Used Saddle Shopping - Similar to County?

[HeartsDesireEventing]

I am saddle shopping for my 5yo TB, who has now outgrown his older brother’s saddles and needs his own. Current saddles are both County, so of course started with our County rep and determined we liked the Xcelerator and the Xtreme, but he needs a Medium Wide tree, and these are apparently not common and therefore difficult to find used. I’d also be totally fine just finding a MW Sensation, since that’s the model I’m currently riding in, but haven’t had luck there either. If anyone has one of these models for sale, I’d be all ears

Fortunately, this horse is not a difficult fit in general - he’s got a good topline and not shark fin withers - and I’m not really keen on dropping $7k on a brand new saddle for a still growing 5yo. SO, my question is what other brands/models I should look at that might fit/ride similarly to those above, and be easier to find used? I plan to visit the local consignment shops and hopefully get an independent fitter out as well, just hoping for some guidance to help direct my saddle shopping search.

Most recent pic of the baby horse, following his first actual trail ride last weekend, below for tax

[24eventer]

I have a Westhill and Son saddle that I bought for my MW TB that I absolutely love! These were designed by master saddle Kate Ballard (one of only a couple of actual Master Saddlers in the US) as her Covid project and they are made in England. I love the way the saddle was made and balanced! Incredible craftsmanship and wool flocked so easily fitted to new horses or adjusted as the youngsters change. You can the saddle info on the Westhill and son Facebook page. If it interests you at all, let me know as I am contemplating selling mine. It has had very little use and I sold the horse so no longer need it. Seems a waste to just let it sit around in my tackroom!

[HeartsDesireEventing]

Interesting! Definitely a brand I hadn’t heard of, which was kind of the intent of the post - I’ve been fortunate not to have to saddle shop a ton, so am basically familiar with Stubben and County LOL. I’d certainly be interested in seeing your saddle if you want to send me some more details on it.

[BraveSC]

A Black Country Ricochet should be on your list to try too! Very comfortable and balanced and TBs seem to love them. You can find them used around 2/3k.

[HeartsDesireEventing]

Thanks! I was curious if some of the Black Countrys would be similar - I do seem to see them around more.

[Bogey2]

I second the Black Country suggestion!

[FitToBeTied]

My OTTB foxhunter looks like your horse. He is 16.2 short coupled and about 1325 lbs. He goes in a Black Country Venici Solare. It fits really well. My other OTTB hunted in a County Solution. The County did not fit the current guy at all. I love both saddles but based upon your picture I’d also look at the black country.

[HeartsDesireEventing]

Thank you! The Solution didn’t work for us either.

[McGurk]

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[Tuckerpony]

For sure- consider trying a BC Solare if you need a little curve to the tree. For something straighter, consider a Tex Eventer or a quantum.

Also-staying with County, what about a Stabilizer?

And maybe put an older Albion model on your list- like a Kontrol or a Kontact.

[Amberley]

imho County doesn’t fit wide backs well and a MW in a county is pretty darn wide. I’d be looking at a Dabbs, Peter Horobin, Stubben, Baines etc before I’d consider a wider county.