Saddle for Standardbred

Question
I have two Standardbred ex-harness racers which I have retrained to saddle. However, I'm finding it very difficult to find a saddle that we can all be comfortable in. The horse I ride the most seems to be rather short-backed, with somewhat, but not overly, pronounced withers. I currently use either a Bighorn trail saddle with a flex tree, or a Billy Cook Maker trail saddle. I also have a Fabtron synthetic saddle, but I'm not comfortable in it.

Lately my horse has been bumping my knee with his nose when I'm riding him for more than an hour, which makes me wonder if it's because the saddle is bothering him. When I remove it, he's evenly wet all over, but with a heavy saddle pad and very hot days, I don't think this would be much of an indication of good saddle fit.

Are there any types of saddles you've found to be better for the Standardbred build? I don't like riding English, but could do it for my horses' sakes, if I had to. Would an Aussie saddle fit them better? Or perhaps an Arab saddle?
Thanks,
Sandy

Answer
HI Sandy,

Sorry for the delay in my response. I never rec'd your letter until today when it came with a second question from someone else.

You and I are on the same track. (no pun intended) I think an Arab saddle may be the solution. It has a higher pommel and short rounded skirt. See if you can't get your local saddle shop to let you try out a used one. Sometimes they get trade-ins and they let you ride before you buy.

Hope this helps out!

Warm regards,
Shannon