Don’t get too hung up on the short flap - if the saddle fits otherwise a good saddler can shorten the flaps for you at a reasonable cost.
I have a friend who is selling a Schleese Link II in a 17" seat. I took it on trial and the seat was too small for me…felt like a 16.5" seat…and my knee went a little over the flap. So don’t discount a 17" seat, you never know. And the price would be in your budget.
My first thought was the Stubben 1894 as well, fabulous saddle for the price. The Stubben demo/sale list is also always worth a check.
My store is the only Berney Brothers dealer in North America and we could certainly do something semi-custom for you under $2k - everything they make is wool flocked, beautifully balanced, and basically indestructible. I ride in a 16.5" Stubben and the 16" Berney youth saddle fits my seat perfectly, though they could likely order in a 16.5" tree for you.
