Short back AND wide shoulder - dressage recommendations?

[EventingMaff]

I’ve just purchased a 4 year old recently backed gelding who is only 15.1 and short-backed but WIDE with solid shoulders. So let the saddle fitting fun begin!

His shape is going to change A LOT I expect so I’d prefer to find a great saddle that works for us both that is adjustable so can grow with us.

I’m 5’4 and fairly average build. Recently on other horses I’ve ridden in:

• 17" Prestige Hippos but hated how it worked for me (tipped me forward while simultaneously putting my leg in a chair-seat position…)
• 17.5" Equipe Emporio - LOVED this saddle
• 17" Bates Isabel - enjoyed this saddle and would happily ride in again but something that can help me open up my hip angle more would be awesome.

Any recommendations of something that might work? I definitely can’t go custom and would like to keep the budget around ~1.2k for any saddle that would be difficult to adjust and ~2.5k for a saddle that can grow with us.

Any suggestions?

ETA: I intend to buy used but work with a saddle fitter.

[Lusoluv]

I had a 4 yr old Andalusian years back. He was 15.2h, table backed and short coupled. He measured 37 cm at the shoulder! I went with a Duett Fidelio. Duett makes several wide/hoop tree saddles to accommodate horses with this type build. They are not adjustable as far as I know, but a new Fidelio about $1800 and you can find used ones at a significant discount. A quality saddle for the price.

[piedmontfields]

If the Duetts work, that could be a very reasonably priced option.

Given that you are not tall and can ride in a 17-17.5", that will help with saddle options for a shorter back. Some Smith Worthingtons might work and are a good deal used. Generally, Passiers and Stubbens will not be wide enough (unless they are XXW).

[Unfforgettable]

I was going to suggest the Prestige D1 Zero, but they are almost impossible to find used, and new would be outside your budget. I bought mine this year after trying to locate a used one, and it is a game changer for my horse…short back, big shoulder.

[no.stirrups]

Almost all Harry Dabbs have an upswept panel which is great for short backs. Lots of trees to choose from depending on his shape otherwise. If the shoulders are really extreme you should look at the Future panel which is cut back in front. New starts at $2995 so used is easily within your price range.

Black Country runs shorter than other brands, too. Again, tree choice depends on the rest of your horse’s shape.

[Farys]

I have a very short coupled, short backed, mutton withered, downhill, Cleveland bay cross with a huge shoulder, and I just purchased a Custom Advantage R with pony panels and the billets off the point to allow more shoulder movement.

I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. It fits him unbelievably well and the narrower twist allows me to really sit into the saddle and get my legs around him. The Custom Advantage R is fully adjustable as well by a qualified fitter.

[shall]

Another one is the Thornhill Danube in a size 34 width. My tank of an Arabian liked this saddle. I did, too. Price is very reasonable.