Argh, Saddle Drama

FlyingCircus

FlyingCircus

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All I want is a saddle for new horsey :( But can I find anyone who will fit one? Nope!

Either they expect you to buy a saddle and they then check the fit (no thanks, don't fancy wasting a bunch of money on a saddle that they would then try to MAKE fit), or they are only selling and fitting brand new saddles..which would be fine if I knew what discipline we wanted to specialise in, but I don't.

So for now i'm looking for good quality 2nd hand leather saddle. I'm not even looking with an impossibly low budget (I don't think!) i'm quite happy paying around £500 for one..but can't seem to find anyone who sells second hand :(

Anyone have any ideas in the Herts area? I know of loads of people in Derbyshire, but am no longer there and it seems being here and knowing a grand total of 2 horsey people is making things difficult for me.
 
What kind of saddle are you looking for? I'd recommend saddles direct, they let you try before you buy but they do charge a premium for what I think are very ordinary saddles
 
If you don't have anyone near best bet is to get a few new ones tried, say you will think about it and purchase the same model second hand (some new fitters are also happy for you to do this and come back to you though you will have to pay for fitting). I think the trouble is that there isn't a huge amount of money to be made with second hand saddles compared to new.
 
Try Toni from Tackhaven (TC Feeds) - she will come out with 2nd hand and they are not silly money. Also West Essex Saddlery (not sure of lady's name as not used personally but others on yard have) will also bring out 2nd hand to try.

Depending where in Herts you are you could pop to Tackhaven (is Dunstable way) and take a template and some pictures, sit in a few up there then get her to bring the ones you like out so you reduce risk of a van full of nothing that fits?
 
Thanks guys :)

I totally see why they don't really carry second hand saddles anymore as people are so quick to just buy second hand from eBay etc.
Thanks for the suggestions - have just left my number with Tackhaven and they're going to get back to me :) so hopefully i'll be able to ride my new horsey soon!
 
Do any tack shops near you do on-site fitting that you could take your horse to them? There's one near us that (I think) if they come to you they only bring new saddles but if you go to them you can try on their second hand stock.
 
Toni at Tack Haven in Herts will have saddles in that budget you can even go along to the shop and look at what saddles they have then ask her to bring them along for you.

Just noticed someone else has mentioned her :)

Where are you in Hertfordshire?
 
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