New or second hand saddle

Where did you get your saddle.....?

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Walrus

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I've never considered a new saddle before and always automatically assumed I'd get a second hand one. However, saddler has recommended a new saddle and has no second hand options.

So where did you get your saddle from? (am going to attempt my first poll - watch this space!!)
 
I've had massive problems getting a saddle for my TB who has really really high withers, but a large flat back. I've been through two made to measure ones which she outgrew, so I've now bitten the bullet and just got her a New Bates dressage one which sits better on her than the made to measure ones ever did! I think if you have a horse which is difficult to fit, then sometimes you have no option than to get a new one....
 
I have always managed to find good second hand saddles that my saddler has fitted and adjusted as required. Your saddler is offering a new saddle as that may be the only thing they can fit to a difficult shaped horse or because that is how they make the most profit;)

What are you looking for is it a special type or unusual fit, have you ridden in the new one to check it suits you as well as the horse, it may be worth trying a few saddles and possibly another saddler who has a better stock.
 
Thanks for the replies.

Be positive: I've got a short backed fell pony - I don't think he's that much of a strange shape but with me at 5'8" I think we provide a challenge for saddlers!

My lovely Ideal WH raises up at the back and the physio has diagnosed pain in his back muscles :( I have the option to reflock my Ideal but the saddle fitter couldn't say whether that would really work, she supects it would still move (the panels are quite thin)

I'm struggling to find anyone else round here to fit saddles, esp someone with a selection of second hand saddles. Any recommendations for East Yorkshire welcome! :)
 
Have responded to your pm :). I always say that there are three factors in fitting saddles -

Urgency
How easy horse and rider are to fit
Budget

If all three are against you you have a problem! I have so many people come to me looking for used saddles but we see VERY few of our saddles, so trying to get the timing right to be able to bring a particular one out for a particular fit is nigh on impossible. We tend to list them on our FB page and post them out, when they do come up - we currently have two 16" saddles and actually they are on a Fell friendly tree if you can take that small :D

Most of those that come to me for used will try and go elsewhere, and lots of them eventually end up coming back as they can't find anything that really works. Also, when you do go out and show someone a saddle that REALLY works on a tricky to fit horse, you'd be amazed how many find some way to pay for it. Horses are expensive, and I always feel uncomfortable when someone is scrimping and saving, but good saddles cost money sadly.
 
Walrus said:
Thanks for the replies.

Be positive: I've got a short backed fell pony - I don't think he's that much of a strange shape but with me at 5'8" I think we provide a challenge for saddlers!

My lovely Ideal WH raises up at the back and the physio has diagnosed pain in his back muscles :( I have the option to reflock my Ideal but the saddle fitter couldn't say whether that would really work, she supects it would still move (the panels are quite thin)

I'm struggling to find anyone else round here to fit saddles, esp someone with a selection of second hand saddles. Any recommendations for East Yorkshire welcome! :)
Click to expand...

On my 14.2 Haffie (and Im 5 foot 7) the Thorowgood cob works very well and is easily buyable secondhand and resellable if not. I got it and then got saddler to check it and she was very happy with the fit, esp as it has changeable gullets.
Might be worth considering as a short term solution, altho Im still using mine 5 years on!

You could also consider a Mattes or prolite multipocket pad under your Ideal saddle as this would cushion the back and with a thicker one at the front would stop some of the movement - not ideal (haha) but might make it not hurt the horses back. HTH
 
I've bought second hand from saddlers and had it fitted, and bought brand new from the internet and had it fitted.

ATM I am considering buying one second hand from the internet and having it fitted - I will be buying the same make as the one I know already fits, so hopefully it should fit, even if its a different model :)
 
Just ordered a Kent and masters cob for my haffy after fitting (which I hear is basically the same as thorogood but leather), I want to cry at spending 725 pounds haha, however I know it could be a lot worse and is adjustable, I think I would only buy adjustable new given the choice so at least there is less chance is having to change in future :-)
 
I despaired of getting anything to fit my boy; so in desperation rang the last "local" saddler on the list, who actually make their own saddles and when they came out and fitted my boy it was like I'd never really felt his paces before!! Amazing what difference a decent saddle made.

I hadn't wanted a "new" saddle TBH, but in this instance there was no other option, and it was the very best option in the long run.

There just aren't any decent saddlers anymore who'll come and fit second-hand saddles. The other local saddle fitters (very reputable: big name) only fit new - and cost and arm and a leg.

When I bought my boy I'd had a cheapie 2nd hand saddle fitted for him which was frankly awful: it was riding up too high in front and was giving me lower back pain especially in canter. But I've always been a person who'd prefer a second hand saddle TBH as they're more worn-in. BUT appreciate there can be problems with second-hand as the saddle will have been worn by another horse (obviously!) and therefore may cause discomfort etc.

PM me if you want to know where I got my lovely saddle from!!! They go all over the country!
 
Can't answer your poll as I have around twenty saddles they where bought new second hand and made to measure depending on the circumstances .
 
Never bought brand new, all 3 of mine have been second hand, 2 from a saddler and 1 I bought from a tack sale, gorgeous Albion for a bargain price :D couldn't believe my luck as had it checked by my saddler and he didn't even have to adjust it and he commented on what a lucky sod I was :)
I have just bought a cheapy 2nd hand synthetic saddle off ebay (fingers crossed it fits) which will be my 'sea saddle' ready for swimming in the sea next year on our second beach riding holiday, no need to worry about ruining my leather one then, my mate does this and it works a treat :D
 
Both of my saddles at the moment were brand new and fitted by my saddler - they are checked every 6 months by her. I have had a second hand saddle in the past, also fitted by a saddler though.
 
ASBO cob has just had a new 2nd hand saddle fitted. He's going much better in it but it's not comfortable for the human bum! I spent two hours on him on Sunday and my seat is still sore. On the plus side it makes you really sit correctly as to do otherwise is even more painful. I'm in the process of making a seat saver..hope it works. Owner didn't really want to buy it as she wasnt sure about it but her friend tried it out and scratched the leather when she dismounted :mad::( oh well as least the beast is comfy in it.
 
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