As far as I’ve heard, they’re fine. I don’t know about longterm use though as they’re foam flocked, and that can be hard to deal with as the foam ages and packs down. A wool flocked saddle can be adjusted by a fitter, but I think you’re more limited with what you can do with foam flocking.
Opinions on HDR saddles
I am causally searching for an all purpose English saddle for flat work and very low level HUS at open shows. I have an older Collegiate that I love but unfortunately the seat size is too small for me now. My mare is a pretty stout 15hh stock type (broad shoulders, lower round withers but not mutton withered, etc). She is definitely FQHB western so I’m assuming a wide tree should fit her decently. Currently I’m looking at HDR saddles as they fit in my budget (especially for something that is going to get ridden maybe a couple of times a week if that). I’m wondering what everyone’s opinions are on these. I currently can’t justify spending a ton of money on a saddle that isn’t my main ride. Just hoping to find something in good shape that will fit my mare and myself.
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Buying a used, higher end saddle will always get you more bang for your buck. I bought my introductory Collegiate brand new for around $1000, whereas I bought a high end Trilogy for $750. When I sold the Collegiate, it went for around $400 whereas I can make my money back (or more) on the Trilogy. I will always advocate with buying used > new. I say let the people with the $$$ spend it on brand new, so I can buy their nice used saddle for 1/3 of the cost in two years.
Is there a local tack store where you can sit in some different brands and see what your bum likes? And then perhaps trial one or two to see what works for your horse?
If Collegiate is working for you now, I'd personally just get another with a larger seat. EBay and Facebook are flooded with used Collegiates. The 18" seat Collegiate I have right now I got for $350+shipping, and it's in show condition with knee rolls. I'm considering selling it, but I'm not sure the width on it...
Is there a local tack store where you can sit in some different brands and see what your bum likes? And then perhaps trial one or two to see what works for your horse?
If Collegiate is working for you now, I'd personally just get another with a larger seat. EBay and Facebook are flooded with used Collegiates. The 18" seat Collegiate I have right now I got for $350+shipping, and it's in show condition with knee rolls. I'm considering selling it, but I'm not sure the width on it...
Unfortunately we don’t have much in the way for tack stores that sell English tack here. We mostly have used tack stores that on occasion offer no name/cheap used saddles.Buying a used, higher end saddle will always get you more bang for your buck. I bought my introductory Collegiate brand new for around $1000, whereas I bought a high end Trilogy for $750. When I sold the Collegiate, it went for around $400 whereas I can make my money back (or more) on the Trilogy. I will always advocate with buying used > new. I say let the people with the $$$ spend it on brand new, so I can buy their nice used saddle for 1/3 of the cost in two years.
Is there a local tack store where you can sit in some different brands and see what your bum likes? And then perhaps trial one or two to see what works for your horse?
If Collegiate is working for you now, I'd personally just get another with a larger seat. EBay and Facebook are flooded with used Collegiates. The 18" seat Collegiate I have right now I got for $350+shipping, and it's in show condition with knee rolls. I'm considering selling it, but I'm not sure the width on it...
Do you know what seat size you are looking for?Unfortunately we don’t have much in the way for tack stores that sell English tack here. We mostly have used tack stores that on occasion offer no name/cheap used saddles.
The one great thing about sticking with the Collegiates is you can get a great deal on their used adjustable gullet saddles if those interest you. The only issue with the adjustable gullet saddles is that the gullet only adjusts, not the channel down the length of the saddle. I liked mine a lot, but now I have a hard to fit horse that doesn't agree with them.
If you need any advice on buying a used saddle off of Facebook/EBay, let me know. I've bought 9 saddles online - 2 from EBay, and the other 7 off of Facebook. I've also sold LOTS on both, so I know the ropes and how to purchase/sell with the most protection.
The thing I've found with HDR is you really like the way they fit your seat or you really don't.
I have a HDR dressage saddle and my wide Arabian and I both love it. After trying several saddles I finally have a saddle that both he and I are comfortable with.
I absolutely love mine! My HDR fits my 26 year-old QH and it fit my 13'3 round pony, I would recommend riding in a few as QtrBel said, you like them or you don't.
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