Need Help With Saddle Identification

So I am a western rider, but after many many years, I am bored, and have tinkered around with the idea of taking some English lessons and learning a different style. I went today to a tack store about an hour from me, and looked around at thier used saddles they had for sale. One particular one caught my eye. The leather looked real nice, it was used, but still in good shape, and it was way bigger than I imagined an english saddle would be (thats just me being dmub to the english tack). I almost bought it, but then had second thoughts as what if it doesnt fit my horse, I can't return it, it was an 18 inch, and im pretty sure I need a 17 inch. But it was priced at 295$, and it seemed like a really good deal to me. What I am asking for help with is identifying what type of saddle it is. I have attatched a picture of my best recollection of what the brand on it was, that I drew in paint. If it is worth the 295$ they are asking, I might go ahead and buy it, and then just resell it if it isnt what I need. The little roof on top of the A could have been upside down on the bottom, I don't exactly remember

No idea of the brand but I can ride in both a 17" saddle (my jumping saddle) and an 18" saddle (my dressage saddle) - depending on the seat depth.

Dressage saddles also are larger (in general) than other types of english saddles - close contact, jumping saddles, etc.

I would ask the tack store what discipline/type of saddle it is and the brand. They should minimally know what discipline it is used for, and if not take a picture of it.

Our local tack shops allow you to take the saddle home and try it for a couple of days to see if it fits the horse - you just need to leave a credit card / check for the full amount - on file (in case you don't bring it back). The local shop also has a saddle stand you can place the saddle on then sit on the saddle - to see if it fits you.

Have you tried asking shop if it's possible to do one of those things? Just a thought.

Itis either an all purpose or a jump, they didn't know and didn't know the brand either. I would have took a pic, but they are Amish, and I just felt funny trying to pull my phone out for a snapshot. I did ask them if they would take it back, and the will, within 24 hours, and that would be tough for me to do.
Posted via Mobile Device

Buying a saddle can be tough, especially used as depending on the condition of the flocking and the size of the saddle relative to the horse, an ill fitting saddle can do quite a bit of harm. For an affordable saddle to tinker around with, I recommend the wintecs as they are inexpensive, durable, and you can change the gullet to ensure it fits. It won't necessarily be the most high-tech saddle or best ride ever, but for playing around it will work. You can usually find them on ebay for around $250 - $350 depending on which model.

If you want to do any jumping, i'd stay away from an all purpose at all costs as they tend to put riders in chair seats, making it difficult to get into a two point and stay off the horse's back/out of the way over the fence.

For trails and just general hacking, coming from western to english an all purpose would be the most comfortable for you (sans jumping for reasons just stated) as the chair seat and feel will be somewhat similar to your western saddle (depending on the style and seat of your western saddle). Also remember to add 2" to your seat size so if you are a 15" wester, that's a 17" english as they are measured different from different points of the saddle to calculate seat size.

Enjoy and good luck!

I will def look on ebay for a wintec, as I currently ride my well built gelding, and a tiny mare, so being able to change the size would be great. Ill just stay away from the used ones I know nothing about. I might want to do some jumping in the future, but for right now, just riding. Thanks for that info, it helped alot.
Posted via Mobile Device

Glad to help! :)

Oh and as long as you're not jumping anything big, and AP is fine. I jumped in an AP for years until I started doing 3'+ regularly