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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?
 
#2 ·
I don't think there's one "best" brand. A lot of people start out with Wintec saddles – they're easy to care for and well-known.

All-purpose saddles are good and fine, but remember that as you get better as a rider, they'll start to limit you.

However, you can easily do dressage in a jumping saddle. Why not start out with a jumping saddle instead of going for an AP saddle?
 
#3 ·
I think you'd be better off venturing to a Close Contact saddle instead of an All Purpose. A/P's don't help you out very much with your form, due to how they are designed.

If you can get in touch with a Professional Saddle Maker/Fitter, to have them come out and help you with your choice, that would be great. A good one will come out with a bunch of different saddles, and will start the process from there.

That way, you can ride in them, and have a professional eye tell you "yay" or "nay".
 
#4 ·
Thanks. And I figured an all purpose would be good because I ride in western, have for 13 yrs, and between my trail horse and cutting filly I didn't see the need for a dressage or jumping saddle.
I have great balance and ride bareback often, but I thought the English would help with my now casual form. I ride several different horse during the month and ride nearly everyday. I know my form has become most comfortable but sloppy, and I want to help restructure it.
 
#5 ·
Don't be afraid to get a used saddle:) Some brands that are usually good are Collegiate, Bates, Pessoa, and Beval. Mind you, out of those I've only ridden in a Bates and a Beval, but they were both really nice. The other brands are just commonly recommended, bought, etc. :D

Good luck and let us know how it goes!! :D
 
#7 ·
Oh... you could try e-bay. Worst case scenario, it doesn't fit: then you just turn around and resell it, and get another one:)
 
#8 ·
I found a Kincade Redi-Ride Synthetic All Purpose on state line tack with cinch and stirrups for 219?? what you think?

I tried all the brands you named me on ebay an non are as cheap or included
 
#37 ·
I found a Kincade Redi-Ride Synthetic All Purpose on state line tack with cinch and stirrups for 219?? what you think?

I tried all the brands you named me on ebay an non are as cheap or included
I had a Kincade Redi-Ride when I first started out, while I was one of the lucky few that had a horse it fitted. :shock: Shock horror.

But - I personally didn't like it. It now sits in my tackshed, I'm a bit of a tack collector...

Do you have a good quality bridle? Halter?
 
#9 ·
With all respect Kincade is quite a junk (and most of the time doesn't fit the horse well).
 
#11 ·
YOu are better off buying a good make used. Study eBay a bit. Look at the completed listings to see what sells and what doesn't. THen-when you find the right deal you will be a little more knowledgable. If you get a new one and have to resell it you will lose more than if you buy used and have to.
 
#14 · (Edited)
Yep. Often times, the "cheap" ones are just that – cheap. Kincade is junk, Stübben is junk... etc. :)

What is your price range, what size do you need, and what kind of tree do you need for your horse?
 
#15 ·
The reason that I personally love my wintec, is because of its deep seat and adjustable knee rolls. I ride on the trail lots, and they help me feel more secure! Mine has the flock panels, which you can adjust to fit your horse and change as your horse matures. They also have a cair system, but my instructor told me that flock would be just fine for what I'm doing.

I would really just try some out!! I also looooove collegiate brand saddles, but could buy the wintec new for less than the cost of a collegiate in my area.
 
#16 ·
my mustang and QH are pretty medium ..I don't know exactly off hand. The QH might by wide but shes still growing. I am not sure about seat size I hear they are different in english then for western?
 
#18 ·
Equiniphile beat me to it. I love Stubbens.

Stay away from the starter packages. They are junk.

If you can't find a good used and don't want to spend a lot, look at synthetics like Wintecs and Thorowgoods. I have a Wintec Jump and love it, and I've heard lots of good things about Thorowgood.
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#20 ·
I'm about 5'5 and 130 lbs and I ride in a 17"... I believe my barrel saddle is 15" but I honestly don't know for sure.
 
#21 ·
The rule of thumb is to add two inches to your western seat size to get your English seat size, but it varies. There are sites online that show you how to measure your femur to get the correct English seat size.
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#22 ·
ok ..my boss says I should be in a 15'' but I love my ratty saddle I trail ride, train, give lessons and test all my clients maybes in that old roper haha

there's no feeling in the world like your favorite saddle!
 
#23 ·
Probably a 17" inch then:) Here's a decent saddle for $300 :D

17" English Saddle

It's an HDR. I know a couple people who ride in HDR's and LOVE them, but I haven't actually ridden in one before:) But they're squishy :D
 
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#26 ·
Okay, and just a word of warning: you cannot ride in an english saddle in cowboy boots and jeans – GOD the chafes burn!!!!!!!!! Been there done that – take my advice and don't do it! You should get breeches, paddock boots, and half chaps. :D
 
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