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Nicki
Bronze Member
 United Kingdom
149 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Apr 2009 : 7:28:40 PM
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I am starting to think about getting a new saddle. My current saddle is very old (just a gp, but great fit, no problems for horse or me). My biggest worry is to how to get a saddle that really fits. I fear I won't be able to tell for sure until I start riding in it, so if it makes my horse sore or rubs, I won't know til I have done the damage. Plus I will have paid for the saddle, and then used it and obviously no seller will then want to exchange it.
I am really worried about it. But I also recognise my saddle cant last forever. I do have it serviced each year by a saddler to prolong it's life, and check for safety.
Who has had to buy a new saddle recently, and how did you get on with fit ?
Who is a good seller? and is it best to get a proper Endurance saddle, and if so which are good and which bad ?
All help and advise appreciated.
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rosie
Platinum Member
England
3662 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2009 : 9:02:07 PM
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We bought a new saddle about a month or 2 back.
We got a saddle fitter out & she was absolutely brilliant.
We bought a Thorowgood Cob T4 with an extra wide gullet!
We rode in a few saddles before we chose.
Prior to the saddle fitter coming out, we took our old saddle to a large shop, & asked them to measure it, & we bought a saddle off the peg. As soon as we tried it on my mare we realised straight away it was totally wrong. Terrible fit.
We are breaking our younster in next year, & we'll be getting the saddle fitter out again.
good luck. |
     
Last picture courtesy of Sweet Photography |
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Cinnypony
Gold Member
1160 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2009 : 10:44:16 PM
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I got a FnE GP saddle for Cinny last year. Absolutely love it.
Initially I was lent a FnE endurance saddle for a month by the saddle fitter - it was fine for Cinny, but I didn't like it - so tried the FnE Gp knowing it would be fine on her, but then just down to my comfort. It also has removable jumping blocks (?) so good for jumping, but very comfy for riding long distances  |
    
Cinnabar Moth --------------- -----------CF Matilda ----Red House Gaia
Susi
https://www.facebook.com/CinnabarEndurance/ |
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Pauline
Platinum Member
England
3185 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2009 : 08:16:18 AM
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I have Reactor Panal Saddles for my endurance horses.
My old is now 20 years old and still as comfort as ever.
They are easy to adjust yourself so as the horse gets fitter you can adjust it.
Pauline |
Pauline Higgs
Equine & Human Holistic Therapist
www.thegentlestouch.co.cc
www.endurancegbmidsouth.co.uk
Berkshire / Hampshire Border |
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shah
Gold Member
England
1356 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2009 : 10:26:05 AM
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Another vote for the FnE saddles. I bought a second hand one and love it, it can be adjusted as your horse change shape, or adjusted to new horse if need be. Mine is really old but still in good condition, very comfy for me with big knee rolls for those wooppee situations, and my old boy didn't have any trouble with it at all.
The good thing with most of the endurance saddles (various brands like FnE, Reactor Panel, Specialized Saddles etc.) is that they are adjustable, so can change as your horse change shape, rather than some of the more traditional rigid tree'd ones. |
West Sussex |
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Stagborough
Bronze Member
England
54 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2009 : 8:12:31 PM
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| I really like Free n' Easy saddles and use them on two horses but they don't suit every horse. If your saddle fits well I'd stck with it, a case of if it ain't broke don't fix it! I have a GP saddle which my old horse wore from when he was three until we lost him last year at the age of 31 and it is still useable.If you do go for a new saddle then keep your old one just in case! |
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Hussar
Bronze Member
Scotland
56 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2009 : 7:18:20 PM
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| I'm another Thorowgood fan. I used a medium wide endurance one for my (now retired) PBA and it did 3200 competitive kms plus all the rest without causing any problems at all. My current horse has an extra-wide version and although I'm not quite so happy with the durability, it is very comfortable and has never given him any problems. |
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firstlady
Gold Member
Wales
767 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2009 : 9:16:40 PM
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Can recommend Specialized saddles 
from Judith and Alan Sterling contact Judith who posts on hear as Judith S
all the best
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clink
New Member
England
1 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2009 : 11:04:47 PM
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| seriously, go for a specialised saddle! i have one and love it! totally adjustable and my horse goes in it better than ever. now i know, you have heard all that before.. but this time it actually seems to be true! I have the english version but you can get lots of endurance types. i honestly do love it! |
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Nicki
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
149 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2009 : 12:30:08 AM
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Thank you so much for your help. I'm still trying to decide! But am leaning towards a specific endurance saddle - just which one now ... |
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Marie-Molly
Gold Member
United Kingdom
929 Posts |
Posted - 12 May 2009 : 12:57:16 PM
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| After riding a reactor panel, which was too long for my very short backed extra wide arab, I now ride in a strada - great fit for him and me and very comfortable. Half the weight of the reactor panel too! |
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guisburn
Gold Member
United Kingdom
562 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2009 : 9:31:05 PM
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Try Strada saddles - look good, feel good!
We had a lady who bought an endurance mare from us who we had competed without any problems with a GP saddle at first, later changing to a Jill Thomas endurance saddle when we decided that we enjoyed the sport (she had previously raced) this saddle was light and comfortable. Her new owner tried numerous types of endurance saddles including FnE - some of which seemed really heavy, however, horse / owner are thrilled with their new saddle, which is a beaut, so much so that she now fits them for the company http://www.stradasaddles.co.uk/endurance.htm
Melanie GB 
www.guisburn-arabians.co.uk |
www.guisburnarabians.co.uk |
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