A saddle dilemma (also on SY)

[lauren_237]

This follows up from my Quantum post from the other day..

We're still debating whether to go for a traditional saddle or the Quantum. What I was wondering is, if you have had a saddle fitted by a member of the Master Saddlers how often have you had to buy a new saddle for the same horse? Or is it just a case of re-flocking?

What I've heard is that people can get through quite a few saddles in their horse's life, even if the saddle was made to measure initially. So just trying to weigh up the pros and cons, costs etc for each so any thoughts are greatly appreciated as I feel like I don't know enough to make an informed decision!

 

[_daisy_]

the saddles i buy are hand made by my saddler. they are fully changeable so can be changed when my horses change shape. he does however re flock them when they are needed if they dont need any changes to width etc - think this does depend on what they are flocked with.

ive had a made to measure saddle for my welsh d now for approx 3 years and its not needed any work on it. the same with my WB's dressage saddle however the albion kontrol has needed reflocking a few times.

what is your saddler recommending?

 

[teddyt]

[ QUOTE ]
how often have you had to buy a new saddle for the same horse? Or is it just a case of re-flocking?



[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on many things-
The individual horse
Fitness
Age
Training
Nutrition
Management
The weather!

All of these things (and more) will affect a horses shape. minor fluctuations can be accomodaed with flocking changes but tree and panel type may have to change if a horse changes alot.

Some horses need more changes of saddle than others, it really is impossible to answer. i.e. one of my horses is on his 3rd saddle since backing but now has a WOW so lots of adjustability. Other horse is on his 6th saddle since backing and his second wow, because he has changed so much as he has got older. without the wows i dread to think how many more saddles i would have got through!

 

[Flame_]

My personal opinion is, exhaust all options of buying second hand, then buying new off the peg, then as a last resort, having one made to measure. Horses do change shape and I think its much more economical and better for the horse to replace second hand saddles as needed rather than having one newly made to measure then constantly trying to alter it to keep it right (if it was ever right in the first place

)