seat I was still able to ride in it without risking safety or a balanced seat. I have a longer inseam despite my short stature; so, I can’t go too short in the seat. I can ride comfortably in most 16.5 inch seats however the Prestige Lucky didn’t allow enough room for my femur/knee even at that size.

[dmveventer]

Several of the Prestige models can be found with velcro blocks so you can put them wherever is most comfortable or remove them entirely. Look for one with a narrow twist (the Helen, D1, and D2 should all work, there may be others). Short flap would be ideal but may not be necessary with moveable blocks.

It’s going to be tough to check all your boxes on that budget though, especially depending on what you consider an “older” model. It took me a year to find a short flap, narrow twist Prestige dressage saddle on the used market at a reasonable price (with standard blocks), and my budget was more flexible. You’re probably looking at $3k minimum and you may have to wait a bit for the right one to pop up.

[exvet]

I have a Prestige D1 for my short-backed Welsh Cob. Absolutely love it but didn’t realize you could get the knee block with velcro. Personally not my preference but as stated in my earlier post I don’t have the same challenges as the OP. Mine brand new and semi-custom for my guy was $4000 3 years ago.

[OceansAway]

Unfortunately, might have to hold off and save up more unless I can find a used one for a good price. Older model as I do need blocks, and I can’t do those hard, slippery seats because they kill my back. The softer the leather the better, due to the chronic pain. My Lucky is really nice and squishy, which I love, but no leg room and it’s too short in the panel for this horse.

[sheltona01]

Fairfax has a Petite model that sounds like a real possibility for you. It would be slightly over budget new.

[dmveventer]

That’s a great price, they were running around $6k new when I was looking last year. I wound up with a lightly used X-D1 K for just under $3500 used.

[enjoytheride]

I have a Loxley dressage with a standard padded flap and no block and it works with my short leg and desire for shorter stirrups.

[fanfayre]

Trilogy saddles come with a short flap option standard, not needing to be custom.

Many options for the not-so-tall female rider, including narrow twists. High-quality saddles, many found 2nd hand, both on private sites and through saddle shops such as Pelham.

Not that I’m in the market for a new saddle, but they have many choices on their own website to build your very own dream saddle, if you were so inclined to pursue that option.

[kaya842]

I also need the short/ high blocks (can’t use the normal long blocks because it hurts to have my legs forced down) and my favorite I’ve tried (didn’t buy but I should have) was a Forestier Aachen short flap. They have options for shorter and longer blocks but the short blocks are perfect. MD tack exchange had (has?) a 16.5 on consignment last I checked a while ago.

[Roberta]

Albion has come out with a new model of saddle called The Unity. It is incredibly comfortable and you can get it with velcro thigh blocks. I ride in one with the velcro blocks and move them around depending upon how stretched out my hips are. I have one leg nearly an inch longer than the other as a result of a hip replacement and I am looking at bi-lateral knee replacement as well. You can get very short blocks where you knee does not slam up against the block. The saddles are in a word, beautiful. They are talking about doing a financing program which could make the saddles affordable for you. Talk to Lauren at Mid Atlantic Saddlery. I really thought I was going to have to stop riding because of the pain. Then I found this saddle.