Is it actually worth buying a brand new saddle?

[measles]

I have always bought second hand good condition saddles as, like cars, they depreciate the second you take the tags off/drive off the forecourt. Entirely down to individual choice, and when you have the opportunity to spend OH's money....

 

[liveryblues]

Also worth remembering ( if it hasnt already been mentioned?) is insurance! I bought an Albion ultima platinum, allthough new when bought for £1800 insurance will only replace like for like ie if it were stolen 6 or 12 monnths down the line.. I would only get the replacement price of a second hand 6 or 12 month old saddle! So effectively once you have purchased a brand new saddle in the eyes of the insurance company it is allready second hand because you have used it!

 

[PiggyB]

hehe i don't think i want another marmite saddle, i want a normal one! lol i had a treeless before and it would not stay still. I have trouble with saddles slipping forward though

I'll have to investigate close contact myself then. Thanks for your help

PooJay, close contact saddles are awesome in my experience. My XC saddle is close contact and I never realised how amazing it was until after a few years of using it, I sat in another one.

The suzannah I have is not close contact, but I love it all the same. At first, I did feel a little far away from the horse but once it was bedded in and I was used to it....I had no problems.

Wish I was saddle hunting...but fear I have too many already!

 

[PooJay]

Thank you so much everyone who has commented and offered advice! It's given me much to think about! (especially the prospect of a new saddle for £850!!!! )

I have rang my saddlers and asked if they can get out any sooner than originally planned as i want to start the hunt now....this money is burning a hole in my very shallow pockets

 

[MagicMelon]

Personally I normally go for second hand if I can. If you buy second hand in the first place, I've usually found you can use it for a few years and then flog it for pretty much the same price! I prefer second hand as they're already worn in so nice and comfy. It really depends what fits though when the fitter comes, if they only have a brand new one which suits then guess thats the choice made for you!