Thorowgood High Wither - Who here rides in one?

[GreyStreet]

I just sold my old Barnsby - just wasn’t a good fit for my mare anymore. I have been eyeing the Thorowgood High Wither models - seems like a reasonable option for my mare, a Trak/TB cross.

If you ride in one, what are you thoughts? Like it? Do you have the leather/synthetic model or all synthetic? How easy is it to adjust the fit/change the R-bars? Are you happy with the position it puts you in?

Mare schools 2nd/some 3rd, though we’re likely going to focus more on our combined training next year. I do a fair amount of sitting trot, however, and have discovered via my jump saddle that I actually do prefer a less cumbersome/restrictive saddle (the Barnsby had a pretty substantial knee block).

Thanks for any feedback.

[sheltona01]

I sell them and I always ride in all of my saddles so I know what they feel like. They are a more open feeling and do not lock in you into a position. I do love the fact that they have Velcro blocks so you can adjust the position and find them really comfortable.

[SnicklefritzG]

I bought one a couple of years ago as an interim saddle while I looked for a leather dressage saddle that would fit my horse.

I liked the adjustability of the tree, the panels and the knee blocks. I like a narrower twist, but the saddle was a decent compromise between what I needed and what my horse needed at the time.

The saddle has shims that you can put in to change the width of the tree just slightly in case your horse is between tree sizes. That is a nice feature. The saddle can also be reflocked which is also great.

Overall they are a nice option if you can’t find a leather saddle that you like but need something to ride in now. I’d try to get your hands on a demo saddle to see what you think.

[tbchick84]

I have the T8 dressage saddle. I would prefer it to be a touch more narrow since it puts my hips at a point where I am near my limits in terms of range of motion. I do like how the saddle balances me. It is both secure while not locking you into a set position. My horse loves it and moves very freely. Note you may not actually need the high wither model. I have the regular and my high wither TB has room to spare in that area. I do like my leather/synthetic version. I doubt I would have gotten the all leather Kent & Masters even if the money was there when I bought it.

[Draftmare]

I had the T8 Cob dressage and Kent and Masters dressage saddle. I really liked the Kent and Masters, nice leather and super comfortable. However, I found that the seat sizes ran small, so I ended up selling them. The seat on the cob saddles felt like a close contact saddle with long flaps, and I found myself perched forward on it.

However, the craftmanship was top of the line, and they have wool flocking so can be changed by a saddle fitter. The leather on both was nice, and the changeable billets were super nice for my horse that needs a point billet.

[Clarissa24]

Hi GreyStreet,

Based on what you have said I think you would love the T8 saddle. I have had mine for about 2-3 years and absolutely love it (I have the high wither version). I am currently shopping for a different saddle because I prefer an external thigh block and a more 'restricting" saddle (but in a good way) nonetheless, this saddle is amazing. FYI they have just released a T8 that has a surface block and is still half synthetic at $995 on the Hastilow website. At first the synthetic was pretty squeaky when riding with my Konigs but it goes away after a couple months.

I personally have never changed the R-bars but I have heard it is easy. I find it extremely comfortable and versatile (in terms of the adjustable blocks and billets). When I bought mine the only option was the shallower seat unfortunately and even then the saddle is still great to sit it, it makes you sit ‘in’ the horse instead of ‘on top’.

You could consider test riding the saddle from SmartPak. I am looking for a saddle now that can let me ride my 3/4th level mare in a ‘stronger’ position as I found my legs wanted to come out from underneath me and pop in front of the saddle during half-pass and other lateral work. I do most of my work in sitting trot and have never had sore seat bones or any problems with this saddle, I think they are a complete steal for their price. And because you want a less restrictive saddle I think it would be perfect. I like the Thorowgood more than the Prestiges, Antares, and Fairfax saddles I have sat in recently. Good luck!

[Clarissa24]

Hi GreyStreet,

Based on what you have said I think you would love the T8 saddle. I have had mine for about 2-3 years and absolutely love it (I have the high wither version). I am currently shopping for a different saddle because I prefer an external thigh block and a more 'restricting" saddle (but in a good way) nonetheless, this saddle is amazing. FYI they have just released a T8 that has a surface block and is still half synthetic at $995 on the Hastilow website. At first the synthetic was pretty squeaky when riding with my Konigs but it goes away after a couple months.

I personally have never changed the R-bars but I have heard it is easy. I find it extremely comfortable and versatile (in terms of the adjustable blocks and billets). When I bought mine the only option was the shallower seat unfortunately and even then the saddle is still great to sit it, it makes you sit ‘in’ the horse instead of ‘on top’.

You could consider test riding the saddle from SmartPak. I am looking for a saddle now that can let me ride my 3/4th level mare in a ‘stronger’ position as I found my legs wanted to come out from underneath me and pop in front of the saddle during half-pass and other lateral work. I do most of my work in sitting trot and have never had sore seat bones or any problems with this saddle, I think they are a complete steal for their price. And because you want a less restrictive saddle I think it would be perfect. I like the Thorowgood more than the Prestiges, Antares, and Fairfax saddles I have sat in recently. Good luck!

[Right_on_Target]

I have a T8 and I like it, I did low Level dressage I it. It looks like full leather and is pretty comfortable. I have an 18" but I feel like the seat could be larger.

I like my position I it and other people have tried it and liked it.

I have a TB with extremely high withers and he appreciates the fit. The gullets we’re easy to change out.

I’d recommend it as a great option for the price conscious rider.

[Mukluk]

Just got one. I seems comfortable and I am not in a position to spend more than very low 4 figures on a saddle at this point. I got the high wither for my TB and there is plenty of room above her spine- also popped it on our “shark fin wither from hell” TB and cleared his too. My husband and I found the gullet to be very difficult to change because the width of the “hole” in the gullet bar through which you place the screw was very narrow and it required extensive messing with (trying to push resistant gullet bar to line up with threads) to get the screw to seat properly in the threads. Based on that experience I would not want to have to be changing the gullet more than necessary. Fine if my horse changes but I wouldn’t want to try switching gullets back and forth between to fit different horses on a regular basis.

[ArabDiva]

I’ve had the 18" T4 high-wither one for about 1/2 year now and really love it – I’ve been through 5 saddles in the last 2 years, this is the first one I feel really great about.

The synthetic material is very easy care. The craftsmanship is great. I like the balanced, open seat. The suede seat is very sticky, such that I’ve had to be careful which breeches I ride in (I like a little ability to move around in my saddle).

My horse goes well in it and it fits him quite well.

Changing the gullet is kind of a pain – not something you would want to do on a regular basis. It takes me about 10 minutes. I actually happened to have a cordless drill and the correct sized bit handy, which made the process easier. When I have a little extra cash, I plan to buy another one of these saddles for my other horse, so that i can have one with the Med gullet and one with an XW.

@SnicklefritzG;7927794

The saddle has shims that you can put in to change the width of the tree just slightly in case your horse is between tree sizes. That is a nice feature. The saddle can also be reflocked which is also great.

FYI I don’t think the newer model with the adjust able tree has the shim feature anymore. I think it was only the older ones with the set tree size that had the “fish” system with the pads.