breaking saddles

TarrSteps

TarrSteps

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I need some input from you fine folks . . .

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.
 
The very first saddle for any and every horse should be properly fitted, not some old worthless saddle lying around. This will be the first impression the horse gets of a saddle, a badly fitting saddle now could ruin them for life.

Get a properly fitted saddle for training

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[ QUOTE ]
The very first saddle for any and every horse should be properly fitted, not some old worthless saddle lying around. This will be the first impression the horse gets of a saddle, a badly fitting saddle now could ruin them for life.

Get a properly fitted saddle for training

mad.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

What she said.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The very first saddle for any and every horse should be properly fitted, not some old worthless saddle lying around. This will be the first impression the horse gets of a saddle, a badly fitting saddle now could ruin them for life.

Get a properly fitted saddle for training

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto, ditto, ditto!! I'm lucky in that we have so many horses, I've accumulated a LOT of saddles - most bought on E-bay at very reasonable prices, then given to my Master Saddler to check, reflock etc. As a result, we can fit almost any horse that comes in from the back tack room.

If we DON'T have a suitable one, my saddler - told basic measurements - will visit with a collection of suitable 2nd hand saddles and fit one. It's just NOT worth trying to back a horse with a saddle that isn't a PERFECT fit!!

 
What they all said! ^^

I've started horses in a decent treeless (very secure, moulds to shape etc) but otherwise stuck with thorowgoods - cheap, lightweight and a well designed, decent fit.

Although to be frankly honest, if you're doing it properly there's not reason the saddle should get damaged? Outgrown pretty quickly, yes. Trashed, No?!
 
Kind of my point, folks.
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I didn't ask for one saddle to fit a bunch of horses, I asked what saddles commonly available here, people had found, through experience, were most suitable for young horses. As I said originally, I had a large range of saddles and picked up new ones as needed BUT I also knew what makes and models were most likely to work. I merely asked what people's experiences had been here over the course of decades of starting horses. I think you might be surprised how that sort of information is taken for granted if you're raised in a particular system. I am used to having the luxury of having a selection on hand - I've certainly had horses go through 4 saddles in their first ridden year - and would like to build up my stock again, but in as educated and timely a manner possible. I'd rather learn from other people's experiences than make my own mistakes whenever possible, particularly where young horses are concerned.

I have no great desire to ruin horses or, quite frankly, to have them misbehave. Quite the opposite, in fact. Have I given that impression in previous posts?? Also, as to "damage", I like to be able to put a saddle down on the ground quickly, or not worry if it gets scratched etc. I'd much rather do that than fuss about the saddle at the expense of what's best for the horse. So no, I tend not to use best quality competition saddles for the work. Something utilitarian, well made/fitting and comfortable for me, rather than "cutting edge" is more along the lines I'd want.
 
Pretty much everyone I know breaks in Stubbens if they have one/can find one to fit (as do I!) - that's personal preference though as I find them very secure, well made and long-lasting. They're also easy to re-stitch, re-flock etc and hold their value well.

As an example, my 3yo is on his 3rd saddle in 4 months. The 2nd one I had on him was a Stubben Krefold which I found on EBay for 95 quid. When he changed shape and outgrew it I stuck it back on EBay and got 165 for it.
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He's currently in a lovely Stubben VSS which I also found on EBay. I like this saddle and it's proving nice and secure for any pony-eating-monster moments, particularly as he's currently bum high and rides like a slide. No doubt he'll be in something else by next month though...
 
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Kind of my point, folks.
smile.gif
I didn't ask for one saddle to fit a bunch of horses, I asked what saddles commonly available here, people had found, through experience, were most suitable for young horses.

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Ah - different question. I find the older-style Ideal Event fit a lot well (and are comfy!) And the Hawk Event. I also have a Stubben Romanus which fits the higher withered horses - and my rider likes - although I think it's like sitting on a knife edge. I have a couple of Stubben Siegfrieds too - but I HAVE to be desperate to put my backside in one of those!
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Most good Walsall saddles also do - my favourite is a Sturgess - though they're hard to find.
 
Excellent, thanks. At least that gives me a place to start.

I used a lot of Passiers but they aren't as available here and they all seem such narrow widths! I did bring my best jumping one, thank god.

I like Stubbens, and they're very common, although they tend to be a bit "much" for me, especially in the knee roll department. I prefer blocks as have long thighs. I really don't feel comfortable starting horses in saddles that don't fit me well, too, especially if they interfere with my ability to use my leg.

I have little experience with English made GP saddles - they're around but not nearly as common. The "standard" saddles people just have around tend to be jumping or heavily VSS, which seems to be much less the case here.

Walsalls, Ideals, Barry Swains, Saddle Company etc, all mostly unheard of across the pond, at least as older models, so I have little experience with them. By the same token, I've not seen a Crosby PDN here, or a Hermes, or anything similar and I always had a couple of those - they tend to fit tb models well. And most of the french saddles I've seen, which I generally like, are newer and crazy money.

Oh, and Munchkin, one of the last horses I rode before I moved had FIVE saddles between 3 and 4, when she was sold. At least once she went back to one she'd worn before but it was starting to take on comic proportions. I'd say, on average though, if I had a horse from backing to basic showing, it went through at least 3 major changes of saddles, with some tweaking in between.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I like Stubbens, and they're very common, although they tend to be a bit "much" for me, especially in the knee roll department. I prefer blocks as have long thighs. I really don't feel comfortable starting horses in saddles that don't fit me well, too, especially if they interfere with my ability to use my leg.

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Last question answered!
 
I've used Wintec saddles for backing, one they are light and two you can generally get them to fit most horses providing you use the correct tree.

When I started Ralph off he was fitted with a wintec and it lasted me up until he was 8 when he completely changed shape, worth every penny if you have a youngster
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I really like Ideals, they are generous across the shoulder and are very well balanced. I am looking for a wide Ideal, either VSD or GP at the moment for my 4 year old. I can pad it well if it is a little wide at the moment, he'll muscle up to it. I also find they are nice secure saddles - which will be useful with this particular youngster!
 
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