Thorowgood T9 Dressage Saddle – High Wither

The Thorowgood T9 Dressage Saddle – High Wither is a purpose-built saddle designed for horses with prominent, defined withers, delivering superior clearance, balance, and comfort for both horse and rider.

Combining lightweight synthetic construction with advanced fitting technology, this saddle supports correct rider position while allowing the horse to move freely through the back—making it ideal for training and competitive dressage.

The high wither tree design works in conjunction with an adjustable gullet system, allowing the saddle to be fine-tuned as your horse develops or changes shape over time.

Key Features

• Designed for dressage training and competition
• Adjustable gullet system for a customisable fit
• Uses the Thorowgood R-Bar gullet system
• Specifically designed for high wither horses
• Interchangeable gullet plates for ongoing adjustability
• Deep seat for rider stability and alignment
• Velcro-adjustable knee blocks for personalised support
• Wool flocked panels for precision fitting and comfort
• Lightweight synthetic construction – durable & easy care
• Soft Leather skirt, seat and knee pads for enhanced comfort

Designed for High Wither Horses

This model is engineered to suit horses with:

• prominent or high withers
• a narrower front end
• a more angular or sloping topline
• sensitivity to pressure at the front of the saddle

The tree and panel configuration provide increased wither clearance and improved front-to-back balance, helping to reduce pressure and allow greater freedom of movement.

Adjustable Fit That Evolves With Your Horse

The adjustable gullet system allows you to change the saddle width as your horse’s shape develops—ensuring correct fit over time.

Ideal for:

• young or developing dressage horses
• horses returning to work
• maintaining fit through muscle development and seasonal change
• riders working with multiple horses

Horse Fit – High Wither

Best suited to horses with:

• high, prominent withers
• narrower builds through the shoulder
• a defined topline requiring front clearance
• horses prone to saddle pressure or pinching at the wither

Rider Fit

Ideal for riders who prefer:

• a deep, secure dressage seat
• correct vertical alignment and balance
• adjustable support via Velcro knee blocks
• a grippy, stable riding surface

Technical Details

• Brand: Thorowgood
• Model: T9 Dressage
• Wither Fit: High Wither
• Gullet System: Adjustable (R-Bar system)
• Seat: Deep
• Panel: Wool flocked
• Blocks: Velcro adjustable
• Material: Synthetic with soft leather skirt, seat and knee pads
• Weight: Lightweight
• Colour: Black
• Sizes Available: Multiple seat sizes

Best For

The Thorowgood T9 Dressage Saddle – High Wither is ideal for:

• horses with prominent or high withers
• riders focused on dressage training and competition
• horses needing extra clearance and pressure relief at the front
• riders wanting a lightweight, adjustable saddle

Why Riders Choose the T9 Dressage Range

The T9 Dressage range is trusted for:

• correct rider position and support
• adjustable fit across changing horses
• lightweight, low-maintenance performance

excellent value without compromising fit

Standard Wither vs High Wither – Which Does Your Horse Need?

Choosing the correct saddle shape is just as important as choosing the right size. The difference between Standard Wither and High Wither saddles comes down to your horse’s natural shape through the shoulder and topline.

Standard Wither Horses

Best suited to horses with:

• Average or moderate wither height
• A balanced, even topline
• Neither particularly narrow nor wide through the shoulder
• A typical riding horse build (many Warmbloods, stock horses, and leisure horses)

How it fits:

• Sits evenly through the front of the saddle
• Maintains balanced contact along the panels
• Does not require extra clearance at the wither

👉 If your horse looks fairly “middle of the road” in shape, this is usually the right option.

High Wither Horses

Best suited to horses with:

• Prominent, higher withers
• A narrower frame through the front
• A more angular or sloping topline
• Often seen in Thoroughbreds and finer-built horses

How it fits:

• Provides extra clearance over the wither
• Reduces risk of pinching or pressure at the front
• Designed to maintain correct balance despite a narrower shape

👉 If your horse has visible, defined withers that sit higher than the back, this is the better choice.

Quick Comparison Guide

Still Not Sure?

If you're unsure, a quick check:

• Stand your horse side-on
• Look at the height of the wither vs the back
• Run your hand along the topline

If the wither is significantly higher and more defined, go High Wither
If everything looks balanced and even, go Standard Wither

Need Expert Advice?

At Ascot Saddlery, we can help you choose the right saddle shape, size, and fit for your horse.

Getting this right means:

• better comfort for your horse
• improved performance

fewer fit issues long-term