Thorowgood T9 Buyers Guide: Which T9 Saddle is Right for You?
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Time to read 4 min
Thorowgood has done it again. After years of success with the popular T4 and T8 saddles, they’ve combined the very best features into one exciting new range: the Thorowgood T9.
If you’re wondering what makes the Thorowgood T9 saddles different, or you’re trying to decide which model is right for you and your horse, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is the Thorowgood T9?
The T9 range replaces the outgoing T4 and T8 saddles, bringing together the comfort and performance riders loved in both ranges. At its core, the T9 is a leather-hybrid saddle made from advanced technical leather.
This material looks and feels just like traditional leather, but comes with some fantastic rider-friendly benefits:
Lightweight & flexible: adapts to your horse while keeping its shape
Low maintenance: simply wipe clean with a damp cloth
Durable: excellent tear and rub resistance, built to last
Eco-friendly: recyclable and produced with minimal environmental impact
Whether you’re an ambitious competitor or a happy hacker, there’s a Thorowgood T9 saddle to suit your riding goals.
How to Choose the Right Thorowgood T9
Here’s a quick guide:
Love jumping? → Go for the T9 Jump or T9 Monoflap XC.
Focused on dressage? → The T9 Dressage is purpose-built.
Want an all-rounder? → Choose the T9 Compact GP (petite riders) or the T9 Original GP (roomier seat).
Have a low-withered or wide horse? → The T9 Low Wither GP is designed for you.
Riding ponies? → For younger riders pick the Pony GP, for jumpers pick the Pony Jump, and for taller kids/teens the Pony Long Leg is ideal.
The Thorowgood T9 Range Explained
Here’s a closer look at each model in the new T9 line-up, including what makes it unique and who it’s best suited for.
For Eventers and Cross Country Riders
Thorowgood T9 Monoflap XC
Ultra-lightweight with a sleek monoflap design
Low cantle for balance and freedom over fences
Slim surface-mounted blocks give support without restriction
Best for: Riders who want a professional-looking XC saddle with close contact feel and stability across country.
For Show Jumpers and All-Round Jumping
Thorowgood T9 Jump
Forward-cut flap for a jumping leg position
Secure low-cantle seat that won’t restrict movement
Adjustable Velcro knee block to customise support
Best for: Riders who focus on showjumping but also enjoy schooling, hacking or the odd XC fence.
For Flat Work Enthusiasts
Thorowgood T9 Dressage
Deep dressage-specific seat for a balanced position
Moveable thigh block for tailored support
Close contact panel design for horse comfort
Best for: Riders looking to improve their dressage position and performance while keeping their horse comfortable.
For Petite Riders or Narrow Hips
Thorowgood T9 Compact GP
True-to-size seat with a neat, compact feel
Slimline panels and deeper seat for added security
Forward cut enough for flatwork, hacking and jumping
Best for: Riders who want a versatile GP saddle but find standard GPs too open or bulky.
For All-Rounders Seeking Comfort
Thorowgood T9 Original GP
Open, spacious seat with a generous flap
Forward cut design for hacking, XC and jumping
Adjustable Velcro knee blocks for custom support
Best for: Riders who want an all-round GP with a bit more room in the saddle.
For Low-Withered & Cob Types
Thorowgood T9 Low Wither GP
Special tree and panel design to suit compact, round horses
Soft leather seat for a close feel
Multiple girthing options for stability
Best for: Cob types, native breeds, or any horse with a low-wither and wide back.
For Young Jumping Enthusiasts
Thorowgood T9 Pony Jump
Forward cut flaps for shorter stirrups
Secure low cantle seat for balance over fences
Flocked with 100% British wool for pony comfort
Best for: Pony riders and children who love to jump and compete.
For Children on Their First Pony
Thorowgood T9 Pony GP
Scaled perfectly for smaller riders
Excellent stability on rounder pony shapes
Forward cut flap for mixed riding activities
Best for: Young children starting out, enjoying everything from hacking to pony club activities.
For Teens & Petite Adults
Thorowgood T9 Pony Long Leg
Smaller seat size with forward-cut flap for longer legs
Great for jumping, XC or everyday riding
Short-backed pony panel design for comfort
Best for: Teenagers or petite adults on ponies or short-coupled horses who need extra flap length.
Thorowgood T9 FAQs
Is the Thorowgood T9 the same as the T8 or T4?
No, the Thorowgood T9 replaces both ranges, combining their most popular features into one upgraded hybrid saddle.
Is the Thorowgood T9 real leather?
The Thorowgood T9 is a leather-hybrid. It uses technical leather on the panels and soft leather on all the key contact points like the seat, skirt and knee pads. But you really can't tell.
Can the Thorowgood T9 be adjusted to fit different horses?
Yes, all Thorowgood T9 saddles use Thorowgood’s changeable gullet system and flocked panels for flexibility. The standard trees suit horses & ponies with some shape. The Low Wither is suited to flat backs and the GP & Dressage T9s are available in a high wither version.
How do I care for a Thorowgood T9 saddle?
To clean your Thorowgood T9, simply wipe down with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove dirt, no heavy conditioning needed.
Tips for Fitting the Thorowgood T9 Saddles
- Use a qualified saddle fitter to assess fit, especially if your horse/pony is young or changing shape.
- Check clearance at the withers and spine.
- Ensure the saddle isn’t too long; it should not go past the last rib.
- Feel for even pressure under the panels when the girth is tightened.
- Ensure the saddle is not too tight behind the shoulder.
- Make sure the saddle looks in balance (not tipped forward or back)
- Check your horses back templates against the official Thorowgood width & conformation guides.
Take your horses back templates with The Perfect Fit Kit
The Thorowgood T9 is a big step forward for riders who want the look and feel of a leather saddle without the upkeep or weight. With models to suit everything from grassroots riders to competitive eventers, the T9 range has something for every horse and rider partnership.
At Saddles Direct, we offer a wide range of New & Used Thorowgood saddles with expert fitting advice, so you can buy with peace of mind.
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