I need help choosing a saddle?

OK, so I'm buying my first horse and I need help choosing a saddle. I have a small list of a few requirements I would definitely like the saddle to meet:

-English pleasure saddle, pretty basic. (I do about 3' foot jumping, and flatwork too, so does a pleasure saddle sound like what I need?)

-Price limit is pretty low-- no more than $300

-Synthetic if possible, easier to maintain (Or do you think it is better to use leather? Which would you recommend)

-Wintec Brand is my favorite (Any other brand suggestions?)

Alright, so now here's the question. Lefty, the horse I'm buying, is a 15.3 hand gelding, wears a 46'' inch girth, and 72'' turnout sheets & blankets. What size saddle would he wear, and how to they run? By inches, or another way? I've never bought a saddle so I'm sort of new at this. So ultimately, WHAT KIND/SIZE SADDLE SHOULD I GET HIM? COULD YOU SEND ME ONE?


Thanks!!

I would highly recommend that you get in touch with a Professional Saddle Maker/Fitter in your area - they will definitely beable to help you out moreso than anyone here.

Most saddle fitter/makers will come out with a truck full of saddles so that they can see each indavidual make on your horse, and with you in it.

Also, having an educated eye in person to beable to asess your horses back is the best way to go - than just buying a saddle.

Majority of saddles on the market today, are made to fit the horses withers - not the horses back - so definitely get a Professional to help you out.

If he wears 46 girth and 72 blanket then he should be pretty narrow. My qh is 14.3 and 72 I got last winter is getting already somewhat small for her. I mean you probably need a medium tree - it should fit just fine. Now if you are on so limited budget you can go for Wintec 250 new or used Wintec 500 with gullet system.

Never , Never , Never put a 'cheap' saddle on your horse - Always get a saddle fitter to fit a saddle ( and to check it at least once a year )
You might save a few $$$ now but you could end up with a huge medical bill ( both for you and your horse )
A poorly fitting saddle is the worst thing you could do - you could irrepariably damage your horses back - not to mention the fact that if your horses saddle causes pain you are likely to be thrown.
Spend less money on trivial things that you may not need ( a second hand lead rope is as good as a new one ) but do not scrimp on your saddle .

Quoted for truth!!

I just want to add, just because a saddle is cheap, doesn't mean it is crappy. While I definitely agree with not 'scrimping' on your saddle, my favourite and best saddle is my wintec 500 I bought 8 years ago. It's starting to wear, but it is sooo comfy and has been able to be fitted to every horse I have had so far. In fact, the packing down of the panels has made it a perfect fit for my flat-backed ASH.

Though I should also admit i've just ordered a custom made stock saddle for that same horse. Lots of $$$$ there, lol.

He'll likely wear a medium tree, but you won't know until you try one on him. It would be best to have a saddle fitter help, or trailer him to a tack shop that has a saddle person on staff.

The seat size of the saddle is for you. Most adult women take a 17-18" English saddle. You'll need to sit in a few to see which size you like best. You should be able to lay 4 fingers flat in front of you and behind you at the same time, when you're seated in a relaxed position.

Wintec is a good choice. Used Thorowgood or Maxam (made by Thorowgood) are good quality synthetic saddles. They are made in England. You can find older used Stubbens and Crosbys in that price range too, if you like leather.

You'll want an All Purpose saddles with a jumping tendency (NOT a VSD).

Yes, I agree it is true to never scrimp on a saddle. But what I meant was that an good-quality, used saddle will likely be a lot less expensive, and still be a great saddle. Plus, I know two people who have the Wintec 250 and they're great. I definitely agree that its important to buy a good saddle--but that it is possible to find ones for less money.

Of course it is possible to find a good quallity, cheaper than a new - but that still doesn't mean to not skip the process of having a professional saddle maker/fitter come and work with you.

Maaaannnnnnnnyy people, even one's who think they can fit a saddle - are uneducated in the process. Always go with a Professional who does this for a living, educated, training, daily in and out - to help you with your saddle decision.

For you and your horses sake.

I prefer leather, both a nonleather and a leather saddle will stretch but a leather saddle will due to its natural elasticity not contiue to stretch until it breaks. And some clinincs believe it feels better to the horse.