Updated 2x! Saddle help with pics

[lenapesadie]

Most recent update in post 14 with new pics

UPDATE: I am actively saddle shopping. None of my existing saddles fit me or the horse. Yikes. I’ve linked photos in post #10 of horse, he isn’t standing square in the back shot. Does he look like a hoop tree kind of guy? He has a lot of wither and a big shoulder and is fairly thick in the back. I put the XW gullet in my bates and is the least terrible fit. But it is pretty awful, gaps under front of panels and pommel high with little to no contact under cantle. Sliding saddle back farther helped some as did a seat riser pad. Considering an anatomical girth too as his girth groove seems fairly far forward.

He is 7, but just backed this summer. Friesian x QH . I am considering trying a T8 or Duett, but am unsure if that will accommodate his uphill big withered self. Suggestions on brands or models that might suit my boy would be much appreciated. Budget: $1200 tops. I need an 18” seat. Existing saddles are all 17”. As horse is neon green, a close contact saddle may be more appropriate at this time than a dressage saddle. But am ok with either.

Due to location, and lack of trailer, an in person saddle fitting is off the table until next spring.

Original post below

I am in dire need of a saddle fitter. I am located near Pensacola FL and the closest fitter I have found is In Ocala. Which is too far. I am considering trying a virtual fitting. Where I would take tracings / videos / pictures etc. I’m looking to either get one of my three existing saddles fitted for horsey or be directed to what brands / sizes would fit him. I like riding in either a dressage saddle or a close contact. Has anyone tried virtual saddle fitting? Recommendations on who to use? I’m on a budget, especially if I have to buy another saddle.

Spin off: I have a Bates CC w interchangeable gullet. Any experiences with that system? I am skeptical that simply changing a gullet is going to result in a satisfactory fit.

Thank you for your time!

[GreyDes]

I’ve heard good things about Jen the Saddle Geek. She used to post on COTH a lot and is highly knowledgeable.

https://www.thesaddlegeek.com/

[lenapesadie]

@GreyDes

I’ve heard good things about Jen the Saddle Geek. She used to post on COTH a lot and is highly knowledgeable.

https://www.thesaddlegeek.com/

Thank you! I saw her site during my google searches! Do you by chance know anyone personally that used her services?

[suzyq]

Ann Forrest of Equestrian imports is very good, I think she’s in sarasota.

[illuminatedd]

@suzyq

Ann Forrest of Equestrian imports is very good, I think she’s in sarasota.

I second Ann, she is fantastic.

[Bensmom]

Also, you are closer to Catherine Overstreet, of Embrace Saddle Fit, in that she comes to the Panhandle regularly. It is still about 2 hours from you to the farm she usually goes to, but she’s worth it. She is frequently in Graceville, FL if you want to see just how far it would be to drive.

She is independent and also does custom work herself – and repairs, so she is especially terrific to work with, as she can replace billets, or help with other issues.

https://embracesaddlefit.com/

Jen is good as well, but you can’t beat having someone actually put hands on your horse and to watch you and the horse go.

Good luck! I hate saddle shopping!

Libby

[TMares]

Catherine is fantastic. She has worked on many saddles for me and does a great job.

[lenapesadie]

Thank you both! I will definitely check Catherine out!

[Blugal]

I used Jen the Saddle Geek, it was good value for the cost. I was happy with the results and ended up with a saddle that works for me!

[lenapesadie]

Testing: linking images. Hope the links work. Photos of horse from side and over top of back. He’s resting a hind leg in the photo of his back.

[IMG2=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“full”,“src”:"https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/core/blob:https://www.chronofhorse.com/e2a00e37-516e-4a0c-8098-93f182ce5637)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kNUErBi3DZFMi6y

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zd8FZ4ehdcSS55jL8

[Ainsley688]

He’s narrower than my TB, lol. I was expecting something crazy wide! If you can’t get an in person or remote fitting, I would suggest something English, like County. (Black Country, Albion, etc). Maybe even Stubben? Though they’re way harder to find in the wider trees.

He’s got some room around the withers, and might need a more filled in front panel right now until you see if he gets muscle in there. He’s also not super flat side-to-side, and looks like he might need something with a bit of a curve to it?

One of my favorite things to do is look at saddles on eBay/Fb, since you’re more likely to get a good amount of pictures that will help you see how the saddle is actually shaped. You can also get a good idea of what’s on the market, so you might know if your size and tree width are going to be an easy/hard find.

Also, if you can make a back tracing of him, that’s also a good visual for you to start to compare saddles to! A flexible ruler works well, but a thin piece of wire would also probably work.

[lenapesadie]

@Ainsley688

He’s narrower than my TB, lol. I was expecting something crazy wide! If you can’t get an in person or remote fitting, I would suggest something English, like County. (Black Country, Albion, etc). Maybe even Stubben? Though they’re way harder to find in the wider trees.

He’s got some room around the withers, and might need a more filled in front panel right now until you see if he gets muscle in there. He’s also not super flat side-to-side, and looks like he might need something with a bit of a curve to it?

One of my favorite things to do is look at saddles on eBay/Fb, since you’re more likely to get a good amount of pictures that will help you see how the saddle is actually shaped. You can also get a good idea of what’s on the market, so you might know if your size and tree width are going to be an easy/hard find.

Also, if you can make a back tracing of him, that’s also a good visual for you to start to compare saddles to! A flexible ruler works well, but a thin piece of wire would also probably work.

Thank you so much for your response! No he’s not propane tank shaped lol. I appreciate your suggestions! Some of the Albions are in my price range, used. Will definitely keep your advice in regards to the filled in front panels for those wither pockets! Thanks again!

[kcmel]

He looks pretty flat across the back to me (although it’s hard to tell with the resting hind leg). I have a similarly built horse. His jump saddle is a Stubben with gusseted panels. His dressage saddle is a work in progress. The Albions I’ve seen have flat panels and might work, although I personally don’t care for how they feel.