saddle problem

Question
Not only do i have a problem with finding a saddle for my hard to fit fat mustang i also have a problem fitting my self. I am only 4'9 and around 100lb the stirups will not go up to fit me on an adult saddle and im not sure what i need to do about this problem.can you help?

Answer
Amanda,

I'm not sure what kind of problems you are having with your horse, I could probably give you some suggestions with that, as for yourself, look at kids saddles, not adult ones.  Not little kids, youth seat saddles, generally 12-13 seats and somewhat smaller than full-sized adult versions.  You didn't specify whether you rode English or Western but I know that the youth seat saddles are available in both, I have a couple.  As to stirrup length, for a Western-style saddle if they still won't go up short enough then see if you can find a reputable saddle maker/repairer who can modify the fenders by cutting them down a little giving you room to shorten the stirrups more.  Not a problem in English, there you just have to punch extra holes in the stirrup leathers.

I have a friend who is very small, like you, and she rides youth seat saddles because nothing else fits her.  I think you would find that to work for you too.  Biggest issue after that will finding one that fits your horse.  If he's wide and low withered then look at pony saddles.  Again, not the ones for little ponies but the ones you would use on large ponies, like Welsh or Icelandics. They are made with wide-gullets to fit ponies who generally don't have much in the line of withers.  

I hope this has given you some hope, there are saddles out there that will fit you.  You'll just have to do some searching.  Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Lyn