What saddle would you recommend?

Hey guys. I've finally got a pony!

I was wondering what saddle you would recommend? He's a 14hh-ish chestnut welsh. He's around 6yrs old and I plan on attending pony club and doing local level hunter/jumpers and some rider classes. Do you need brown for hunter/jumpers? What about the rider class? Sorry, I'm new to this.

I would really prefer something under $2,000 (Australian). I've looked at a few saddles and I have a few in mind. I am really liking the look of the Trainer's saddles, although I have never ridden in one. Do any of you guy's own one or ride in one? Here are the ones I like. :)

Trainer's Cross Country Saddle
Trainer's Pony Saddle
Trainer's Spirit Jump Saddle

I could be totally wrong with the one's I like, and as I said, I'm new to this. :)

Thanks.

As I've said in most of the saddle threads, go out to the local saddlery and have a sit in as many as you can there, and out of the ones you feel comfortable in, see if you can take some home and have a little ride in each one to see what you like the best. I'm sure everyone here will recomened a different type of saddle, as everyone feels comfortable in different makes of saddle.

Good luck with the new pony!!

I agree, you will need to try on a bunch of saddles to see what fits you and your pony best. If you go with used, you can get a better quality saddles for your money. New in your price range I would look at Trainer, Thornhill, Collegiate, Wintec, Ovation, and HDR Advantage line.

There aren't really any second-hand saddles around my area. The thing is, the nearest saddlery is an hour away and now I realise I'll just stick to the brands that I know fit. I know Wintecs fit him fine, but personally I find they are too roomy for me and I slip around alot. Bate's saddles fit him too, and I love riding in those. I'm fairly sure the one that I rode him in was the Caprilli Dressage. I can't believe I forgot to look at Bates!

Bates Caprilli All Purpose (with CAIR)
Bates Next Generation Elevation

Has anyone ridden in either of those saddles? If so, are they good quality? Do they last a long time? Also, as I asked before, what colour do you recommend for what I plan on doing?

Thanks.

I would stick with brown for the AP or jumping saddle. It's more traditional.

I don't have any experience with Bates, so I can't help you there.