Do I buy a new saddle for 5 yr old?

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amanda1788

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Hi, I got a Wintec synthetic saddle with my new horse I bought, it fits him well, but is getting old and looks a bit tatty. But he is only just 5 this year, so will change shape and fill out. I was thinking of buying him a new saddle, but is it worth spending a lot of money on one, when he is going to change? If I do decide to get one can anyone reccomend any brands or saddles GP that are good as there are so many to look at.
Thanks
 
I've got a Bates Caprilli GP for my 4 year old. It's the leather version of the Wintec.

No complaints, it's comfy, horse likes it and with the changeable gullet it'll grow with her.
 
I wouldn't bother, Bears coming 5 and is on his 5th saddle! which is just a thoroughgood synthetic, he did have a nice jefferies saddle but it went too narrow or it was not fitted properly. But the saddle he's got now was only £60 2nd hand.
 
I'd go for second hand. If you get a good quality one and look after it you shouldn't lose too much money on it, as it's very likely you'll have to change it at least once and more likely several times before he's finished growing and muscling up. New saddles are like new cars, your investment disappears as you drive it off the forecourt!
 
Or maybe a Saddle Company Saddle, I bought my horse one when he was 4, he's just turned 6 and I have now ordered a WOW. You can buy new for about £500 or 2nd hand for under £300 in good nick:)
 
I have a saddle company one for my 5 year old and it is adjustable by my saddler. I bought it new and it was I think about £670 - supper saddle.
 
i bought my 4 yr old a shires hi - lite elite saddle, look them up and see what you think, they basically adjust to horses shape and riders weight so fit really well on a horse that changes shape, iv only used mine on ponies so not sure how well they work/fit bigger horses, id highly recommend one though!
 
I wouldnt recommend the hi-lite at all! It has no gullet which is how it "adjusts" to the horse. It is also really poorly made and are not built to last very long. They also cause untold damage to horses backs because of the fundamental design flaws. It is supposed to be designed on the Thorowgood Maxam but it is a very poor copy.

If you want to get a cheap saddle for your cob, steer clear of Wintecs as they will not fit your horse's back at all. I would go for a Thorowgood as they are a much better fit.

In terms of adjustable saddles, Kieffers are adjustable at the factory, Saddle Company saddles can be adjusted on site. I have SC saddles for my youngster and am constantly adjusting them to fit his shape (he refuses to stop growing).
 
Well it's a hard one! I bought a new saddle for a 5 year old (the only one I could get that fitted him). Luckily for me whilst he chunked out, he didn't change shape where the saddle goes so it carried on fitting him. I bought an Ideal WH 17" Wide (scarce as hen's teeth 2nd hand). Now sold the pony, but kept the saddle, it would appear I could sell the saddle for £4-500 ish as it is in excellent condition.

Whatever you do, Murphy's law is bound to come into play, so it'll be wrong whatever decision you make!
 
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