Dressage Saddle Hunting! Starting the Search...

I know you all hate my tack threads. Sorry!


After some research, calling some people, stalking some people, borrowing some tack, and finding a saddle fitter who will make sure I'm not causing my horse too much pain with my purchase (thought he didn't have samples for me to trial... Darn), I've come to the fun part. Finding the particular saddle I need.

This is where I get overwhelmed.


I have a few absolutes: 1.) My price range is $1000 to $2000; go ahead and recommend if it's a bit more, because I have Ebay powers, 2.) A reputation for fitting horses well and being comfortable, 3.) Quality; has to told up to a lot of wear and years of use.


Pretty standard stuff.


Any recommendations or tips? Also, it seat sizing the same as APs? I have a 17.5 inch AP saddle, a Wintec.

I got to sit on a Mondega dressage saddle, it was only on a stand, not a horse, But O>M>G! I was madly in love with it! (and still am) It was super comfy and just FELT right. It felt like a could keep my balance and leg position even though it didn't have stirrups! It was $1000 but sooo worth the money if you ask me.

I don't really know about how well that brand is or anything. I'll try to find a picture of it :)

I think it was this one. There are other Mondega dressage saddles at Greenhawk too. Also some Kieffer ones too. Heard the were good ones too!

Mondega Dante Dressage Saddle-On Sale until Jan 31 2012 [RIE3932]

I've always been a HUGE fan of the Passier Grand Gilbert. I always see nice ones on ebay for around $1000. Although I did just buy a new saddle today, wish I could afford one of those bad boys!

Sooooo comfy :)

Nice looking saddle! Resonably priced too. I'm going to read some reviews about it.

Why must the flaps in dressage saddles be so long? I'm only 5 feet tall... *keeps searching* Do any of these have a short flaps option?

I got Thornhill Vienna (it's under $1000 new) and love it. Their Klasse (little over $1000) was even better, but not a good enough fit. :( I absolutely love Black Country Eloquence, but they are close to $3K and still expensive even used ones. M Toulouse also has some nice dressage saddle (tried it, wasn't a good fit for my horses, but comfortable saddle).

BTW, if you feel comfy in 17.5 A/P, I'd look for the same size for dressage one.

Thank you! Reseaching and reading up on all those models now. :)


How does the Kieffer Wien sound, or some other Kieffer model? The prices for a used one are very respectable, and Kieffer has a reputation for being a good brand.

Kieffer is very good, and the newer models have a plastic tree so can be adjusted. I have a Kieffer Garmish GP on Duffy at the moment, and its a dream. Have to take super good care of it as it does seem to scratch or knock easy, but kieffer are good. I also like Sommer, which is the other side of Kieffer, if I'm not mistaken, again, fully readjustable, and slightly cheaper. All because of the brand.
Stubben tend to have shorter dressage flaps, if that helps!

Just found this. Looks pretty good!

17.5" Collegiate Dressage Saddle | eBay