Fitting Saddles
What are the best kind of English Saddles?
I am entering the quagmire of saddle buying soon! I have been looking around and would like some opinions on the best type of saddle to buy. Not really what discipline, but more brand and what it is made of. I have always thought leather is best, but synthetics seem much cheaper (always a plus) and more resiliant to rain, cold etc.
What saddle did you choose and why?
Also, did the saddle you bought fit first time or did you need to get a new one or have it altered to fit?
Thanks!
My first saddle is on its way over from England and should be here in the next couple of weeks. After a LOT of research, time and test ride saddles, I decided on Exselle Chasseur (close contact) for the following reasons:
1.Seems that every place I've looked, everyone says that it really is 'amazing quality for the price' - they are made in Walsall England and have fallen under the Crosby name
2. The cutback pommel is almost ideal if you are riding horses that typically have higher withers (and I do ride many thoroughbreds) and the flap really does not seem to interfere with the shoulder movement
3. It seems to fit a variety of horses (always a plus)
4. You can get them in either a foam pannel or wool flocked (your choice) whereas many close contact saddles come in only foam
5. Incredibly comfy and puts me in a great place - I have also seen that Exselles tend to be recommended for those with a longer leg (which is me!)
6. I can't find many available used...I have come across many people who have bought this brand but hardly come across any used (I have come across 1 used for $2800 not including taxes...I am therefore getting a brand new 1 for slightly over this price which includes taxes!)
7. It's made from English leather
I would personally never go with a synthetic. You cannot show in them and I find that they get rips/tears in them much easier than any other materials. Quite frankly, if I am going to buy a saddle, I want it to last! I would stick with quality brand names like Crosby, Barnsby, Stubben, Prestige, Passier and for even higher quality brand names like CWD, Devocoux, Childrec, Antares (although I have heard that the newer Childecs don't seem to be upholding the quality that they once used to have).
I would consider some middle-of-the-road saddles to be Pessoa, HDR, Bates, St. Lourdes and Collegiate.
I would consider absolute lowest class saddles as Wintec, Kincade, and Mondega.
Remember....when it comes to buying a saddle (or generally any leather equine product!), price usually really does reflect quality. Also remember that buying a saddle is like buying a car in the respect that don't go for a Rolls Royce if you've only got the funds for a Ford. The difference is almost uncomparable (not that I'd know what it's like to drive a Rolls Royce) but when you've only got so much money it doesn't make sense to go for the Rolls Royce.
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NEW self adjust SYNTHETIC GP SADDLE - Multiple fittings | |
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NEW self adjust SYNTHETIC GP SADDLE - Multiple fittings | |
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US $224.39 | 4d 19h 22m |
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NEW self adjust SYNTHETIC GP SADDLE - Multiple fittings | |
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US $224.39 | 4d 19h 22m |
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NEW self adjust SYNTHETIC GP SADDLE - Multiple fittings | |
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US $239.86 | 4d 19h 22m |
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The Blazing Saddle cuts out clamping, coring, and cutting - and it saves digging. Reduce the costs of labor, training, tools, glue and primer - as well as costly forgotten coring or drilling problems. There's no easier or more efficient way to tap pipe to install a sprinkler head... |
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Introduction to saddles and saddle fitting. Written for any horse owner or rider. It is accessible to the amateur, yet a comprehensive and informative reference for the professional. |
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SideSaddle Mossberg 930/935 6-Shot - Manufacture ID: 1081158Fits all Mossberg 930 and 935 Shotguns without any alterations. - Unbreakable Corrosion Resistant Polymer Shellholder- Rugged Aluminum Backing Plate- Easy Mounting No Gunsmith Design- 6-shot |
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Specialized Saddles Fitting Narrow Horses
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