Budget saddle help - please

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VoyPor

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Hi all - i really hope you can help -

I have bought a horse who is perfect and it said it included his wardrobe.

The horse is at the top of my budget that i have - and now i have paid that they say i have to pay extra for a saddle.

I honestly dont have the money to buy an expensive saddle - so could i have some recommendations for good budget saddles please? I feel a bit let down as i was promised the one he has at the moment - but they wont give me it.

Please help im a bit stuck - thank you.
 
It is always difficult buying a saddle second hand privately or off the internet as you won't know what will be the perfect fit. Most tack shops sell second hand saddles and are happy for you to take one at a time to try & return. If your not into showing a good choice is always a wintec with interchangeable gullets, so you can buy the gullets to widen or narrow to fit your horse and they can be picked up fairly cheap second hand.
 
i'd definately recommend wintec synthetic saddles. i was in your position and its done really well in the last year (even though we've got through 4 changes in gullets in 10 months!!!!)
 
well you will be amazed what you can buy off ebay
i could not afford a really fab saddle, which i would love ideally, but i bought one off ebay instead, a second hand black, leather looking synthetic saddle for only £26! it fits her perfectly and is a good looking saddle really, if you buy something cheap like me you can slowly save up and get a really fab one at some point, thats my master plan anyway

here is a pic of it on her, it was in almost mint condition too

SEREN26THAUG2008007.jpg
 
there is the risk of it not fitting as advised, i actually bought two different cheap synthetics and one of the two fit, i then sold the spare on ebay and got my money back, that was cheap as chips too, about £20, it allows you to start saving towards another as i said, i really like my £26 saddle, my horsey mates were well impressed also with it, most importantly it fit my girl, good luck
 
Excellent - you got a right bargain there!

How would i go about measuring my horse exactly so i can know what size to get?
 
i knew roughly my horses measurements as i have had her for over 16yrs so it was easier for me
for yourself you need to measure the seat size you use, a common size is 17inch for example, plus the width the horse needs

here is a video link which shows an easy way you can get exact measurements for your new horse, hope it helps

http://www.statelinetack.com/western.asp?CatID=1100
 
no worries, glad i have been able to help
once you have your measurements you can ask seller for all the measurements if you did buy off ebay for example
hope you find a good little bargain saddle
smile.gif
 
Be very careful buying cheap saddles (cheap when they are new, not cheap because they're a bit older). They are cheap for a reason! They are usually asymetrical and the flocking is crap. The Gallop ones (leather for £99 brand new) are especially rubbish - have never seen such squint panels and twisted trees! The very cheap synthetic (hi-lite for example) has the most appaling flocking and the saddle sores I've seen with them are horrific.

You'd be better buying a slightly more 'expensive' but older saddle (assuming it's not been damaged - synthetic trees often twist) than a newer 'cheap' saddle. Go for a brand you know has a good reputation.

Unless your new horse is TB or has a TB back (narrow with sloping loins and a fair bit of curvature to the back) you'd be best staying clear of wintecs and going with a thorowgood saddle. They're well made good quality and well designed. You can work out what size you need from their website within reason and you can get second hand ones for under £100 easily, and often under £50.
 
Have a look on e-bay, when you know what size synthetic saddle you want .. i just sold a 16.5" wintec with x2 gullets, leathers and safety stirrups for 120 quid...theres loads on there at the minutes, i think people are having tack-room clearouts!
 
I can recommend the Thorowgoods thoroughly! esp for flatter backs and less wither and roly poly coblets. I got one as a stop gap for my youngster (we broke her in a treeless) and weve never moved away yet (shes 5 and a half now).

Wintecs OK for thoroughbreds with lots of wither and curvy backs but most other types dont seem to get on with them.
 
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