breaking saddles

[TarrSteps]

I've also asked in other areas but since this is probably where I *should* be asking . . .

When I moved, I stupidly sold most of my massive collection of tack, accumulated over decades and a host of experiences. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Anyway, apparently I'm not retired so now have to go about replacing at least some of it. I had a selection of "young horse" saddles that did the job for most types (I know, bad me ), all of them older so I didn't have to stress about them being bitten/scratched and otherwise gently maimed, and "out of fashion" - the saddles of my youth - so generally familiar to me and readily available. But my old standby's aren't so thick on the ground here and I'm curious to know what people who start a lot of horses commonly use here.

Anyone who starts a lot of horses or works for someone who does care to comment? I know what's around but many of the older saddles are unfamiliar to me.

 

[P4NN]

Have a look at this one. The perfect starter saddle as used by Monty Roberts
http://www.gallabarfarm.com/thestartersaddle.htm
It is £450 but is far superior to the cheaper wintec and thorowgood adjustable saddles as it is made specifically for starting horses

 

[Joss]

I have to confess that all of the horses that I have broken in (probably about 30 odd that I did when it was actually my decision what they wore & it was me with my ample rear in the saddle for the first time) have worn my old half tree race exercise saddle.

I use a poly pad with quite a thick gel pad. It sits on everything absolutely beautifully, never ever moves (if its was a real skinny baby you could put a chamois underneath) Relatively comfy for leaning over, it you can ever be described as comfy when leaning over. No cantle to get your leg over when you are trying to do it subtly the first time. If it happens to have an accident (i.e get bucked off) its bounces fairly well.

Maybe not everybodies cuppa tea but suited me just fine. I dare say you can pick up a 2nd hand one about the place.