Best western saddle for a high withered TB type horse

Hey there, I am looking into purchasing my first saddle and the horse that I have been working with,Brown, is a Thoroughbred cross about 16.5 hands and has higher withers. I have a budget of about 500 for the saddle alone but would go higher if it was absolutley the right saddle for Brown and I. I wouldn't mind at all buying used either I just want it to fit. I would use it mostly for trail and some occasional gymkhanas. Thanks for any input.

Christina

You would probably need semi-quarter horse bars. You should probably get a fitter or take your horse to the tack store so you can try a few saddles on.

First off 16.5 is not a horse height. And I've found the best brand for high withered horses are circle Y's , my mom rode someone's thoroughbred with that saddle and they fit my high withered QH's. You can buy used ones for around $500

Sorry a little new at the horse measuring thing but I looked it up he would be 16.2. I have seen a few circle Y's that are used for sale,Thanks : ) What is the general feedback about the cut back and or built up saddle pads? Or if I have the correct fitting saddle do I have to worry about those types of pads? Right now I have been riding in a 110 year old saddle of my father in laws that fits him well with a airride saddle pad but its not mine and I doubt if he will sell me that saddle

A chiropractor told my mom a built up pad is good for a high withered horse, but with a good fitting saddle it probably won't have to be too built up. I just ride mine in a professionals choice air ride pad, it's a thicker wool pad. Just don't get a thin pad.

When I run into similar problem while back (for my high withers horse) I ended up with Alamo pleasure saddle (I believe I have couple pics of it in my "barn" on my high withers paint). It has big clearance on front still the bars are wide enough to accommodate my qh as well. I also was told by friend of mine that Big Horn gives a good clearance, however I never tried one so can't really tell.