Need Saddle Fitting Help in Callaway

[Fordfilly]

I'm very new to the english saddle way of riding. All my experience was with western mountain trail riding and cow cutting.

I've just purchased a draft cross 3 1/2 yr old and need to purchase a saddle to start taking lessons in beginning dressage or hunter pleasure (NO JUMPING).

I'm confused as to what to purchase and how to fit the horse properly. I have a used Crosby, all purpose, cut back but don't know what tree it has or if it fits him right. I don't want to try and ride him if that saddle is going to cause him pain and have a bad experience with me.

Is there anyone with tons of knowledge in the Callaway area that can help me. I don't want to purchase the wrong saddle if mine doesn't work.

Thanks,
Judi

[HorseQueen]

Originally Posted by Fordfilly

I'm very new to the english saddle way of riding. All my experience was with western mountain trail riding and cow cutting.

I've just purchased a draft cross 3 1/2 yr old and need to purchase a saddle to start taking lessons in beginning dressage or hunter pleasure (NO JUMPING).

I'm confused as to what to purchase and how to fit the horse properly. I have a used Crosby, all purpose, cut back but don't know what tree it has or if it fits him right. I don't want to try and ride him if that saddle is going to cause him pain and have a bad experience with me.

Is there anyone with tons of knowledge in the Callaway area that can help me. I don't want to purchase the wrong saddle if mine doesn't work.

Thanks,
Judi

I'm sure Elam would be able to help you out at Loveville Leather. I don't know the actual address, but I got this from offline "40625 Parsons Mill Road
Leonardtown, MD 20650" I just know it's a long gravel road. Very nice Amish family lives there! :)

[highnote]

Yes, contact Elam. He might let you do a trial, or return it if it doesn't fit. He's very accommodating.

[Fordfilly]

I went there and I felt as if he would only be able to fit him for a new saddle and I can't afford a new Stubben at over $4000.00.

Wanted someone that will try a few on him and tell me if I need a medium, wide or extra wide. Or a 31, 32, etc.

He did say I needed a 18" seat and some of the new saddles can be adjusted but again can't afford a new saddle right now since I just purchased a horse and trailer.

[fredsaid2]

Originally Posted by Fordfilly

I went there and I felt as if he would only be able to fit him for a new saddle and I can't afford a new Stubben at over $4000.00.

Wanted someone that will try a few on him and tell me if I need a medium, wide or extra wide. Or a 31, 32, etc.

He did say I needed a 18" seat and some of the new saddles can be adjusted but again can't afford a new saddle right now since I just purchased a horse and trailer.

I've had some success making a wither tracing. Use a Flexible Curve, can be found at Staples in the teaching supply section. Mold it to the horse's back then transfer to paper or cardboard. The paper you can mail to tack sites, cardboard you can take with you saddle shopping. It's not exact but it is a gauge.

[SoMDGirl42]

Originally Posted by Fordfilly

I went there and I felt as if he would only be able to fit him for a new saddle and I can't afford a new Stubben at over $4000.00.

Wanted someone that will try a few on him and tell me if I need a medium, wide or extra wide. Or a 31, 32, etc.

He did say I needed a 18" seat and some of the new saddles can be adjusted but again can't afford a new saddle right now since I just purchased a horse and trailer.

Most people I know would be dishonest and take the horse to Elam's to measure for a new saddle. Once they got he measurements, they would leave and tell him they'd come back later when they decided which brand of saddle to get.

With him being a draft horse, I would imagine you are going to require a very large tree. Those horses have some girth to them! Love drafts.

[Fordfilly]

I'm not dishonest and that is why I am not going to have them do the fitting because they already told me they have nothing in used in my seat size, so I'm not going to let them do all the work to fit my horse if I can't afford to buy from them.

My horse is a draft cross and still very young, so I know he will do some changing and growing but for now I just want something used that won't hurt him.

[SoMDGirl42]

Originally Posted by Fordfilly

I'm not dishonest and that is why I am not going to have them do the fitting because they already told me they have nothing in used in my seat size, so I'm not going to let them do all the work to fit my horse if I can't afford to buy from them.

My horse is a draft cross and still very young, so I know he will do some changing and growing but for now I just want something used that won't hurt him.

you could always ask them to notifiy you if one came in used that would work.

[SugarNSpikes]

I don't know if they do english saddles but Gayer's Saddlery came out to do a fitting for my horse when I was looking at buying a new saddle a few years ago. I don't know what their conditions are (like you would have to buy a saddle for them) and they are in Upper Marlboro but maybe it's worth a try to call them? 301-599-6507

[devinej]

what is your price range for a used saddle? do you have an instructor yet that can help out?
check out New and Used Saddles For Sale & Horse Tack | Trumbull Mountain for fitting help and used saddles.
saddlesource.com has a lot of used saddles. both places send them on trial.

bill wood, susie coffee, and gina perilla are all good saddle fitters that come to the area.

I'm not a fan of gayers. overpriced and don't like his "fitting" advice.