Shark wither saddle question

[cmdrcltr]

Hi, I'm new! I'm TRYING to find a dressage saddle that works for my horse and me, and I've spent the last couple of days reading some very interesting threads here. Thanks for all the good information!

My question is this: Is it inevitable that in order to accommodate my horse's huge withers that I'll have to deal with a high pommel that hits me in the crotch when I post?

I haven't sat in all that many saddles, but I know what I like and don't like. I had a Black Country Eden that I loved but it didn't fit this guy. (It was pre the drop panels.) Years ago I rode in a Crosby Corinthian dressage model that I loved until I outgrew the seat. I also loved my old Crosby Lexington CT. I owned a Wintec Isabel when they first came out (pre CAIR) and I think I liked it, but I didn't ride in it enough to really remember as we could never get it to fit my horse at the time.

I rode in a Spirig that was supposedly designed for a horse with huge withers and a drop to the back like my horse; I HATED the high pommel that wacked me every time I posted.

I've sat in a Trilogy but not on a horse. In fact, the saddler recommended the Trilogy saddles for my horse and the Verigo Elite for me, but they are WAY out of my price range. (I thought after all my riding in the CC that I'd prefer the Debbie MacDonald but nope. I guess I like a narrow twist, although I've never known to look for that before. I am quite short and have to work at opening my hip, so that doesn't surprise me.)

Interestingly enough, the wintec close contact saddle I'm riding in right now seems to fit him well, with no wither interference. I'm guessing that is due in part to the fact that the forward flaps of a jumping saddle push the pommel back from the withers. I'm glad to have something to ride in; however, I bought this wintec to have for the very occasional hunter pleasure class I ride in, not to ride in every day. Instead I've spent the last year riding in it because of my dressage saddle dilemma.

Again, I've enjoyed both the expertise and the varied opinions I've read here, and am looking to hear more about saddle fit.

CmdrCltr

[Boomer]

Welcome to my world... I'm in saddle-fitting h$#@ right now too. I have a shark-fin gelding with big shoulders and big movement. He's a rather "rangey" 3/4 WB 1/4 TB.

Sent photos to Trumbull Mntn and they said, "My goodness, he does have quite a wither!" Going to try the Black Country Eden w/drop panel. Hope I have better luck with it than you did :)

Currently trialing a Custom Saddlery Advantage; not enough wither clearance. By ride #5 my gelding was telling me where I could take the thing. Bummer too, becuase I LOFF it - sooo comfy and I can sit like glue to it!

Going to trial a used Castelow saddle as well.

Anyone try a Verhan Odysey? The website did not look like the moderate twist would work for me, but Trumbull has a used one they suggested that might fit my gelding. Never heard of Verhan before.

Used to have a Bates Isabell that seemed to work when my guy was younger and ever changing, eventually sold it for a Spalding that "seemed" to work, then was adjusted and is comfy enough for him to keep working in. But I can't sit worth a darn in it.

[McVillesMom]

I'd try the Isabel again. I have a TB with tall, long withers - such that the Wintec CC didn't really fit him that well; it was OK overall, but never enough wither clearance for my comfort. The Isabell that I have fits him very, very well - I'd say it's worth a try.

[cmdrcltr]

Boomer, I loved, absolutely loved my Eden. It fit my last horse like it was custom made for him. If I don't find anything by fall I may go the route of trying the Eden w/drop panel from Trumbull Mt. I can't at the moment as I've had a leave of absence from my teaching job this year and money is too tight for that price range. However, come the end of August I'll be back to work and, after this year, will probably feel quite rich. Well, as rich as you can feel on a teacher's salary in Maine!:lol:

I should try the Isabel again. Actually, I know someone who has one . . .maybe I can borrow it and play around with it to see if it might work.

Cmdr Cltr

[Boomer]

Boomer, I loved, absolutely loved my Eden. It fit my last horse like it was custom made for him. If I don't find anything by fall I may go the route of trying the Eden w/drop panel from Trumbull Mt. I can't at the moment as I've had a leave of absence from my teaching job this year and money is too tight for that price range. However, come the end of August I'll be back to work and, after this year, will probably feel quite rich. Well, as rich as you can feel on a teacher's salary in Maine!:lol:

Cmdr Cltr

Well, think of it like this... you probably make more in Maine as a teacher than they do in MS as teachers :)

Looking forward to trying the BC! I've heard they are really nice :)

Good luck finding a saddle. Who would've thought it'd be so hard?

[piaffequeen]

I had the same problem for my TB Sam. I ended up getting a Wintec 500 the base model and it fits Sam to a T. No gullet changes needed. He loves it!

[n2dressage]

I have the older Eden in a medium tree with the wither gussets. I had mine stuffed to fit (including felt on the tree points) and it fits him pretty well. I think it's the wither gussets that are the most important feature in a saddle for shark fin horses. I've had 2 fitters fit my horse and they both say he's the most narrow they have seen... Black Country is wonderful. I do see used ones occasionally so you just have to keep your eyes open!

[HollysHobbies]

I have a Luc Childeric that was the only thing that fit a SUPER shark finned mare I tried for a month. It does NOT make you hit the pommel when you post (definately been there, hit that with another of my saddles). Try one used if you can find it. They are FABULOUS saddles and will last a lifetime--well balanced--I couldn't BELIEVE it fit! Good luck! Saddle shopping is the pits! ;)