[luvmyperch]

Hi everyone! My new boy needs a new saddle. Most of the medium trees that I have tried on him sink down on his withers once girthed up. I've tried a few different pads, but they are just getting cramed between his back and the saddles. I'm thinking of buying a new saddle that will mold to him, rather than finding a used saddle that has flocking already worn in. Does anyone know of good close contact saddles that tend to run narrow? I've heard that the M. Toulouse medium tree is on the narrow side and am searching for one at the area tack shops that I can take on trial. Thanks!

 

[Tack Collector]

Like a TB type tree?

BDH
Northrun Ashland
the adjustable gullet saddles (Wintec, Bates, Collegiate, Pessoa, Ovation, Ashley & Clarke w/ Sherwood tree)
HDR isn't very wide, but I think the Rivella medium saddles might be narrowest of that particular line.

 

[luvmyperch]

Is BDH a Dover house brand? I'm not a huge fan of HDRs or Collegiates. I checked out the Northruns but I'm not sure how I could find one up in PA to look at. I'm a wee bit picky. I wish Crosby's were still made the way they used to be and if I could afford it, I'd have a Devoucoux! However, I also need to come to terms with my budget. I don't like massive knee blocks and thick rolls. I like the fact that the Toulouse's have removable blocks. Any other suggestions? Has anyone tried the Pessoa adjustables?

 

[upnover]

i've heard terrible terrible things about the adjustable gullet.

instead of getting something that runs narrow have you thought about buying a saddle with an actual narrow tree?

 

[luvmyperch]

Well, I picked up a Toulouse Merina on trial tonight. Fits him perfectly! It seems to be a really nice saddle for the money. It looks fantastic and is super comfortable to sit in. I can't WAIT to ride in it tomorrow night!

 

[luvmyperch]

i've heard terrible terrible things about the adjustable gullet.

instead of getting something that runs narrow have you thought about buying a saddle with an actual narrow tree?

Unless I can go up to the $3K budget, I haven't found any close contact saddles that come in a narrow tree. The Toulouse appears to fit him really well, with plenty of bulk where he needs it. I'll lunge him in it tomorrow night and hop on him to see how it sits.

 

[gypsygirl]

m toulouse are great saddles !! they do run a bit narrow, i have a celine & it sits great. i hope it works out for you, they are great saddles & very resonably priced. i really cannot say enough nice things about my m toulouse

 

[Polaris]

Just curious what terrible things you have heard? I have both a Bates Caprilli CC and a Bates Innova.....both have the adjustable gullet and I love them.

i've heard terrible terrible things about the adjustable gullet.

instead of getting something that runs narrow have you thought about buying a saddle with an actual narrow tree?

 

[upnover]

the way it was described to me by a saddler... the gullet (the hard part) is actually quite short. past the gullet are the 'arms' of the tree which are flexible and made of wool and/or foam. on an adjustable gullet the gullet is very long, inflexible, and extends all the way down so it rubs against most horses shoulders restricting movement and often causes pain. esp when jumping. i've never actually tried one, but that's what a lot of very knowledgeable people have told me, so i don't plan to. a few saddlers/dealers i know were dismayed when pessoa started doing the adjustable gullet. one (who sells Pessoas) actually said, 'what a great way to ruin a perfectly fine saddle'. another told me he couldn't sell my BRAND NEW next generation bates elevation for $500 because because trainers are starting to refuse to let their students buy them and (his words) "he couldn't give away anything with an adjustable tree".

 

[Polaris]

Ok, just curious. I really have no complaints with mine, and feel that they are well made saddles with great ability to accomodate many different horses.

Thanks for your insight.

 

[thinktwice]

every Toulouse i've had has ran wide...

After you ride in them, they sink down more. I've never had an issue with one resting on the withers, but rather the very middle of the saddle will pressure on a horses back. So just to check it after a couple rides to make sure the middle isn't bearing down.

Other than that, i love mine, but, it only fits the drafts i ride, had to buy something else for the AQHAs, warmbloods and such..

 

[upnover]

Ok, just curious. I really have no complaints with mine, and feel that they are well made saddles with great ability to accomodate many different horses.

Thanks for your insight.

Well like I said, I haven't personally tried it so I really can't (shouldn't?) comment on them personally. I can only spit out what people have told me. If it works for you, great! Keep using them! There are some really great brands that have the adjustable tree. The Bates I sold was beauuuuuutiful.

 

[Tack Collector]

the way it was described to me by a saddler... the gullet (the hard part) is actually quite short. past the gullet are the 'arms' of the tree which are flexible and made of wool and/or foam. on an adjustable gullet the gullet is very long, inflexible, and extends all the way down so it rubs against most horses shoulders restricting movement and often causes pain. esp when jumping. i've never actually tried one, but that's what a lot of very knowledgeable people have told me, so i don't plan to. a few saddlers/dealers i know were dismayed when pessoa started doing the adjustable gullet. one (who sells Pessoas) actually said, 'what a great way to ruin a perfectly fine saddle'. another told me he couldn't sell my BRAND NEW next generation bates elevation for $500 because because trainers are starting to refuse to let their students buy them and (his words) "he couldn't give away anything with an adjustable tree".

I have two Ashley & Clarke saddles with the Sherwood tree. It has interchangable gullet plates. The plates are short, and just in the gullet area. The tree has normal length tree points. Thread at Horse Grooming Forum. The blue is a wider gullet. Ther whit medium is pictured at HGF and it's narrow. Gee whiz: An adjustable tree Ashley & Clarke Ayr cc - Horse Forums (HGS)

 

[Tack Collector]

Too late to edit that post. Sherwood tree: It's a composite tree with interchangeable gullet plates. The plates are short, and just in the gullet area. The tree has normal length tree points that are part of the tree. It's a BS6635 tree which is a British standard for saddle trees. I'm not sure who makes or what other saddle brand might use this tree. But the other adjustable gullets don't look like these.