Had back lady out yesterday and its time for a new saddle.

[SALLYT]

As title says , I knew it was coming but he had a few tension points around the saddle area and my instructer also said with regards my saddle I could do better.
So I have never bought a new one before , I'm excited but must admit to being a little apprehensive if I make the wrong choice.

I have been recommended Crewe Saddlery - although I live in Derbyshire I would travel to get the right one, can you trail them out before you buy? Is it a case of just trying them . leather or sympthetic, I really do not know where to start.

The thing is he has changed shape and I think he will continue to do so as he reaches optimum fittness , how would I work this in to the equation.

I think I'm leaning towards a GP and have a budget of £1k, but would like to think that maybe in this figure I could get a new bridle.

Sorry for the length of this post any help and advice would be really really well received as I would like to sort this out for my boy asap.

His old saddle is an englisg saddle by Dubblin only about 6 month old and really comfortable, would a saddler take this in as part exchange.

 

[Magicmillbrook]

I would have thought that the saddler will take it in part exchange, you may not get as much for it as you would selling it privately, however remember that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush! You should be able to get something fairly decent on your budget, if you are getting a saddle and bridle you may be able to negotiate a little discount (worth a try).

 

[SALLYT]

Thanks for the reply - i will try to barter but will probably leave that to OH to do , I just can't do it.

Has no one else any advice please ?

 

[kerilli]

i think you should be able to get a new Ideal for about that much, £1k ish, less if you trade in your old one. i know someone who just had one made to measure by them, and it is very very nice. they do lots of diff styles, have a look at the website. call the saddlery first and see what makes they stock.
for the sake of your horse's back really really try to steer clear of certain other makes. PM me for more deets if you like, i don't want to be accused of defamation.

 

[dwi]

Whereabouts in Derbyshire? Leo Wright is an excellent saddler, I can highly recommend him. You can find his contact details on the Master Saddlers website