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Question About Purchasing A Saddle

2K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  Valentina 
#1 ·
I'm looking to buy a new dressage saddle, and I've been hoping for a brown 16.5 inch with a semi-short flap. I've been looking for a semi-cheap, used saddle. And I found a black 18 inch with only one ride on it and a 17 inch flap. It's in terrific condition and is $107.50 and $40 shipping. I've tried saddles ranging in size from 16.5 to 18 and all of them fit pretty well.

Do you guys think this would fit me? I'm 5'5 with a long leg and bulky build.
 
#2 ·
well to me it seems like a huge difference between a 16.5 and an 18. have you ridden in some 18s like the one you're looking at? each saddle is different and it's all a matter of finding what works for you and what works for your horse. i personally feel like i'm swimming in anything more than a 17 but that doesn't mean that someone of similar size/build would feel the same way. is there any way you can do like a 7 day trial on the saddle and return it if it doesn't work out?
 
#3 ·
Well, I've been in 18 inch saddles like this one, and it didn't feel big. It felt secure, not too big, and not too small and squeezy. I'm not sure I even want anything less than a 17 now that I think about the fit I need.

I'm big in the hip and bottom area, so even for my size everywhere else, I take up a lot of space in a saddle.
 
#5 ·
I would possibly fit. Remember that the size of the saddle is dependant on your length of leg, so a stick thin person with a very long leg could well fit an 18 inch, and a short person with a big backside (like myself!) can fit a 16.5 inch.
I'd give the saddle a go, it's cheap and if it's in good condition you can always sell it on.
 
#6 ·
I have a very hard time to believe that you can get anything decent in great shape for $104 (and actually reselling a junky saddle is not all that easy unfortunately). I'm sorry to sound discouraging, just speaking from own experience I've been on saddle shopping myself last year...

Size of the saddle really depends on your bum and legs. If you are on bigger side, I'd say 18 should be pretty good choice. If you are on smaller side then definitely 16.5-17 is a way to go.
 
#7 ·
I say, contact a Professional Saddle Maker/Fitter if you can get access to one.

A good one will come out with a truck full of saddles, or a handful for you to try on and ride in, with their supervision.

The one I worked with, after speaking on the phone with brought out saddles that I was interested in working with, his tools and when he showed up he got right to work. He measured Nelson, and then started to put saddles on his back that he thought would work.

When he found what he liked for Nelson, he put me in it, and watched me ride. If he didn't like how Nelson moved, or how I was positioned, he put the next one on until we got the right fit for the both of us.

Good one's cost bewteen $75 - $100+ - but well worth it!

I wish you all the best on your path to finding your dressage saddle :)
 
#9 ·
...I've been hoping for a brown 16.5 inch with a semi-short flap.... a semi-cheap, used saddle. And I found a black 18 inch with only one ride on it and a 17 inch flap. It's in terrific condition and is $107.50 and $40 shipping. I've tried saddles ranging in size from 16.5 to 18 and all of them fit pretty well.

Do you guys think this would fit me? I'm 5'5 with a long leg and bulky build.
So deep dressage saddles can fit riders better than open seat (where too big means you move too much).

The question is what fits you - size, saddle type, twist... and what fits the horse - narrow, medium, wide tree?

For yourself, without paying a dime, you should be able to drive to a local tack shop and sit on a variety of saddle and see what size, depth, twist, flap size, blocks, etc. looks and works best for you. For the horse try to borrow saddles that are different tree sizes and find what works best for him.

And before purchasing a saddle find out the last time it was re-flocked. If it's old and not been reflocked (ever) or in several years of use then it will probably need to be re-flocked, so consider than in your cost estimate.
 
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