After riding Vega bareback yesterday and having an awesome ride, i'm really starting to think that my saddle no longer fits her. And i'm not sure if the saddle fits me. My knees come past the saddle. I've tried a longer stirrup and it doesn't seem to help :?
So i've been thinking about getting a new saddle.. again.
After i sell my saddle, i should have around $1,000 to spend on a new saddle... but then it comes down to what kind of saddle.
I'd prefer leather, and prefer a lighter colored saddle, though it doesn't have to be.
I also do not want an AP saddle, and would prefer a close contact, or something of that nature.
I also don't care if it's new or used, but if it's used, i'd want it to be in good condition.
$1000 is a great range to look for a good used saddle in nice condition. You should be able to find a Pessoa in very good used condition for that price. (I think they're around $1700 used?) If you can find a french made Nelson Pessoa (one of the older models) they're even better quality and last forever! Barnsby makes some decent saddles. In fact, a lady at the barn has a Barnsby Aurora that's a lighter shade that I think she wants to sell for $1000. It's a 17 1/2 and in great shape. And it's very comfortable. (They're like, $3,000 new) Let me know if you're interested! You should also check out Collegiate and Toulouse. HDRs have some decent models, but some of them aren't the best.
Yep, taking a picture of you in the saddle (from the side) would probably be the easiest way for one of us to suggest a size! The size is mainly dependent on your thigh measurement, and does vary from brand to brand. I'm about 5"2 with pretty proportionate legs (not particularly long or short for my height) and use a 16 1/2 in most saddles, except for some of the french made ones that run small. I'm a 17 in those.
Appy, Although I would like to see the saddle forward a little more (it is a little hard to tell though because I can't see where the girth will fit around his belly) it seems to fit him fine. The flaps are where they should be so if your knees are past the edges then I would suggest a larger saddle.
How much larger will depend on how you fit into the one you have. Is there a chance that you can sit in a larger saddle belonging to someone else at your barn? That way you can have a better idea what size will fit you. When you go for a new saddle I would take your old one with you for gullet size - or at least take measurements.
I agree, it seems to fit Vega alright, but it is hard to tell from pictures. Some saddles can appear to look fine, but may have awkward pressure points when there's a rider's weight in it, and may become uncomfortable.
A 16 1/2 seat is fairly small... I'm not a big girl and I ride in a 17 1/2 inch, so it could very well be that the saddle is too small for you, and may not fit Vega well.
Can you go shopping around for a saddle just to see what's out there, and see what fits you and Vega? You don't have to purchase right now, but just see what's out there, and get a feel for what you want.
Good luck!! Saddle shopping sucks...
I know you can test ride them. Go and take a look. They have saddle packages which round up at around the 1,500 dollar range I believe but that includes a new bridle, the saddle fully equipped. The saddle on it's own will round up to be around what have to spend on it.
that saddle is a 16 1/2?? its smaller then mine i beleive and its a 16..... or at least it looks a ton smaller then mine..
looks like it fits fine but you need to move it further up .
can you fit i think its 3 fingers in front and 3 fingers in back?? or 4...
and to get the correct stirrup length there should only be a good 3-4 inches between you and your saddle when you stand up, if you have more then you need to low your stirups.
I agree, it seems to fit Vega alright, but it is hard to tell from pictures. Some saddles can appear to look fine, but may have awkward pressure points when there's a rider's weight in it, and may become uncomfortable.
A 16 1/2 seat is fairly small... I'm not a big girl and I ride in a 17 1/2 inch, so it could very well be that the saddle is too small for you, and may not fit Vega well.
Can you go shopping around for a saddle just to see what's out there, and see what fits you and Vega? You don't have to purchase right now, but just see what's out there, and get a feel for what you want.
Good luck!! Saddle shopping sucks...
It's so hard getting a picture of me in the saddle since i'm usually up there by myself. I tried lowering my stirrups the last time i rode, and it was at the point where if i was trotting around or just moving, the bottom of the saddle flap would hit into my boots (i wear tall boots) and it got annoying so i shortened it by one hole.
There's only one place that's close by (less than 1 hour away) that i could look at saddles, and see what size seat i am.
As far as the saddle being there, if i move it up, it actually hits into her shoulder, but like you did say IRH, it will be different once the girth and everything goes on as well. I'll see if i can take a shot of that today when i go up, and if i ride, i'll ride her until she sweats a bit and then take pictures of it to see the sweat marks.
HAF, 16 1/2 is larger than 16 :wink: It could also be the difference on the horse.. you have yours on a large pony.. i have mine on a horse.
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