Cheap saddle?

No experience of that saddle but I have bought 2 different saddles from that company (Hold Your Horses). Both were as described. Neither of mine were the D-Flex tree, their description there doesn't make much sense to me. The saddles I bought were not top quality leather, far from it, but not the cheapest of cheap rubbish either. I'd say what they sell is fairly priced and not the bargain they make it out to be, that's just marketing hype.

I had no problems with receiving the goods, one even arrived before my cheque had cleared. I've had no need to do exchanges/refunds etc so can't really say what their customer service is like, that bit in their ad about blocking people makes me a little wary. I think they only trade on ebay.

Not sure why you'd be buying one as a second saddle? If you currently have a well fitting saddle I'd be saving up for something decent if you wanted a second one. If you wanted a first saddle on a tight budget then you could do worse than buy from these people.

One I bought had girth straps in a strange place and in the flesh looked like an adjustable gullet version of a cheap as chips indian saddle, except with better quality leather. It wouldn't stay in place in canter and I sold it on for what I paid after riding in it twice. The other saddle was branded (cheap brand). I still have it several years later, it's done the job and it still looks good as new.
 
Thank you, that's really helpful. I agree about the d-flex tree, sounds a bit gimmicky!
The reason I was considering just a cheap adjustable synthetic as a second saddle for this mare (rather than saving for a really nice leather one) is that she's changing shape still - her current gp is also just an adjustable thorogood, she's changed shape and built up back muscle since we've had her and has already gone up a gullet size in that. It was fitted by a master saddler and has been reflocked to accommodate her changing shape and suits her really well, she seems very comfortable in it. However my other horse has a lovely made-to-measure farrington jump saddle, which I feel 100 times more secure in when jumping, lower leg never moves. I guess I was hoping that I might be able to get that same feeling on this other mare but in a cheaper adjustable jump saddle, just down to the different forward cut design (even if the materials are a bit naff). But your comments about weirdly placed girth straps and saddle moving in canter have really put me off! I'll avoid I think, thanks!
 
Yes I think I'll have a hunt for one, perhaps another thorowgood as I know it suits her. Thanks! 😊
 
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