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Too good to be true?

3K views 16 replies 15 participants last post by  luvs2ride79 
#1 ·
#2 ·
Ewww!! Bad bad bad!!!! :evil: :evil: :evil:

I haven't ridden in that exact saddle, but you can tell it's one of those generic, cardboard, painted-on-color, cheap, made in India, off-balanced, pieces of garbage!

Unless you ride in it like...once a year...you'll be disappointed. (And you'll still be disappointed for that one day and wonder why you wasted the $150.)

As for the fittings that come with the saddle. I bet the irons and bit are not Stainless Steel, so they'll rust. The Stirrup Leathers and Bridle are probably stiff and cheap; could possibly break if under stress. Also, they won't be dyed properly and the color will come off when you (try to) oil it or clean it. It has a low budget web girth with no elastic (for ease of tightening and comfort of your horse).

Just bad news all around.

Sorry, but I'm really anti-crappy saddles. :wink:

As for figuring out saddle size...a saddle is measured from the little metal pin on the pommel (front) to the center of the cantle (rear edge of seat). Kind of a diagonal line. Hold the tape measure tight, don't curve it with the seat. When seated, you should have about 4 fingers width behind your rear and the edge of the cantle. Kid's sizes are generally 13-15.75 inches and small adult in a 16 or 16.5, and adults in 17-18.

Also, horse's size (tree size) is just as important as (if not more than) the seat size. That saddle you listed only comes in one tree size (Wide) which obviously won't fit all horses!
 
#6 ·
I would recommend looking to spend at least 300 on a good saddle. You want the leather to last and me flexible for both you and your mount. You get what you put in. I got my English all purpose for around 300 second hand and it's lasted through the ages.

I went cheap and bought a synthetic earlier in my career and it fit very poorly and caused my horse a lot of pain. It's not all about it being cheap and convenient.

Take time and make sure it fits and will last the long haul.

statelinetack.com is where I like to shop if you're still looking.
 
#7 ·
I would check out used saddles. Our local saddle maker (we are lucky to have them) has stacks and stacks of used english saddles. You might check around your area to see if there are any places that sell used tack with the new.
 
#9 ·
Piece of junk. I'v seen such sets "alive" in Chick's and I must tell you they are bad. As suggested, better to look for used one.

BTW, generally I found out that horse.com products are pretty crappy. Used to order from them a lot for last couple years, but quality is low in most cases. So I switched to bit more expensive, but much nicer stores like jeffers.
 
#14 ·
My general rule is if it offers not only a bridle but a bit? Say no thanks.

I have purchased a starter pack like that and it was... okay. Better than expected in some aspects but generally a get-what-you-pay-for deal.

Try finding a lightly used saddle for sale. I just bought one, paid 75 bucks. I checked the retail value? $250+. Not that expensive but I got my monies worth. It was only used a few times by her husband and then he lost interest in riding so yippy for me and my large bottom to fit a man sized seat. That left me enough money to buy an exceptional quality bridle and pad. :)
 
#15 ·
I would steer clear of that one! you do get what you pay for to a certain extent, but dont feel you have to spend loads... the "non" english leather is pretty good these days and very affordable, even if your competing, no one can mark you down on the style of your leather work as long as its safe and in good condition!
 
#16 ·
I agree with everyone else, run far far away from it!!!

With saddles you so often get what you pay for. Cheap saddles often put your leg in the wrong place, hurt your horse's back, hurt your butt, fall apart, and look like crap! I know there are some really great off brand saddles (I had one for 12 years!) out there but so far all the saddles that my students have come to the barn with that were "a great package deal" or from the pawn shop or from some auction have been all the same. If money is the biggest issue I would very strongly recommend waiting a few more months, saving more money and getting a good quality used saddle. www.tacktrader or www.usedsaddles.com have some good deals. I've found some fantastic saddles at great prices on ebay, but you do have to be careful with that. Good luck!
 
#17 ·
Those cheap starter sets are NOT good deals... They are made in asia on cheap fiberglass trees with cardboard stiff urine tanned leather. The leather color is painted on and does NOT accept oil very well, if at all. You're much better off saving up a little more money and spending $250-350 on a good used saddle, either European made leather or a synthetic, Wintec or Thorowgood.
 
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