Jeannette, would you share what model you found worked? My Arab-cross gelding is also super short backed with shark fin withers (which accentuates his slight sway back), well sprung ribs, big shoulders, and princess-and-the-pea sensitivity. His DNA test showed Homsteiner as #2, which explains his monstrous withers).
Thank you!

I’m unable to recommend saddles. Hopefully with the understanding you have of your mare’s conformation, it should be easier to discuss this with reputable saddle retailers who have good training and qualifications in fitting, and who carry multiple brands. Wishing you the best of luck.

Do you have recommendations on a non-rounded skirt saddle, fairly common and affordable brand, that tends to fit this body type?

Thank you Carol, that means a lot! There are certainly easily fitted Arabians and harder ones along the scale. The saddles are out there, but it depends on the fitter (or often the owner) to recognise the combination of characteristics in the individual’s back. The point of the post is to help the owner understand the back conformation of the horse standing in front of them.

The Ghost is fabulous! A lot of interesting minimal tree and treeless saddle designs have come from the endurance direction, where so many Arabians have suffered saddle fit RSI over the decades! And I’m so glad you appreciate the images, as I spend nearly as long researching them as writing the text. I personally saw more and more in them as I fine-tuned the written information.