[Hali]

I'm in the market for a saddle for my mare. I've been borrowing my coach's Stubben for the past few months, and although I love it, I need to find one of my own.

A few questions:

My budget isn't super high for a saddle, which is why I'll probably buy used. I'm hoping to spend no more than $2000 (just the saddle, I have my own girths, breastplates and stirrup irons/leathers, saddle pads), but would prefer to go lower. Can anyone recommend a good saddle brand that is easy on the wallet, but still good quality? Lkewise, any brand I should avoid? I ride english, mainly hunter, but also have an interest in persuing dressage and eventing, so something all purpose would be best.

Custom made saddles - are they worth it? Custom made isn't in my budget at the moment, but if the best option, I will save my money and go this route.

Thanks everybody!

 

[starlinestables]

Don't go all purpose.. but honestly your budget will get your a decent saddle.. I prefer used saddles anyway.. but that way you can possibly find a high brand saddle for example a boarder bought a used butet under 2k and i LOVE that saddle..

 

[misstud]

Your budget will allow you to find a decent saddle. I am using a custom saddle from the Gaston Mercier Saddler and it is very comfortable for trail riding.
You can see this saddle on their website. To me, it is a very good brand.

 

[Tack Collector]

How about another Stubben. They are slow selling and it's keeping the prices low. I just got a really nice Edleweiss CS cc 16.5" 32cm for $700 + shipping. I love how it fits me. Stubben Imperators (AP) have been turning up on eBay and selling for $550 to $650 average and I got one that's like new but it cost much more.

Crosby Prix with the padded flap? Crosby Centennial? Sometimes you can get those used for around $700 - $800. There are more Centennials than padded Prixs, though.

 

[Hali]

I really, really like the Stubben. My coach isn't much of a fan of them because she finds she sits weird in them, but I love them.

I'll check out Ebay, thanks for the advice.

Starline, why no all purpose? Just curious.

 

[kitten_Val]

$2000 is VERY good.

I got Pessoa CC which was way under $2000 and very happy with it so far. My trainer liked it too. I can't really advice to stay away from certain brands (of course except those cheap "start" packages ), so you just have to go with what fit your horse. Do you have any tack shops around? When I was looking for the saddle I drove 2 hours to PA. Far but they had hundreds of saddles - both used and new from $300 till $5+K range, so I took as many measurements from my horses as I could and just spent 2 hours there trying everything in my price range.

 

[OdinsOwn]

If you like Stubben, I would go for another Stubben.

I got mine brand new and with some custom stuff and it was still right around the 2000 range, so you should be able to find a great used one if you don't mind used for your price range. I too like Stubbens.... I guess its either love or hate cause my sister was disgusted when she rode in my saddle.

 

[Tack Collector]

My Edleweiss CS was brand new from leathercarver0 , Stitching Horse Saddlery. People don't seem as wild about the NT version and the CS seems to be preferred.


http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/grd/1535873623.html is a 17.5" 32cm CS
http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/grd/1557373078.html 17" 28cm tree