2nd hand Sue Carson saddles

[nelliefinellie]

I know there are some Sue Carson fans on here and l hope you can give me some advice. I have a horrendously difficult to fit mare (v wide and flat back) and tried loads of saddles on her and they just look like they were intended for a different species! Been looking at Sue Carson saddles as they are meant to be so adjustable, and have a 2nd hand one on trial. It's a bit narrow and will need the girth straps altering as it slips forward, but it's better than anything else I've tried. I have 3 questions.
1 Has any one had success with getting a 2nd hand one of these altered?
2 Were the alterations expensive?
3 How much do these generally cost 2nd hand? This one is about 2 years old, fair condition though obviously well used. It's not cheap but the person selling has been good enough to send it to me to try, so I dont want to haggle for the sake of it, just want to know if it's a fair price.

Any feedback gratefully received!

 

[katelarge]

Before you make your mind up, have you tried a Humphries + Swain? They too are adjustable! Mine didn't need the tree worked on but I got a visit, re-flock and re-visit for £35 I think? You can get a H&S to try via Kay Humphries's saddlery, Norton and Neby. Mine also has half-panels and it's serge too, my horse goes better in it than his Albion!

Saddles like H&S and Sue Carson, and of course the Wows, hold their value second-hand so rock-bottom bargains are unlikely - but they are worth it.