Thorowgood high-wither GP vs. high-wither "compact" GP (cross post from Eventing)

[The_Blood_Bay_Mare]

I love Thorowgood saddles and currently ride in an older T8 high-wither dressage model, which is the only thing that has ever fit my sharky TB.

Dover currently has the T4 high-wither GP on sale, which has me sorely tempted as I’d like to start doing a little jumping again, but I’m concerned that it might be too long for her back. The T4 does not come in “compact” like the T8 does, but it’s $300 cheaper. Does anyone have experience with both, and how they compare? Also, is there a significant different in grip between the T4 (synthetic suede seat/knee rolls) and T8 (leather)? I don’t care about looks, but security is big.

I also know Dover’s pretty great about returns, should I just buy the T4 and return if it’s an iffy fit?

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[StormyDay]

I would just buy it and try it. They are so good about returns. I just bought and returned a saddle to them not too long ago and they took it back no questions asked.

[Inclined]

Dover doesn’t carry the T4 compact, but Smartpak does, and it’s only $95 more than the Dover sale price.
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/th…t-saddle-12065
From the description, though, it sounds like it’s made for a different shaped horse than your TB.

[StormyDay]

The compact is more for cob shaped horses, I think.