So Kincade's suck. WHY??

[talkofthetown]

[QUOTE=vxf111;8589709]
OP I have a 17.5 T8 dressage saddle that I just bought used. I don’t really ride dressage and bought it because I think so highly of them and it was a decent price. I’m not otherwise looking to sell it, but if you think it’s what you need-- I’ll part with it. You can PM or email me if you want. No offense if it’s not what you want, I just felt bad not offering when here you are looking (maybe) for the very thing I impulse bought just now.[/QUOTE]

Thank you so much, that’s so nice of you to offer! I’ll shoot you a PM.

[myhorsefaith]

I’ll “fourth” the Thorowgood/ KM suggestion. I’ve had a few different models over the years. I happen to have 2 T8’s - 1 dressage, 1 GP for the wider-cob/flat backed/low withered-variety of horses- also selling mine, but only to replace them with different models LOL :lol: The T4 suggestion is great if you are on a super tight budget, but for just a little bit more you can get a part leather T8, which looks like all leather- very hard to tell the difference.

They are super saddles at an amazing price point- so many adjustable features- the gullet bars, thigh blocks, billets, wool flocked with quality wool - super easy to work with/make flocking adjustments. I’ve found them to be pretty comfortable too. Thumbs up from over here!

[Bogie]

I tried the T8 GP and found that they put a lot of saddle between rider and horse. I felt perched in the one I had on trial. It was a shame as they are nice saddles.

[Grasshopper]

TOTT–I have a Marcus Krehan that is out of your budget, but I haven’t gotten around to listing it yet, so you are welcome to try it and borrow it for a while if it works for both of you, so that you can keep looking without any urgency. It was originally flocked to fit a wide withered WB shape, and Patty Merli reflocked it to fit my older mare (wide but with withers) before she had to be retired. Patty probably won’t be back this way for a few more months, but she is who I would call to line up a fitting and reflocking. If you end up getting an appointment with her, you’re welcome to borrow some of my saddles for that so you can get an idea of what does and doesn’t work, and why.

Also, in case you didn’t see it, there’s a tack sale/swap on April 2 @ Gray Lily.

[SomedaySoon]

I second the Wintec Pro. Inexpensive (I got mine used with the gullet system and cover for $350), looks fine, and I have no indoor so I don’t care when it rains… My mare is very picky about saddles and her back shape sounds a lot like your horse’s. Stubben’s didn’t fit her at all and put me in a chair seat. The Wintec fits us both well. I don’t recommend the Isabelle unless you already have a long drapey dressage leg. I love the adjustable gullet; have used this saddle on all types of horses.

[jaybird660]

[QUOTE=talkofthetown;8589157]
That’s not a bad idea. Would I just go to their website and find instructions for doing the tracing?[/QUOTE]

We do a lot of long distance fitting in addition to barn visits. There is a short video,
http://www.trumbullmtn.com/saddle-fitting/instructional-video-how-to-do-a-backwither-tracing/
and printout instructions on our site. We do offer consulting for a fee on non Trumbull new or used saddles, meaning we are happy to discuss potential options if you get saddles from somewhere else and want help evaluating and it is not nearly as costly as 100-150 for that.

[rjr]

I don’t have any personal experience with Kincaid. I have used win-tec non-leather saddles, and many people are more satisfied with that than with the cheap quality leather you get in the same price range. I also second the suggestion of a used Neidersus - you can often find them for under a thousand, and probably the best made and most versatile saddle you will find in that price range – also one of the few wool flocked saddles in that price range, so you can get the flocking adjusted to fit your horse. I have an “Anky” which I am quite happy with, and you can also find them used for a low price. I have ridden in a M.Toulouse which was very comfortable for the rider - but they have several models and change them frequently, so it is hard to know what is what with their used saddles.

[talkofthetown]

Hi Grasshopper! I didn’t know about the tack sale…I might have to stop by!

That’s very generous to offer, thank you. I might take you up on that once Mare is ready for me to get back on her.

Where is Patti based out of? Good to know we have reputable fitters nearby.

[cleozowner]

Patty Merli is based out of SC but travels up and down the east coast. Highly recommend if you can do an in-person fitting.

[keysfins]

TOTT, I have several Windsor saddles in different models and tree sizes. These are well made saddles, very classic and correct, with plenty of room in the channel and panels. Each model has a different tree shape and knee roll/block. If you do your tracing and get some recommendations, maybe you can ask if any of these might suit you and your mare.
I have one Windsor GreenLine saddle, several BlueLines, and several Elites, ranging from medium, medium wide and wide tree sizes, in seat sizes 17-17.5", some of which sit a bit bigger .

If something might work based on your tracing and distance consult, we could probably work something out. PM if you like.