English Saddles

Hello, I started taking English lessons two years ago with my Quarter Pony (14.2). I used my friend's saddle and now it is time to get my own. I chose close contact becuase they have been my favorite. I am looking for an affordable price for a new or used one. I love the Pessoa pony saddles! They just aren't in my budget. I was looking at a Kincade saddle. I like it, but I don't know much about that brand. Does anybody know anything about Kincade? Any other good brands under $400? Thank you!

If you're looking for under $400, then get used. Anything new for that price is usually junk. Kincade is VERY hit or miss. I wouldn't touch one to be honest. Look for older stubbens, collegiates, etc.

I agree with Jumanji. For under $400, you can get a good, quality, used saddle: Stubben, Collegiate, Crosby, Kieffer, Passier, Kloster Schonthal, Felsbach, Courbette, Wintec, thorowgood, Thornhill, HDR, Bates, Crump, even the Argentine Borelli, Cortina, Ruiz Diaz, Rossi Caruso would probably be better than most Kincades.

The Kincade saddle is a close contact that you could look up easily. I guess I should keep looking then.

I have a wintec, they're expensive new, but you could find them used.
They're really nice to have because of their easy change gullet system, you could ride a draft then change it to fit an Arabian.
Also, they're weather proof!! (and the ones with the equisuede are SO comfy)

Beware of the changable gullet saddles. It's simply impossible for one saddle to fit every horse, as every horse has a different shape and there's more to saddle fitting than tree width. They're not bad saddles, but know that they're not guarenteed to fit your horse because of the easy-change system.

OP, you could probably find a nice Toulouse in that price range if you look. I wasn't a fan for a few years because of the squishy leather, but a friend sold me a slightly older Celine with non-squishy leather for $400 that my horse and I both love.

I'd say "no" to Kinkade. For under $400 you can look into nice brand used saddle: Crosby, M Toulouse, older Stubben, Collegiate (I sold mine for $400 in excellent condition, so they are out there :) ), etc. Are there any consignment stores around you? If so borrow as many saddles as you can to find one that fits the horse (and you).