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Thorowgood T4 Saddles - which model do I need?

Thorowgood T4 Saddles - which model do I need?

By Jade | November 23, 2020

About Thorowgood

Thorowgood have been making adjustable saddles in Walsall, England for over 35 years. They offer different confirmation designs to suit different builds - cob, standard and high withered. Thorowgood T4 saddles feature the changeable gullet system along with changeable girth straps, helping to achieve the best fit possible.

What is the T4

Thorowgood offer 2 distinct ranges, the T4 and the T8. The T4 is a range of lightweight synthetic saddles featuring suede effect seat and knee rolls. This is a popular range for those just starting out or on a budget. The other range available is the T8 range which is a hybrid, part leather, part synthetic saddle. The T8 range is a little bit more expensive than the T4. However, both ranges are popular for being lightweight, easy to clean and easy to maintain. They both feature wool flocked panels and the adjustable gullet system. In this article we will discuss the T4 range and the models available within it to enable you to decide if a synthetic saddle is right for you and your horse.

The Saddle Bank – Thorowgood

If you would like to try a Thorowgood T4 adjustable saddle, feel free to browse our current range here

The Saddle Bank offer 5 Day UK trials on Quality Used Saddles
Full details of our trial policy can be found here.
We offer FAST postage, fully insured so you can rest assured the saddle is safe.
Shipping worldwide is available and enjoyed by many of our clients worldwide.

T4 Dressage

Built on a dressage specific tree, with movable under the flap thigh blocks this saddle helps the rider maintain a balanced dressage position
The low profile panels offer closer rider contact and three built in girthing options ensure maximum saddle stability
Suede-effect seat covering and knee pads, which are non-slip and comfortable for the rider

T4 High Wither Dressage

Built on a dressage specific tree, with movable under the flap thigh blocks this saddle helps the rider maintain a balanced dressage position
Deeper gusseted panel ensures maximum clearance along the length of the spine, making this an ideal saddle for high withered, shorter backed horses with wide spinal processes
Suede-effect seat covering and knee pads, which are non-slip and comfortable for the rider

T4 Cob Dressage

Specifically made to allow the broader horse to work in comfort.
3 girthing option to ensure saddle security
Close contact panels to enable clear aids between rider and horse, large movable thigh blocks to help achieve a long and secure leg position
Suede-effect seat covering and knee pads, which are non-slip and comfortable for the rider

Shop Thorowgood Dressage saddles here.

T4 Original GP

This saddle is ideal for medium withered, middleweight horses
Very comfortable, deeper seat which gives extra security in the saddle and locates you centrally for balance and control
A versatile GP which is forward cut enough to allow for jumping and cross country, but still suitable for schooling and hacking
Moveable knee and calf blocks, for rider security
Suede-effect seat covering and knee pads, which are non-slip and comfortable for the rider

T4 Original High Wither GP

This saddle is especially designed for horses with a high wither, such as Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods, with the tree and panels shaped to give maximum wither clearance
Lightweight and kind to the horses back - recommended by Veteran Horse Society and the Veteran Welfare Trust
A really comfortable, deep seat to give you security in the saddle, and locate you centrally
A versatile GP which is forward cut enough to allow for jumping and cross country, but still suitable for schooling and hacking
Moveable knee and calf blocks, for rider security
Suede-effect seat covering and knee pads, which are non-slip and comfortable for the rider
Compared to the High Wither Compact GP, this saddle is generous for its size, has a roomy seat, relatively deep rear gussets

T4 Cob GP

Designed to suit the rounder build of a Cob type horse
Offers close contact to avoid the 'perched on top' feeling some saddles can give on a rounder horse
4 girthing options to maximise saddle stability
Moveable knee blocks for rider security
Suede-effect seat covering and knee pads, which are non-slip and comfortable for the rider

T4 Compact GP

This saddle is built on a slightly flatter tree, with compact, slimline panels that allow the rider to feel closer to the horse
A true to size seat, which does feel different to the Original GP, suiting petite riders or those with narrower hips
Ideal for shorter backed, croup high or flat backed horses as well as standard fit horses
Comfortable, deeper seat that gives extra in-saddle security, and locates you centrally for balance and control
A versatile GP which is forward cut enough for jumping and cross country, as well as schooling and hacking
Moveable knee and calf blocks, for rider security
Suede-effect seat covering and knee pads, which are non-slip and comfortable for the rider

T4 Compact GP High Wither

This saddle is built on a slightly flatter tree, with compact, slimline panels that allow the rider to feel closer to the horse
A true to size seat, which does feel different to the Original GP, suiting petite riders or those with narrower hips
Ideal for shorter backed, high withered horses, and those with wide spinal processes
Comfortable, deeper seat that gives extra in-saddle security, and locates you centrally for balance and control
A versatile GP which is forward cut enough for jumping and cross country, as well as schooling and hacking
Moveable knee and calf blocks, for rider security
Suede-effect seat covering and knee pads, which are non-slip and comfortable for the rider
Recommended by the Veteran Horse Society and the Veteran Welfare Trust.

T4 Pony

A great all-round saddle which helps the young rider develop a balanced and independent seat
Really comfortable, with slimline panels to allow clear communication of the leg aids
Ideal for all kinds of riding activities
Panels have maximised bearing surface, with a short panel design, enabling the saddle to fit short-backed ponies
Suede-effect seat covering and knee pads, which are non-slip and comfortable for the rider
16" and 16.5" models are available with a longer flap to accommodate the long legged rider

Shop Thorowgood GP saddles here.

Which one is right for you?

Deciding which Thorowgood T4 model is right for you will depend on the back/wither profile of your horse, what you want to do with your saddle and which one you and your horse find most comfortable.

If you are unsure or need some help, why not fill in our Saddle Recommendations form and our friendly team of experts will be glad to help you narrow it down.