Time and time again we get asked about saddles for Draft Horses. We can suggest a few companies, that are "reported" to have saddles that fit the extra wide draft horse withers. We have listed them below.
Please do your homework before ordering ANY of these saddles. Your fitment is going to rely on you taking the correct wither measurements. If you are unsure of how to do it, or don't want to waste any money because they could possibly be off... try this solution: www.equimeasure.com WELL worth
the $ to take this "portable" measuring device with you!
Each and every horse is different, each draft is also different. If you haven't bought your draft yet, and are wanting a "riding" draft, consider purchasing one with withers. You can't imagine the amount of money and heartache you will save yourself in finding a saddle to fit correctly. Years ago horses without withers (otherwise known to us "old timers" as mutton withered) were culled. Yep, thrown out of the gene pool. However, recent breeding practices have led to more and more horses that are mutton withered. (Not including the drafts that were bred to pull. Not ride.)
Keep this in mind, that although that draft may not have cost you much in the beginning, if you are planning to ride, consider the cost of their saddles and tack. 99% of the products out there now, including all of our's are not a "stock" item, they are all hand crafted custom for the draft horse.
Western Draft saddles, usually cost upwards of $1500! Yep, that's allot of money for a saddle, even a trail saddle. We are pleased to offer nice trail, pleasure, and show saddles all for the true draft horse. We carry a fine draft saddle that does fit ALL of our drafts here on the farm (from 16.5 hands to 19 hands), you can find it here: Draft Western Saddle and more are coming in 2004!
Aussies fit tremedously well, some full quarter bar saddles fit our "withered" drafts, but not the really round ones. Beware of some saddles, they do not have a true draft "spread" or draft bars. Wider gullet doesn't mean the bars are wider to match a flat draft horse back. Ask before you buy if you are unsure. Remember you are in essence straddling 2- 55 gallon drums! It SHOULD be wide at the seat!!!!!
SO here's some links to try out. Good luck on your hunt, we are available for questioning on Aussies & Western Saddles. |
