What's your favorite dressage saddle for your narrow OTTB?

[2LaZ2race]

I’m sure this topic has been beaten to death, and although searches have brought some good ideas, the world of saddles is always changing so I figured I’d ask again!

I had a saddle fitter come out and told me what I sort of already knew… my saddle is too wide. He needs a narrow or a saddle with an adjustable gullet.

I put out feelers for used on a bunch of different sites but there’s not a lot of narrow and I also need an 18inch.

I’m loyal to Dover but I’m not seeing a ton of options there either.

I’d like to stay under $2000 if possible as I stick to the lower levels, but I also appreciate what a proper saddle can do for the horse and rider.

Suggestions?

[Highflyer]

I’ve had good luck with Stubben.

[frugalannie]

My favorite dressage saddle for ANY horse is an old Roosli. Don’t ask me the model. I got it used about 18 years ago. It fits every horse I put it on: OTTB, OLDxTB, WB, youngsters (through all of their body changes). My saddle fitter always laughs because he says if every one had a Roosli he’d be out of business.

They are heavier than average, and mine doesn’t have a ton of padding or any trendy knee/ thigh blocks. But it always puts me in a good place and my horses are happy. If you can find a Roosli, give it a try. They aren’t fashionable which might work in your favor!

[skipollo]

I have a cheap cheap CHEAP Collegiate dressage saddle for my narrow OTTB. He’s widened with age but is still considered pretty narrow. It’s not the nicest leather, it’s so-so comfort wise (I’m spoiled with my County jump saddle), but it fits him REALLY well, plenty of space for his withers.

[Larbear]

I have a slender ottb and use a Passier Grand Gilbert. Brand new they’re pretty pricey but most likely there are a ton of used ones out there.

[LilyandBaron]

I recently got a Kieffer Wein that was frequently recommended for the narrow TB. Of course, my TB is now a med-wide, so don’t need it. If you want cheap, PM me:) I also had a Passier at one point, but the flaps were SOOOO long. I liked the Kieffer better for me. I just recently purchased a med-wide BC Eloquence, but my mare is also not curvy like many TBs - a BC Eden might also be a good option. And give you room to grow as topline develops.

[jen-s]

I’ll second the Kieffer Wein. I have one for a slab-sided TB and I adore it. I also quite like the Stubben Scandica. It helps me open my pelvis a bit more than the Kieffer, also larger blocks. The Kieffer Wein is more like the Crosby Prix de Nations (think pancake saddle) of the dressage world. If you need very deep seat/lotsa blocks, the Wein isn’t the saddle for you.

[Xctrygirl]

I’m loving my used L’Apogee. It’s fantastic.

Emily

[jaybird660]

Depending on the curve of the topline, BC Eloquence, BC Eden, Baines Reflex/Pirouette, Baines Elegance, Kent & Masters Hi wither, County, Passier and so on. All but the Passier are available with wither wither or full front gussets and a deeper front panel. I think those options are helpful with TB’s in general. I ride mine in the BC Vinici with a K panel and wither gussets but have tried all of the above and also had an Eden.

[HiJumpGrrl]

I have an old Passier that I love, and has fit both my TBs.

[scruffy_the_cat]

My OTTB has tried a ton of saddles- BC, Hastilow, Frank Baines, Kieffer, Adam Ellis, Thorowgood (same tree as Hastilow), Passier, Prestige and more that I’m now forgetting. I have put hour upon hour in to trying things on him. His vote? Stubben, hands’ down. Very, very clear and dramatic preference for them, both jumping and dressage.

[Samantha37]

My OTTB goes really well in the County saddles and he is a narrow tree in most saddles. You can find them used for the price you are looking at.

I currently ride in the Perfection and like it a lot but am hoping to buy a custom Fusion soon.

[Larbear]

[QUOTE=scruffy the cat;9021495]
My OTTB has tried a ton of saddles- BC, Hastilow, Frank Baines, Kieffer, Adam Ellis, Thorowgood (same tree as Hastilow), Passier, Prestige and more that I’m now forgetting. I have put hour upon hour in to trying things on him. His vote? Stubben, hands’ down. Very, very clear and dramatic preference for them, both jumping and dressage.[/QUOTE]

Heheh mine was like when I was first saddle shopping and he made it very clear about the Passier. At least for my sake it was obvious though I was wishing he chose something cheaper!

[ACMEeventing]

I love my Trilogy and it fits all the Tb’s (and a few other breeds) that it’s been on.

[mychestnutvalentine]

I found my custom saddlery dressage saddle for $1200 online and I absolutely love it. I have the Laguna model.

[HappyHorselover]

Just Bought a Custom Revolution - pretty excited about the adjustability of the brand, plus it is beautiful!

[Couture_TB]

Love love love my Kieffer saddles

[preppyeq]

I’ve heard great things about Kieffers which are apparently very popular on here. I ride in an Albion and love it… They seem to have a model for every type of horse. I rode in a Karl Niedersuss saddle that was bought and used on a thin TB… I wasn’t a fan of the saddle but the owner loves it.

[mg]

The thing about most TBs is that, even if they’re truly narrow, they still need lots of wither clearance. For this reason, I like saddles with a full front gusset. I’ve have good luck with the Albion SLK for these types. I’m currently riding my guy in a Frank Baines Pirouette and I’m OBSESSED with it. He is quite bulky though, so I cannot personally comment on how it would feel on a narrow horse. I don’t like riding in my Albion as much since getting the Baines! A friend of mine also has a Prestige dressage saddle for her very narrow TB and it fits him wonderfully, but I hate riding in it.

[flyingchange]

I started using the County Connection several years ago. I was introduced to it when riding a horse for a friend and that’s what she had. Before that I used Passiers mainly.

The Connection works really well for me and pretty much any horse. I got a used one on ebay for ~ $1250. Love that saddle.