Get $10 Off Your First Order with Code: NEW10
Get $10 Off Your First Order with Code: NEW10
November 01, 2022 3 min read
Are you in the market for a saddle for a high withered horse? The you have come to the right place. We offer saddles at the lowest price, good value and a generous 3 Month return policy to ensure the best fit for you and your horse.
High-withered horses can be difficult to find a suitable saddle for as their high withers and narrow shoulders does not fit a standard saddle tree. A great saddle for a high withered horse will allow maximum wither clearance but still being close contact without any pressure points. A high wither saddle pad can also be used in combination as it eliminates any pressure on the horse’s spine.
An ill-fitting saddle can cause longterm back problems for your horse, make sure you consider both the shoulder blade clearance, length of the spine and maximum clearance over the wither when picking your new saddle.
High-withered horses such as thoroughbreds and saddlebreds can be more difficult to fit a saddle to as many saddles will push pressure on their withers at the front of the saddle. The horse's high withers and narrow shoulders will not fit a medium gullet standard saddle. An ill-fitting saddle and poor saddle fit can do alot of damage to your horse's back so make sure you take your time to find the perfect saddle for your horse.
1) Decide what type of saddle you want - Which riding discipline do you do? Jump, dressage, all purpose, western or a stock saddle. Leather saddle or a synthetic saddle?
2) Narrow Gullet Size (6") -Look for brands that manufacture a narrow saddle with an Adjustable gullet or fitted with a narrow gullet.
3) Find a reputable saddle fitter -high withered horses can be tricky to find a saddle for, so once you've found the brand and style you're after. Make sure you get your saddle fitter out to make sure its the perfect fit and doesn't touch the horse’s spine.
A treeless saddle is probably not a good option for a high withered horse as it lays flat on the horse’s back where the rider’s weight will put pressure points on the spine and wither if the horse has a really high wither. So stay away from treeless saddles if you own a high withered horse. It can still be a great option for a horse with a flat wither.
Photo: Synergist
High wither horses tend to fit best in a narrow gullet - 6". Horse owners can either buy a saddle with an adjustable gullet or already fitted with a narrow gullet. The saddle design and proper saddle fit is also important to consider with a saddle fitter. An Australian stock saddle is a great option if you need a saddle for high withers with a short back as it doesn't have as big of a skirt as a western saddle.
Photo: Saddlery solutions
Finding the right saddle pad for a horse with prominent withers can take a bit of trial and error. As a general rule a cutback saddle pad works for high withered horses as it keeps the saddle from putting pressure on the spine and allowsmaximum wither clearance on top of the withers. Or alternatively a numnah half pad with extra padding can be a great option too.
Horse owners should always work with an experienced saddle fitter - especially when trying to fit a high withered horse. Whether its for leisure riding, trail riding, barrel racing, or to be used with beginner riders - we have the saddle for you! Great value, quality leather seat.