fuglyatheart wrote:
OK so I have three saddles to ask about.

The first is the Passier dressage saddle 17" med tree I just got a great deal on. Took several pics of it from all different angles, so let me know if you need any specific ones! This seemed to fit well, I didn't get to ride in it yet, because I dont have fittings, but seems to fit similarly to the Grand Gilbert my instructor has me use on him, and that seems to fit him well and allow him to use his shoulder freely.
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Probably too narrow, but can't be sure because it is waaaay too far forward. Slide it back until the front of the saddle is BEHIND the rear edge of the scapula. That's a good 3" maybe more from the looks of things. The panels at the rear are shaped for a horse that drops away from his spine more than Tango does, but that can be somewhat improved by a good flocker, if the rest turns out to fit.


Next is the Ovation Jumping Saddle 17.5" Wide Tree, it is a friends and she has told me she'd do payments. To me it seems a TAD tight toward the portion that is just beneath the fat deposit area on the withers...he didnt sweat much both times I've ridden in it though, so it is hard to tell.
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Again, the saddle is too far forwardm though less so than the first one. On a jump saddle the soft part of the flap may come over the shoulder, but the pommel arch must remain behind the edge of the scapula. I'm pretty sure this one is going to still be too narrow when you get it to the right spot. And foam panels cannot be adjusted.

The last is a cheapie hunt saddle. It is not bad for the price ($200) but certainly not the quality of the other two. I need a dressage saddle as well as a hunt saddle but am strapped for cash. I believe this to be an extra wide. I'm not sure, but it seems this one may be too wide...I worry that with me in it, it would sit down on his withers. The saddle seemed slightly loose overall, but not a bad fit. Did not sit in it.

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Too wide at the front, too narrow at the back. Zero chance of this one working.


One thing I noticed while fitting these saddles is that Tango seems to be pretty crooked...tending to bend the ribcage out more on the left side and his topline looks crooked, he also has one shoulder bigger than the other it seems. Your thoughts??

Assymetry is natural, horses like people are born crooked. Good dressage training consistently applied will improve that. Do bring your observations to the attention of your new trainer, so she can factor that into the work she recommends.

One thing not to do about asymmetry is to make the saddle crooked trying to compensate. If the problem is severe, a saddle fitter can set you up with shims to compensate while you adjust his work. A word of caution--DIY shimming can make things worse instead of better, because you think you're filling a gap but what really happens is you create pressure that discourages him from straightening. 90%+ of horses are best off with the saddle and pads symmetrical.