I want a new saddle, help

Bettyboo1976

Bettyboo1976

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Every horse i have ever ridden owned has always come with a saddle, I have decided that my horse would like a new one, i am sure its tipping me forward and i feel like i am always adjusting my position and fidgiting which i know she doesnt like. So i thought maybe i should buy a new one or second hand one as this would be the cheaper option, what my questions are.
1. costs, how much start to finish would it cost me for the saddler to come out.. is say £500 enough.
2. can i measure my saddle that i have, buy one that size and get saddler to make sure it fits or do only really clued up people do this?
3. what exactly happens when the saddler comes.. do i have to ride etc... how lond does it take?

Sorry for all the questions.. bet i sound really thick, but i know how important it is to get it right for the sake of my horse so dont want to do it all wrong.

Answers on a post card!

Thank you
 
I bought a New Wintec one as it's fully adjustable and my horse was only 3.5yo when I bought it and I thought that if he changes shape I can get it adjusted. I had a saddler come and look at him a few months later (cost about £30) and this lovely old man came out. He is retired but sort of carries on. I thought that he would call my wintec saddle as it's not leather but he was full of complements and said he always recommends them due to the fact that not only is the gullet fully adjustable but a saddler can also adjust them front to back level with inserts. Also the panels underneath are air filled (with the cair system only) so they can never be uneven which apparently can happen with conventuinally stuffed saddles. He said that they were more technically advanced. I love this saddle as it's really comfy and you only wipe it over to clean it. Also it was really cheap brand new. I've since spoken to someone else who bought a saddle from him and guess what, it's the same one!
Usually they measure the horse's back, check for any tenderness and yes you will have to ride.
 
First of all decide what type you want - what is your main activity? Is it jumping - then get a jumping saddle, if it is hacking and general stuff a GP and if dressage then a dressage saddle is what you need.

Do not decide on makes if your budget is £500 then speak to a local saddler and say what your budget is and what do they have? They should come out fit some and then let you ride in them. Sometimes a cheap make can fit better than an expensive one so be open minded.

One company that is very good and do very good value made to fit saddles is http://www.thesaddlecompany.co.uk/ they are definitely worth a ring.
 
Another vote for Wintecs from me too... I have both a GP one and a dressage one - very comfy to ride in, adjustable as horse changes shape, and horse very very happy in hers. Both together cost me less than £500 - GP was new and dressage was off Ebay - fully adjustable so knew I was quite safe buyingh it from there!
They are also not only really really easy to clean, but are very light to carry and that must be nice for the horse too!
 
I had a saddler come out and it ended up that he sold me one (actually lots of dosh but thats by the by) which was a standard fit and could have come from anywhere off the shelf.
Friend said that she would make the appointment with him, take his advice then get that same fit from ebay! I think that's difficult to pull off and I want the ongoing service with re-flock, etc.
You do need some advice for example not only the horse it has to fit but you, your length of leg, whether you like it to sit in.
I find, for example the bates ones uncomfy on the front bone, the "twist"
As far as the riding goes for the saddler, there's no pressure there, they just want your feedback and leg fit, etc. Do what you like, transitions wise. They will know immediately they place the saddle on the horse whether its a good or bad one.
They will bring a selection if you say over the phone what your budget is. Synthetic and non.
 
As you are new to saddle fitting def get a proper saddle fitter out - you don't want to spend all your hard earned cash on one just to realise after a couple of months that it isn't right for you. Wintecs are good but have their limitations. I use them as breaking & hacking saddles but need something more for competitions, also if you ever decide to do some showing in the future you would def need a leather saddle. If you are looking at spending about 500 a second hand leather one is a better deal. I'm selling one at the moment that is gorgeous and expect to get about 450 for it - a beautiful Albion K2 GP that unfortunately no longer fits my horse. Obviously you pay a slight premium having a saddle fitter bring the second hand saddles out but their experience and expertise is invaluable
smile.gif
 

1. costs, how much start to finish would it cost me for the saddler to come out.. is say £500 enough.

Depends on the horse and what the saddler advises personally I'd want a bit more in the kitty in case you can't get a second hand saddle
2. can i measure my saddle that i have, buy one that size and get saddler to make sure it fits or do only really clued up people do this?

Leave them to it there's a skill & a art here and no slip of paper telling you how is going to be 100% right.

3. what exactly happens when the saddler comes.. do i have to ride etc... how lond does it take?

They'll tell you enjoy the moment you'll be paying for it
 
I would definately get someone out. Ask on here who is good in your area and you will get loads of good advice. Its best not to decide on what saddle you want, you kneed to know what will be best for you and your beautiful ned (I still want her!).

I was able to get away with a Wintec for my mare - totaly fit for purpose. However we had to go for an £800 new leather for our new girlie. Normaly if you are buying there is no call out fee, if its a new saddle you may also get first check free - they all vary.

My saddler is wonderfull. She wanted to see the horse walk and trot and turn in hand, took lots of measurements with her bendy stick and tried lots of saddles, when we had narrowed it down we rode in all gaits in the saddle.

As others have suggested state your price limit and perhaps say tou are open minded as to wether its a synthetic/new or 2nd hand leathr.
 
Awwe thanks guys, this has really helped, i really only need a GP saddle synthetic or leather i am open minded about as long as it is comfy for my overlarge bottom!

as i said i dont mind second hand as long as its in good condition.. , my YO is Very experienced so i think i might have a chat with her tonight ans see what she says, as i said i dont feel 100% comfortable in the saddle that she has so i see a nice Christmas pressie on the horizon,
 
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