buying saddles online...

[horseyperson]

Just interested, but how do you know that a saddle is going to fit your horse when you buy online?
I know that there's the two standard measurements given, but surely theres more to saddle fitting than 2 measurements, otherwise why do people pay a fortune to get people out to fit their horses with a saddle?!

 

[nixxyz]

unfortunatly you dont unless you've tried a certain size and make on your horse and are looking for that particular (sp) saddle. Its just trial and error im afraid. Best thing ive found is to find out what tree shape, width and length you need, then find out which saddles match the criteria ie an older wintec is quite banana shaped with narrow pannels and a thorowgood is flat with wide pannels.

Once you do get one you *think * fits get a proffesional qualified fitter to double check as the flocking may need adjusting (sp)

 

[sbloom]

It really is a long slog to find the right saddle online when you're starting with little experience. I'd always recommend using a fitter for buying a saddle, retailers and fitters will always be pricier but you are buying their service, and a good one if you choose well. There are of course lots of people who have lost a lot of money in reselling, postage etc who find out their horses are hard to fit and end up with a fitter anyway, costing more in the long term.

 

[Clava]

I have bought on ebay a beautiful, nearly mint Lovatt and Rickets dressage saddle a while ago, an Apex ideal and a saddle company, all have been checked by my saddler two of them have been reflocked and now all fit beautifully now. I have also bought varoius other saddles which were Ok but didn't fit and resold them and never made a loss. Whatever I bought I would always have a saddle check and fit it regardless.