Need Saddle Fitting Help in Callaway

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Fordfilly

New Member
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
 
H

HorseQueen

New Member
Loveville Leather

Fordfilly said:
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
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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

highnote

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

New Member
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

fredsaid2

New Member
Fordfilly said:
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.
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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

SoMDGirl42

Well-Known Member
Fordfilly said:
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.
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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.
 
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Fordfilly

New Member
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

SoMDGirl42

Well-Known Member
Fordfilly said:
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.
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you could always ask them to notifiy you if one came in used that would work.
 
SugarNSpikes

SugarNSpikes

New Member
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
 
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Fordfilly

New Member
I've called Dover they don't have any reps in Maryland right now. Called Gina and Suzie and they are both out at least two weeks or better.

I'm going to try and approach the trainer that comes to the farm for lessons tonight and see if she is willing to help me.

I didn't want to spend more than about $1000.00 for a good used saddle since he is still growning.

Thanks everyone for the ideas.
 
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HorseQueen

New Member
Suggestion

I have a friend who just posted something on her Facebook about selling a black wintec saddle you may be interested in; However, it's only a 17.5 inch seat- not an 18. It is one of the saddles with the changeable gullet. She would like to get $250 for it.
 
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Fordfilly

New Member
Just saw that but I really need the 18" according to Loveville Saddlery guy and said could even do 18 1/2 if I wanted a little more room.
 
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Fordfilly

New Member
FYI, I talked again with Elam @ Loveville Saddlery and I'll be having them fit a new Wintec saddle on Monday. Decided to go ahead and get something to start since they believe he has more growing to do.

It's always nice to have something you can do trail or ride in bad weather that you don't mind getting wet or muddy.

Thanks to those who replied and gave suggestions. I did call Gina and Suzy but they were both booked out over two weeks.
 
Hoover

Hoover

New Member
Elam is very flexible - he can pretty much find what you want just give him a few days since he doesnt have electricity it takes him a little longer to get what you want. There is a lot of facebook sites you can go to if you want to search. I have one Southern Maryland Tack Swap. Please feel free to join. There are a lot of saddles there Also Iselltack.com
Dover is very pricey on their stuff. I would look at Scruggsfarm.com or Chicksaddlery.com before Dover for stuff.
 
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Fordfilly

New Member
I picked up Walter of Loveville Saddlery Monday morning and got a Wintec saddle for a starter. He was impressed with my horse but was somewhat surprised that he took an extra wide at only 3 1/2 yrs of age. Now I am ready to ride once I get my stirrup leathers because they didn't have the ones that I needed. :yahoo:
 
HeavyChevy75

HeavyChevy75

Podunk FL
I have two saddles that would fit you and your horse. My dressage saddle is 18.5" Albion that is Medium Narrow. It is a wide saddle. Is the horse short backed or long backed?

I also have a Berney all purpose saddle that is 18" and used on a draft cross.

I don't have the horse that used the saddle anymore. I also need smaller saddles.
 
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Fordfilly

New Member
HeavyChevy75 said:
I have two saddles that would fit you and your horse. My dressage saddle is 18.5" Albion that is Medium Narrow. It is a wide saddle. Is the horse short backed or long backed?

I also have a Berney all purpose saddle that is 18" and used on a draft cross.

I don't have the horse that used the saddle anymore. I also need smaller saddles.
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Thanks but I just purchased a saddle as I mentioned and it was EXTRA wide, so doubt yours would have fit but thanks anyways.:buddies:
 
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