If you had ~£400 for a new dressage saddle what would you buy? also in TR(NL)

[Hedwards]

So, I get my 2012 annual bonus next month, the vast majority of which will be paying off a loan i got to buy a car a couple of years ago, however I think I'll have around £400 that i want to put aside to buy a saddle for Mickey. He currently has an older jeffries falcon event saddle, lovely and plan to keep that for jumping etc. however, as i'm really mainly interested in dressage/schooling, I'm after a dressage saddle, so what would you all recommend within that budget? Mickey is a 16hh TB, here he is so you can see his shape (currently out of shape and very fluffy due to both him & me having poor health for a few months on top of the really *****ty weather!) but back in regular work now, so looking marginally fitter then this photo.

I've seen the Heather Moffett FlexEE saddles, and am tempted, however having never had a treeless, and always been a 'treed' saddle girl I dont know if they'd be right for me?

So any advice?

 

[Vanha12]

Quite difficult to answer that - I assume with that budget you will be buying second hand. I had a slightly bigger budget when I bought recently and tried loads and in the end went for Ideal Jessica but that was because it fitted her (and me) the best. I liked an Albion that I tried but the fit wasn't as good. I think you need to try as many as possible in your budget and go for the one that fits you both best rather than choosing a make and sticking to it. If I were buying from new I would probably still look at the Ideal as I think I was told once they are a good dressage saddle newbies.

 

[Hedwards]

Quite difficult to answer that - I assume with that budget you will be buying second hand. I had a slightly bigger budget when I bought recently and tried loads and in the end went for Ideal Jessica but that was because it fitted her (and me) the best. I liked an Albion that I tried but the fit wasn't as good. I think you need to try as many as possible in your budget and go for the one that fits you both best rather than choosing a make and sticking to it. If I were buying from new I would probably still look at the Ideal as I think I was told once they are a good dressage saddle newbies.

Yes, 2nd hand (and realise thats not totally clear from the OP)

Good to know you like the Ideal Jessica, as it is one that has caught my eye. I have a fantastic fitter, so will definitely try a variety, having never owned a dressage saddle before (as always preferred to jump in the past) its all new territory for me on best makes/brands/types to go for!

 

[Fintan]

I have had my life long tailor-made saddles.

For to be honest this was sometimes a desaster because the horses change shape. So the best made saddle won`t help.

I also have had some back problems in my racehorses because the saddles did not work out for them.

So I thought lets try it despite the fact that I never did like them.

Guess what, there brilliant, they last and you can readjust them when there is a need for.

Have a look

http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/brands/wintec.html?price=375-400

There the same quality like the bates, there only synthetik.

But this is good as well, if they get wet no problem and there easy to clean.

 

[Hedwards]

I have had my life long tailor-made saddles.

For to be honest this was sometimes a desaster because the horses change shape. So the best made saddle won`t help.

I also have had some back problems in my racehorses because the saddles did not work out for them.

So I thought lets try it despite the fact that I never did like them.

Guess what, there brilliant, they last and you can readjust them when there is a need for.

Have a look

http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/brands/wintec.html?price=375-400

There the same quality like the bates, there only synthetik.

But this is good as well, if they get wet no problem and there easy to clean.

Yep, had a wintec on my old girl had the VSD and really liked it - she went well in it and i found it very comfortable, and had hoped that it would work on Mickey, however, they're too bannana shaped for him, as much as me and the fitter tried with different gullets etc. it was never going to fit right on him... hence buying an older jeffries leather saddle... I have thought about the Thorowgood as i believe they are better suited to a flatter back.

 

[seabsicuit2]

I would reccomed the Ideal Jessica! If you wanted a 17 ins Medium which fits TB's very well, then mine is going spare as my Tb has retired. They are great saddles and the horses are very comfty in them!

 

[Sol]

I'd have on of Heather Moffett's FlexEEs in a hearbeat I'm still contemplating getting the GP if anyone decides to sell one... hehe. I've got a Vogue dressage & love it.

 

[Hedwards]

I would reccomed the Ideal Jessica! If you wanted a 17 ins Medium which fits TB's very well, then mine is going spare as my Tb has retired. They are great saddles and the horses are very comfty in them!

OOO, Would definitely be interested, however need to wait until next month when i get my bonus, any chance you could PM some photos? I'd PM you but am on my phone so cant at the moment!

 

[criso]

Obviously you are getting a saddle fitter out so they will be able to advise but my tb who has a very flat back front to back never suited the Ideals, they were too curved for him. Though it was only the GPs I tried on him.

When I came to get a dressage saddle, I ended up with a Kieffer, fitted him out of the box. It cost £600 second hand from a fitter but was hardly used and if they suit you may be able to get one for a bit less. They also have the advantage that they are adjustable.

 

[Kikke]

Honestly, I would keep saving up to get something really good. I am not saying all saddles in the budget are cr@#. But I do believe they is a big difference if you can double you budget at least.

 

[Hedwards]

Honestly, I would keep saving up to get something really good. I am not saying all saddles in the budget are cr@#. But I do believe they is a big difference if you can double you budget at least.

In all honesty, i dont have enough 'spare' cash at the end of the month to save that much more, (in a couple of years I'll have a work savings thing mature, and thats when I'll hopefully have enough to buy both a top of the range brand new saddle, and hopefully a trailer... although the trailer may just be a bit hopefull) but would really like to have something now as although the jeffries is great, it is an older model...

 

[Firewell]

I paid £450 for a 4 year old Kieffer Ulla saddle. They retail at £2.5k. It is gawjus!! Such a bargain and fits my Tb and my mums TB . I will never buy a new saddle again such a waste of money, mine looks like it is new! . Kieffers really suit our boys.

 

[Oscar]

Love my Kieffer too and they are adjustable with a special tool. Give saddles direct a call and give them your horses measurements and ur budget and will send 2 or 3 for you to try.

 

[Hedwards]

I paid £450 for a 4 year old Kieffer Ulla saddle. They retail at £2.5k. It is gawjus!! Such a bargain and fits my Tb and my mums TB . I will never buy a new saddle again such a waste of money, mine looks like it is new! . Kieffers really suit our boys.

Love my Kieffer too and they are adjustable with a special tool. Give saddles direct a call and give them your horses measurements and ur budget and will send 2 or 3 for you to try.

Thanks both, looks like the Kieffers come up at a good price on the likes of ebay etc. so will keep an eye out,

Oscar - didnt realise you could just call saddles direct with your information and they'd send out what they think would be suitable, great to know!

 

[NariNags]

For my tb I went with the Thorogood t8 vsd as he changed shape it's a good budget make and very comfortable
Nari

 

[LynH]

I rode on my friend's Heather Moffat treeless dressage saddle and it was the most uncomfortable saddle I've ever ridden in. It's widest point is half way down my thigh and it really hurt my hips. I've got a Wintec Isabel dressage saddle for my TB and as I have health issues and she isn't in regular work I can adjust the gullet to suit her current size. I also have an old Charles Mountford dressage saddle which currently fits the TB which I love.
For a TB who seem to chane shape more easily than some other breeds I would opt for a saddle with an adjustable gullet if you can find one that fits.

 

[floradora09]

I bought a synthetic Wintec Isabel for £350, has probably been one of the best things I've ever spent my money on! Cheaper brands aren't always the best way forward but this saddle has been fantastic and I will be keeping hold of it as I adore it! Think they're about £800 new so there's always a bargain to be had.

 

[boxcarhorse]

I would buy a second hand Ideal Jessica - I think they are lovely, straightforward saddles and are excellent value for money.

 

[Hedwards]

Thanks everyone, have plenty to think about and look at, got to wait for the bonus to arrive, but will update once I decide on one!

 

[criso]

One thing to note with the Kieffer's that some of us mentioned is they have a different system of sizing. 0 is roughly equivilent to about 16.5, size 1 about 17 and size 2 is the around 17.5-18.
Mine had a 'standard' width i.e how it comes before adjustment but is about a medium.

 

[TarrSteps]

In all honesty, i dont have enough 'spare' cash at the end of the month to save that much more, (in a couple of years I'll have a work savings thing mature, and thats when I'll hopefully have enough to buy both a top of the range brand new saddle, and hopefully a trailer... although the trailer may just be a bit hopefull) but would really like to have something now as although the jeffries is great, it is an older model...

I think the poster's point was only that you may struggle to get a new-ish dressage saddle that fits you and fits your horse and is that inexpensive. It happens but there is no sense buying a saddle just because it fits your price range if it isn't going to do a good job for you as you'll just be wasting your money and potentially costing yourself more in the long run.

Why is the age of the Jeffries an issue? I used to have an xc saddle that was older than me and it did the job for me perfectly for years. My current "best" saddle is 20 ish years old and Nick Skelton rode in the Olympics in a saddle that looked like it came out of the Ark! There is no reason a newer saddle will necessarily do the job better for you.

I'm not a giant GP fan but I'd have to say the Jeffries Event saddles are amongst my favourites in the group. They seem to fit lots of horses well and while they don't help you, they usually don't necessarily significantly hinder either, at least for basic work.

I just find dressage saddles in general are less "generic" than jump and GP saddles and, for each individual, you will find more that don't fit than do. Just because it's a specialist saddle, that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to help you. For example, Keiffers really do not fit me and I've ridden in at least half a dozen different ones so I can say that with some certainty, but other people love them. I wouldn't have one but might recommend them for someone else.

Anyhow, you should spend your money as you wish and it is absolutely worth having a look around. Good luck.

 

[Hedwards]

I think the poster's point was only that you may struggle to get a new-ish dressage saddle that fits you and fits your horse and is that inexpensive. It happens but there is no sense buying a saddle just because it fits your price range if it isn't going to do a good job for you as you'll just be wasting your money and potentially costing yourself more in the long run.

Why is the age of the Jeffries an issue? I used to have an xc saddle that was older than me and it did the job for me perfectly for years. My current "best" saddle is 20 ish years old and Nick Skelton rode in the Olympics in a saddle that looked like it came out of the Ark! There is no reason a newer saddle will necessarily do the job better for you.

I'm not a giant GP fan but I'd have to say the Jeffries Event saddles are amongst my favourites in the group. They seem to fit lots of horses well and while they don't help you, they usually don't necessarily significantly hinder either, at least for basic work.

I just find dressage saddles in general are less "generic" than jump and GP saddles and, for each individual, you will find more that don't fit than do. Just because it's a specialist saddle, that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to help you. For example, Keiffers really do not fit me and I've ridden in at least half a dozen different ones so I can say that with some certainty, but other people love them. I wouldn't have one but might recommend them for someone else.

Anyhow, you should spend your money as you wish and it is absolutely worth having a look around. Good luck.

The age of the Jeffries isnt an issue as such, and due to the flocking being a bit old I will be having it reflocked, I will be keeping it, however, as I'd really like to get him out BD dressaging this year, and because I will have £400 avaliable I want to buy a dressage saddle, I'm not looking for new, at all, but newer then the £150 old jeffries... I'd love to say I'll save for the next 6 months and buy something brand new and all singing/dancing, but I know, its not going to happen, and like i've said, once my work savings mature in a couple of years, I will be doing just that - but I'm not willing to wait 2 years for that to happen! I will only buy a saddle if it is right for both of us, and not 'just because' - I've enough experience with horses to know that...

I do not feel the Jeffries helps me into a 'correct' position, its very comfortable, and fab for jumping in, however having ridden in my YO's dressage saddle, on her horses similar to my horse, I know that I'd like to have a dressage saddle, as i will primarily be focussing on dressage with him (jumping scares the be-jeesus out of me these days). I'm never going to be someone that has £1000's of disposable income, and as with anything, there will always be something else that will come up to spend the money on (like the pelvis fracture vet fees my retired mare has just had etc etc etc), so as i will already have the £400 ringposted, I want to take the opportunity to get something. Having had a horrible start with this horse since i bought him last october, I want to look forward with him, and a £400 dressage saddle (that will be professionally fitted) is going to be my treat to myself, and Mickey!

Having never sat in a Keiffer, its good to get other not so positive opinions of them, I will see how many i can get hold of to try, but so far the Ideal Jessica sounds the most promising, and having had a quick chat with my saddler last night, he is of the opinion they would be a suitable option for my horse... watch this space!

 

[TarrSteps]

I completely agree, specialist equipment is very useful! And I was not questioning your ability to find or fit a suitable one, just pointing out within the larger discussion that a dressage saddle will not NECESSARILY help you sit better or your horse go better and, in fact, my experience with modern dressage saddles is, because they are often so restrictive and built up, if they don't fit they REALLY don't fit. I can ride comfortably in jumping and GP saddles that are a bit iffy for me if they work for the horse, but a dressage saddle that does not fit is often, believe it or not, positively dangerous.

This is the advantage to something like a Wintec, if it fits the horse, as they are on the neutral end anyway and, because they are very "stock" come with removable knee rolls etc so can be customised to some degree.

What is your YOs saddle? If you like it that's probably a good place to start and then people can suggest other models and makes that may fit similarly. People do have preferences, usually based on their own body type, so it can be useful to get the input of people who have similar requirements.

 

[Hedwards]

I completely agree, specialist equipment is very useful! And I was not questioning your ability to find or fit a suitable one, just pointing out within the larger discussion that a dressage saddle will not NECESSARILY help you sit better or your horse go better and, in fact, my experience with modern dressage saddles is, because they are often so restrictive and built up, if they don't fit they REALLY don't fit. I can ride comfortably in jumping and GP saddles that are a bit iffy for me if they work for the horse, but a dressage saddle that does not fit is often, believe it or not, positively dangerous.

This is the advantage to something like a Wintec, if it fits the horse, as they are on the neutral end anyway and, because they are very "stock" come with removable knee rolls etc so can be customised to some degree.

What is your YOs saddle? If you like it that's probably a good place to start and then people can suggest other models and makes that may fit similarly. People do have preferences, usually based on their own body type, so it can be useful to get the input of people who have similar requirements.

No i understand what you're saying, however i know enough about how i like to ride to know a VSD/dressage type of saddle is better suited to me for what i want to do now - while i havent owned a dressage saddle, I have ridden in plenty (mainly as i'm 5'10 and a bit, with loooong legs, mainly in my thighs, and have always felt GP type saddles a bit restrictive for my shape, cant explain it any better then that, sorry - although due to the fact I've only really been interested in jumping in the past, a dressage saddle would have been redundant). I think my YO's saddle is an Ideal not sure which, but thats a guess, and hopefully i'll see her later to ask. I would have loved my old mare's wintec VSD to fit, it had only had 18 months wear and i found it very comfortable, but try as we might, they just did not suit Mickey... however i guess it may be worth trying a wintec dressage...