This fitter carries Black Country and does remote fittings.
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Was just about to suggest Patty. She set me up with a jump saddle long distance during covid. Patty was very helpful without being pushy.
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I would also suggest Patty Merli. I’ve spoken to her before and one thing she said has stuck with me. She said that she used to fit more than Black Country saddles, but realized that she would always suggest them for horses with sore backs and then had a lightbulb moment - why was she “saving” them for horses with sore backs?
I have a Black Country for dressage but have sat in a bunch of them on a number of different horses. I find they are always super comfy. A trainer described them to me as “very rider friendly.” But they appear to be very horse friendly, too, especially with the serge panels.
In addition to Patti, you could reach out to Kitt at Panther Run Saddlery (FB is probably easiest). She does remote fittings and is very familiar with BCs … but she is also a true independent fitter so will recommend whatever she thinks is best.
Another thing to consider are the EQ Science saddles for a horse with KS.
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Oh thanks for the suggestions! I really want to ride in things before ordering them, since I’ve found such a huge difference in styles. I may see if I can get some reps out to sit in things and then go from there. Idk, I just don’t want to spend good money on something that doesn’t ride like I want it to!
From what I understand, EQ Science has one of the most permissive trial options out there. And they do remote fittings as a matter of course. There’s a good thread on those saddles in the dressage forum. I have spoken with the rider they used to do their comparison testing and she LOVES the saddles. Of course, not everyone agrees, so YMMV. But I think they offer a trial for 2 weeks or so.
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If your saddle fitter likes Thorowgood they theoretically would also like Kent and Masters (same maker, same options ie. cob shape, low wither, etc). I’m a french saddle girly through and through but unfortunately my Morgan mare is NOT lol. I’ve had CWDs and Antares and Childerics but for her I got a Kent and Masters and to be honest, I love it. Might be worth a try.
Try an Erreplus if you can find one, my very wide wb gelding left me very few options, at least in my area, and the erreplus felt the closest to the equipe that was previously the love of my life lol.
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I was going to say, I would try a TC - they can absolutely be found with long/forward flap options and the SmartRide tree can be very beneficial to horses that have kissing spine.
Another option is a Voltaire Blue Wing. You get the Tad Coffin Smartride tree and panels with more of a french saddle balance. They can only be found used but aren’t super hard tough to get.
