Best time to buy a saddle?

Cliqmo

Cliqmo

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Hi guys

When is the best time to buy my unbroken 4yr old a proper saddle?

Now= before I start backing him?

Later= once he has been doing more work and has done the majority of his filling out?

I have been doing all the groundwork using a cheapy lightweight synthetic for lunging and long reining etc and can't decide whether to continue with this until he is properly backed, or whether I should get a decent fitted saddle for him now but risk it not fitting in 6mths?

Ideas please!
 
At that age the chances are you'll be buying a few saddles over the next 3-4 years while he fills out and changes shape, which he is going to do a lot. Personally I'd get a half decent saddle fitted now and then be prepared to go through it all again every 6 months.
 
I feared that might be the answer! Thanks Scarlett
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At that age the chances are you'll be buying a few saddles over the next 3-4 years while he fills out and changes shape, which he is going to do a lot. Personally I'd get a half decent saddle fitted now and then be prepared to go through it all again every 6 months.

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Agree with this. So many people 'make do' with any old saddle for backing and riding on a youngster, which is the most important part of any horses education. Any pain or discomfort in the early days is asking for the horse to resent work, create behavioural problems and even physical problems. Let alone the safety of the rider. It is vital that a saddle fits a horse at any stage of its working life, from beginning to end. If you buy a young horse you have to be prepared to budget for frequent saddle checks and probably several saddles in the first couple of years.
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Good point TeddyT. The synthetic seems to fit well (I don't pretend to be a pro but know enough to trust my judgement) however your point is very valid and as an interim solution I will get a saddle fitter to check the fit and go on their advice.
Ideally I would like to wait until later in the summer, when my boy has been in regular work and I will be doing mounted stuff, before I get his first decent saddle. Is that wrong?
 
I have just bought a Bates Elevation DS which is fantastic for my four year old, it was after a long conversation with my saddler regarding the fact that he will change shape etc it has the CAIR Panel System and the New Generation EASY-CHANGE Gullet System which means it can be changed to fit just about any horse. The CAIR panels can have memory foam inserts put in aswell (which I needed) but they can be easily taken out or changed.

The saddle was quite expensive but because it is so flexible I think its well worth the money.

If you don't want to spend too much I would get the Wintec as they have the CAIR Panel System and the New Generation EASY-CHANGE Gullet System aswell but are a lot cheaper.

I hope this helps.
 
Mine was 5 when I got my saddle but I got a decent second hand one on the basis if he changed too much I could sell it or part exchange it without losing as much as on a new one.
 
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