Western saddle for long, narrow, curved topline

[Abbie.S]

Need some help with a client’s horse. For security purposes a western saddle would be better for her as she’s a timid rider working on balance and confidence.

Horse is a QH gelding wth a tough back to fit. He’s got a high, prominent wither with significant hollows behind, a curved topline (would not call him swaybacked, he hasn’t much muscle although he’s gotten way better, but he’ll never have a high back), he is long and rather tubular and a touch (really, just a touch) downhill. Very nice horse, but clearly never been asked to lift and carry himself.

I am familiar with fitting a western saddle and could assess one if it was on him in front of me, but I’d like to minimize the hunting and see if anyone has any recommendations of brands that cater towards this type of back or other suggestions to get us closer to finding a good fit. Any experiences fitting this type of back are welcome.

I can also post pictures of his back if it would help.

[ChestnutArabianMare]

You might consider looking at endurance saddles—many of them have a higher wither clearance than most western saddles and are somewhat shaped to fit a curved top line. Crates saddles also appear to have higher wither clearance.

[imaginique]

Arab saddles have more curve in the bars but would probably too wide if this is a narrow horse. I would suggest contacting horsesaddleshop.com. They are very good about helping with saddle fit.You might have to have a pad with shims for the hollows behind the shoulders. Might help with the ‘touch downhill’ too.

[Abbie.S]

Thanks, guys. We threw a couple loaner saddles on him last night, he needs a 5 3/4 gullet but a bit more angle to the bars, he’s right in between needing semi and regular bars. Semi is so close, but just a touch wide… I’m wondering if with the right pad it’ll actually fit better?

I’m actually already in touch with horsesaddleshop.com! Their initial recommendation was a gaited trail saddle but they asked for pictures so they might change their minds.

[beau159]

Courts typically has a good amount of flare and rock in the tree.

[BeckyS]

My former gelding had fairly high withers, and his back did sway a bit as he got older, plus he had a pretty curvy back to start with. He did really well with a Big Horn SQH bar saddle. The one I used was the half Cordura/half leather type.

For what it is worth, gelding was gaited, too.

His saddle was exactly like this one (but in a little nicer shape) http://www.ebay.com/itm/BIG-HORN-Black-16-Trail-saddle-Local-Pick-Up-Only-/292149732210?hash=item44057b2372:g:wF8AAOSw241YmOXj

[GallopingGrape]

If you send me photos I can help… I’m inclined to think a gaited tree could suit this horse.
www.GallopingGrape.com