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Which AP English saddle is best?

27K views 50 replies 10 participants last post by  farley 
#1 ·
I want to start riding in English, I already have lined up lessons but now I need a saddle. And I realized that all I know is that I want an all purpose English saddle. What I want to know is which brand is best?
 
#29 ·
When you put on a girth, (call it a cinch and people may laugh or be confused – done that) you do it up on the right side first, then the left. For Mudpie (who bloats) I put it on the last hole and then after I get it on the other side, I go back and start adjusting it up, switching sides. :D

There are many different types of girths... you need an all purpose girth for a jumping saddle. Shaped leather girths like this one, are my personal favorite. Fleece girths, like this one, are also good, but if you live where there are "stickers" (burrs) and take them on a trail ride then you will have HECK getting them out! Your english girth should have elastic on one or both sides, and the buckles should have rollers. :)
 
#30 · (Edited)
You can find really cheap breeches on HorseLoverz.com – they go really fast, and they're always getting new types in. There are better prices for most things on HorseLoverz, but the breeches are usually an unbeatable deal!! As for half chaps, you can shop around. :) TuffRiders are decent and affordable! My first pair of half chaps were washable, because they're super easy to take care of – I still use them. :]
 
#33 ·
farley, look into Wintec indeed. You can find one used for very good money, and they are decent saddles. It may or may not fit your horse, but you have to try.

Stubben IS a good brand (although I don't like it because it feels too hard for me). But I've seen old Stubben in good price range too. It's all about luck really.

Crosby is another brand that I've seen to be on cheaper side still a nice saddle.
 
#35 ·
Also, while you're shopping around, read reviews! I've decided not to buy a product I was originally totally sure about before because the other people had really bad experiences – and vice versa:)
 
#38 ·
I don't ever do my girth up on a specific side first. Whichever side is closest is the first side to get adjusted.

I prefer breeches, but jeans work just fine for a lot of people. My favorite pair of breeches were $30, and have lasted forever.
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#39 ·
I decided to pass on the Kincade, I dont think it would fit my mustang.
And well I have lots of bridles and tons of halters and leads. I ride my filly in a western style bridle with a snaffle, and I use an Indian Hackamore on my gelding. I only found that out after about 500 dollars and about everything you can think of.. hes picky!
 
#43 ·
Not sure why people are saying a new halter? AS far as I know a halter is a halter, unless you are doing showmanship or something.

It is recommended you do your off side cinch first, since most are elastic. Not sure how easy it would be otherwise.

How about a snaffle and saddle pad? have those?
 
#44 ·
All of my girths have elastic on both sides, therefore it doesn't make a difference. I've heard that girths with elastic on only one side cause pressure points. Could see the issue otherwise, though.
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#45 ·
I am pretty sure I have all that I need. well besides the chaps, saddle and boots. I cant change my bits or add a bit. My horses are good there. But if you see something that might might help me out I would appreciate the advice. I am still very very new to English and only know what I do from you guys. I am not looking to do anything but trail ride and focus on my form in my own arena. nothing fancy.

again thought thank you everyone and I am sure I will be posting again on this thread about saddles and accessories I find.
 
#47 ·
It's the same as saying, "You can only get on from the left side." It may be 'tradition,' but nothing else.

I don't have a sword to get caught in my horse's mane, so I'll mount from the right if I want. I have a girth with elastic on both ends, so I'll do it up on either side first. The horse doesn't care. :lol:

She's just going to trail ride-- who cares what side is done up first?
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#48 ·
umm unless there are bit less English bridles then maybe, I'll defiantly need a pad, and I have a helmet.. but its never in use haha

And I insist that all my students practice mounting on both sides, I know I can do both with my filly but I struggle mounting my large gelding on the right. Its especially important to be able to do while trail riding.

And thank you I appreciate that, when I first started western I was stuck on doing everything proper... now I have become LAZY haha
 
#49 ·
Yupyup:) Saddle pads are pretty fantastical because they come in awwll different colors :D Stateline Tack has low-priced pads. :D Here are a few suggestions:

Roma Ecole Cloud Quilt Pad - Statelinetack.com
Rider's International Quilted Saddle Pad With Piping | Dover Saddlery
Roma Reversible Soft Saddle Pad - Statelinetack.com

When they get too dirty, you just throw them in the washer and let them air dry:)

:)

Also, as another tip (even though your trainer will probably teach you this), english saddles go a bit further up than western saddles – they're constructed differently. :)
 
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