My saddle seems to be pinching my new mare after her body has changed shape in the past 3 months so I’m looking at new saddles (currently own a CWD SE03). I have ridden in 17s for ever? But sat in a 17 Voltaire Palm Beach and ordered a 17 Voltaire Blue Infinite to trial and can fit like a hand and a half behind me? I had been thinking/ feeling that the CWD was a bit big (also sat in a 17 Mademoiselle same day as the PB) and maybe sizing down a half size May give a different/ better feel. I am not tiny but not huge - pretty average at 5’3 and 135~. Does any one ride in a 16.5? Or sized down and noticed a difference?
I’m also a bit stuck - I have a better position in the PB (haven’t really ridden in the Blue, only sat in it) but prefer the cushy Mademoiselle. I don’t dislike the PB, though it did feel weirdly different to have my leg under me vs a bit in front where it tends to go in the CWDs. Should one prioritize comfort or proper position? My position isn’t bad in the CWD, it just seems better in the PB.