Is this saddle dressage, all purpose, or something else? Is it good quality/is this a good deal? Is a 7 in. tree medium? Not sure how to tell if this will work for my horse. She's a 3 year old Appendix. 15.2 hh and 1100-ish pounds.
it's a general purpose and i'd give it a miss. why on earth are they asking more for it than they paid? it doesn't look like it's in awful condition but it doesn't look great, either. i've never heard of Avante saddles so it's likely a cheap Indian-made saddle with inferior leather. the cut of the flap is also really awkward.
keep an eye on eBay for used saddles, right now there are several Crosby saddles, a couple of Collegiates and even a Kieffer Aachen that are buy-it-now for $250. any of those would be a better investment.
Designed like the most popular All-Purpose/Event Saddles. Made from TuffTek synthetic leather, this saddle features a padded flap design with adjustable knee blocks that can even be removed. A deep seat offers proper balance and security whether riding on the flat or over fences...
EQUUS
saddle fitting a friesian?
So I'm finally getting a friesian and I'm going to train him in dressage. The only thing is I've never really had any experience with any breed outside QH, paints, TB, morgans and arabians which are all pretty small compared. So assuming that friesians would need possibly a bigger saddle since this horse is massive compared to any horse I've ever owned what size of tree typically do people buy for friesians? I was looking at a dressage saddle with a medium tree and 6 3/4th gullet width. Should I look for something else? Anyone who has a friesian or who has had experience could you please help me. I don't want my gelding to get problems later on from a saddle that is too small. He's not overweight or anything he's 16.2 approx. 1300 lbs. Thanks!
I'd also recommend that you work with a reputable independent saddle fitter, or with a shop that has a big inventory and an in-house fitter. Fresians come in all shapes and sizes, though many are quite broad across the back and require a wide or even a hoop tree. I've fit Fresians with Duetts, Black Countrys, Albions and Frank Baines, but working with a good fitter will save you a lot of time and money.
