Hi! I’ve been looking for a saddle that actually fits me for years now. I’m 5’11, about 135 pounds and super long in the femur. I’ve been told I’m a 17" by a saddle fitter, but others have told me I’m a 17.5", and I’m not sure who to trust. I tried a 17" Pessoa GenX Natural with a long forward flap and it was barely large enough for my leg. Even if it fit perfectly, however, I wasn’t totally in love with it as I found that it tipped me forward and I didn’t feel super secure in it. So, I’m on the search for something else. My budget was originally around $1500 but I’m now looking to increase it as I’ve realized it’s difficult to find something that fits me and is of quality. I’m interested in the Surnier saddle from Barne’s Tack Room (https://barnestackroom.com/saddles/surnier/), as it’s advanced flap option is 15" wide and 14.5" long, but the price is a little hefty. I am constantly scouring used high end tack websites but can’t seem to find any suitable. Would love any opinions.
You’re looking at used custom options. Nothing you buy brand new off the shelf will fit (at least not in my experience). If it does, it’ll be lower quality than whatever you could have bought used for the same amount.
Antares, CWD, Devoucoux, Voltaire, Butet… all of these brands offer a wide range of flaps when you order them new. There’s tons floating around used. Do a little research on here to learn how to “decode” the custom stamp so you can tell what has a long/forward flap. If you can, borrow a few to see what brands you like before you pay to have one shipped.
As for the 17 vs 17.5, that’s totally personal preference. Many long legged riders go up in the seat because they feel more balanced. Plenty don’t. That’s up to you.
Look for a low forward flap. Not just forward and not just long. You want something where the balance point is intended for long legs.
there are a lot of options out there but most aren’t cheap! Always get a trial and if you feel like you are in a chair seat or tipping, it is not right for you. You should feel very centered.
I feel ya!! We have the exact same body type (same height weight, well… plus 5 or 6 lbs :D). I tried to make a Pessoa with a long flap work for me when I had a tight budget right out of college but it was definitely never a great fit, I was definitely making do.
Then I was able to buy a used custom Antares that was a 17.5 3AA flap (3 is longer then average and AA is extra forward). Although it fit me much better, after a time I realized that the really forward flap had me fighting to stay in a half seat in the canter, and that the saddle didn’t have a great balance point for me.
I now have my current saddle which is a Voltaire. It is a 4A flap, extra long and slightly forward. I also moved up to an 18 inch. I used to think a bigger seat size was only necessary only if you have a bigger frame, but the way it was explained to me is that it actually may be necessary to find the right balance if you are really tall. It fits me beautifully and I feel incredibly balanced and secure in it.
With your height, I would not try to squeeze into a 17 inch. I understand that you are thin, but there is just no way (in my opinion) that you will be able to find good balance in a 17 with you length of leg. Definitely go for a 17.5. I also dont recommend a super forward flap (like I tried to do to fit my femur). If a 3 flap isnt long enough hold out for a 4.
Here is a pic of me in my Voltaire for reference:
https://hunkyhanoverian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/saddle1-768x1365.jpg
I have a super long femur and had the same problem for years - my knee hung off the front of the flap and the balance wasn’t quite right, no matter how we adjusted the saddle. A new fitter recommended trying a 18" saddle (had been in a 17") and that made a huge difference - the extra space means I don’t need a “special” flap but the blocks are all in the right places and it is much easier to get the balance in the right place for me. I thought it would look silly or I’d be swimming in it, but definitely not the case. I’m shorter than you are (5’7") but all femur, so I’d be really surprised if you could really find something that work in a 17" seat.
I am a similar build. I ended up in an 18" Voltaire with a 4AA flap. I could have used a 4A flap but found the other used and it worked great. Try Redwood Tack - Leah has several used saddles that might fit.
Agree with this – I’ll also note that whether you need to go up the seat size will be affected by whether it is a deeper seat or a flatter seat. I have the long femur as well, and had to go up the seat size and get a long forward flap to find something that fit me. It works in your favor that the seat sizes you are considering are common ones. If you can figure out what flap measurements, roughly, you need, the used tack shops like Redwood, DFW, and Maryland Tack Exchange should be able to help you figure out what might fit you. You might also check with other local saddle reps to see what used inventory they have and let them know what you are looking for, in case they get something in.
I also have a long femur, though I am not quite as tall (I’m 5’9") and my body is all leg, super short torso - I’ve found the Antares 17.5" 3A fits me really well, and the balance is right on for me…not sure if the AA would be too much for you, with the extra few inches or not. I will absolutely recommend the Antares with the right flap for you - the saddles themselves are gorgeous, and excellent quality, even used.
Seems like Voltaire is a good fit for us tall riders!
Leah is a good option. Also check out Cindy’s selection at dfwtackexchange.com. I’d also shoot her an email with your budget and what you are looking for.
Agreed- I was very happy with my Antares, they are truly lovely quality if you can find the right configuration for you. Plus they hold their value very well. I bought an used one, and sold it 3 years later for not much of a loss.
I’m a leggy 5’10", and was able to track down a used Antares with a 5A flap and 17.5" seat- a little forward, and the longest non-custom flap they make. It’s amazing, and the only saddle I’ve ever felt like my legs truly fit in. It can be hard to find that size but if you have long femurs then it is a total life-saver! My seat really is more of a 17", but the extra 0.5" doesn’t make a huge difference, and the flaps were what I needed the most anyways. I got mine from the people at frenchusedsaddles.com (I’m local so it was easy to try them out). They carry a good selection, and if you tell them what you’re looking for and a budget, they’re good about keeping an eye out.
Agree going the used route 
I am 5’10" and bought an 18" 3AB Antares from Redwood tack (sadly just resold it , as my massively shouldered horse really wasn’t a fan). loved the saddle. Lost nothing on it, even reselling with consignment (I consigned with Highline Tack as she is local to me).
Good deals in your budget are out there!
