Buying a saddle on the internet - good idea?

N

nic83

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 November 2008
Messages
69
Visit site
Sorry, don't post very often,but am in need of some advice re buying a saddle. (I apologise its long)

I have a horse on part share sort of basis, although I'm the only one who rides him. He has tack, however he was out of consistent work for some time before I took him on, and I don't think the saddle fits particularly well, (it is a leather GP) Additionally I am more of a dressage rider (though may be encouraged to pop a small jump now and then)

I have seen on the internet (eqestrian clearance) some wintec saddles (wintec 500 VSD) that are only £260. It will have the interchangable gullet system, and so would perhaps be adaptable to another horse, should the loan not work out, or hopefully if I get my own, as fingers crossed this will be my last loan horse as I next year I will have saved enough to buy my own.

I would prefer a leather saddle, but am reluctant to spend a lot of money on something that may not suit any new horse should I buy my own. Obviously any saddle I may get may not suit the new one but at least if its not as much money it won't be such a waste if that makes sense.

Now, this is the query, I have never bought a saddle on line. Is this a good idea? I have tried my friends extra wide wintec Pro dressage saddle on him and she thinks it is a good fit, as did I. (I should point out she is a trainer/instructor all around horsey person who is fairly experienced).

I would still get a saddler out to check it, but would like to buy the saddle cheaper from the internet if possible. Do you think this is a good idea? Finally Equestrian Clearance - anyone any experience of buying from them?

Well done if you got this far, and thanks in advance if you have any advice.
 
What about bates leather saddle its similiar to wintec made by them I think with changeable gullet.I have one and love it my horse has changed shape and Ive adjusted it to fit again .They are on offer with equestrian clearance I buy loads with them good co. to deal with.I had fitter out to make sure it was good fit initially.
 
I think its only a good idea if you know exactly (or near enough
tongue.gif
) what you are looking for. Have you tried one of these adjustable wintecs on the loan horse to find out if you can get it to fit? Just because you can adjust the width of the gullet doesn't mean you can adjust the tree to suit any horse and I wouldn't advise getting one if you've no idea if the tree fits, unless of course its so cheap that you could just put it back on the internet if it won't do. ETA, if you tried a particular model and it was a good fit, it would be fine to buy the same one off the internet.
smile.gif
 
I have an albion legend saddle for sale, my horse is no longer ridden,
its old but sound, are you anywhere near Kent?
He is 16.2 warmblood, its a 17 and a half.
 
Wintec's fit my old girl and I fancied an Isabella Werth but couldn;t pay the £550 brand new price tag. I went and sat on one at the saddlers (its was a good idea as they come up quite big and I had to go down an inch on my old one) and then found a lovely person through TradeIT who was selling an Isabella Werth for £150 with all the gullets. I've had it for a year and half now and its bliss! So park your bum on a few before you make up your mind and try and fit on as many saddles as you can so you find a good fit. And yes, I buy from Equestrian clearance a lot and I find them very good. I haven't had a problem with anything I have bought from them, mainly riding clothes. I find the 6.95 flat rate postage a bit steep though, so I tend to wait until I need a few things for my horse, the kids and myself and buy a lot in one go.
 
I bought my Wintec VSD package from ECW. I already had a Wintec 2000 so decided to take the chance, as where I live (Spain) I have as much chance of finding a saddle fitter as flying to the moon.

ECW have always been fine in my experience. My postage is considerably more than £6.95 - and I think yours be if you buy a saddle, even in UK.
 
I bought a Wintec VSD fron ECW about 18 months ago and got a really good package deal. Always had good service from them. I've just bought a 2nd hand english WH saddle on Ebay and it fits our pony! We had taken him to the saddlery the week before where they had a choice of 100s of saddles new and 2nd hand and they couldn't even find anything suitable to try on him (TBH we were very disappointed with the service). As someone else has said if you know that certain makes will fit your horse go for it. If you take a gamble on something just make sure you'll be able to sell it on without losing money.
 
Providing you get a saddler out to check the saddle, it will be OK, but Wintec's are notorious for their banana shape tree which doesn't fit a lot of horses,just to be warned.
 
Thanks for the advice, I have tried a wintec on him, although it was a different model, but I may go for it, and resell on ebay if its not right.

Hoffy - I am in kent! Just out of interest what colour is your saddle & how much do you want for it. PM me if you prefer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top