I have to go saddle shopping, where to start?

[goneriding]

Pony got a massage this week and she was sore all over I was aware that her saddle wasn't fitting her as well as before, but I think a lot of her soreness is the poor saddle fit. So, I will have to get my arse in gear and do it. I'm not sure where to start for her type.

She's a 7yo Shagya mare. She has a laid back shoulder, wide shoulders, good withers, a wide table top back, and is short coupled.

I wondered if anyone can point me in a promising direction for such a beast?

[StraightForward]

Maybe Lovatt&Ricketts/Arabian Saddle Co.?

What are you currently using, and what do you think is wrong with the fit?

[goneriding]

I currently have a County with a hoop tree, I'm drawing a blank on the model. It bridges and sits too far forward on her shoulder, and is still too long for her back.

[Fatcat]

I would start by using a reputable unaffiliated saddle fitter like Kitt Hazelton at panther run saddlery. You can find her on FB

[4Horse]

I second getting a fitter, if nothing else at least a consultation. I have a Arab gelding, found an older Stubben Scandica that is perfect for him.

[goneriding]

Thanks! I have a well regarded fitter coming next Friday. Fingers crossed!

[Hayburner]

Keep us posted on what you try and what ended up working.
I will soon be looking for a new saddle too. Finding an excellent fitter that isn't brand specific may be difficult for me.

I have been eyeing the DP saddles, as well as, the Schleese Obrigado.

[Abby Kogler]

I worked with Zsuzsu Illes a few years ago and recommend her highly.

Two saddles I have had really good luck with are the Butterfly and a custom Tad Coffin. The Butterfly seems to work well on lots of horses. They are odd looking but comfortable and my horses like it. I also love love love the Tad Coffin. While he primarily makes jumper saddles he will make a dressage saddle if you ask. I love it. It has flat thigh blocks, short billets, and I have yet to find a horse that doesn't go well in it. TC has developed a pretty interesting tree. They are expensive but no more than any other high end saddle. I sometimes see his saddles on ebay.

[goneriding]

I ended up with this NSC saddle. The fitter owns this company in the US so she had these in her trailer, but she also had a variety of used saddles for me to try. I tried this one first, and liked it, but wanted something to compare it to. I tried a few more that I lasted about 15 seconds in, just hated them, went back to this one and loved it, so I have it on trial. It's extremely comfortable for me. Pony is so uncomfortable and annoyed with everything at the moment that it's hard to tell how the saddle is. I also bought a sheepskin pad from her and pony and I both LOVE that!

http://www.nationalsaddlecentreusa.com/ ... c-jhuliet/

[Hayburner]

It looks like a very nice saddle - hope it ends up working for both of you!

[Ryeissa]

Awww hope pony improves soon!

[StraightForward]

I ended up with this NSC saddle. The fitter owns this company in the US so she had these in her trailer, but she also had a variety of used saddles for me to try. I tried this one first, and liked it, but wanted something to compare it to. I tried a few more that I lasted about 15 seconds in, just hated them, went back to this one and loved it, so I have it on trial. It's extremely comfortable for me. Pony is so uncomfortable and annoyed with everything at the moment that it's hard to tell how the saddle is. I also bought a sheepskin pad from her and pony and I both LOVE that!

http://www.nationalsaddlecentreusa.com/ ... c-jhuliet/

I've never heard of those, but they look nice!