New saddle reccomendations

[maddielove]

getting a new saddle sometime soon..thing is i dont know what make/model to get, and doesn't help we dont know her size..[think it may be 16.5" medium..not too sure, hopefully able to find out from the old saddler or when we sort out a local one]

jus wondering if anyone would have any reccomndations for a good gp saddle? was wanting leather BUT my dad is a grip so it would have to be a nicley priced [under £600 at the absolute max.] although can always hunt for a second hand one. also, if anyone has anything good to say about any synthetics...cause they seem a healthy price!

also if anyone has anything to avoid would be just as helpful.
thank you!

 

[sevenoceans]

Try Saddle company

 

[RachelB]

I once sat in an Ideal GP saddle and loved it, comfiest thing I've ever sat in!
I have a Wintec 2000 GP, I love it, minimal cleaning (although it needs regular brushing as I have a grey and hairs get everywhere), very comfy, fits horse wonderfully, changeable gullets in case Maiden gets mega fat next spring (or thin this winter), moveable knee blocks so I can flatwork in it if I forget to put my dressage saddle on... and it was brand new (ok only problem was that it smelt of smoke) and in perfect condition for £150 on eBay!
If I were you I'd get a reputable saddler to come out with a selection of their stock and see what fits you and the horse.

 

[maddielove]

thanks guys, yeah..need to get in touch with a saddler.
am i right in thinking i'm best of with a master saddler? or is a qualified saddler just as good?

 

[RachelB]

Find one you like - I have no idea if my saddler is qualified, but I think he's really good! I once got a Master Saddler out to my horse, a very reputable one, and he was rubbish (horse hated saddle and bucked me off). I'd say try and get someone reccommended to you.

 

[sojeph]

www.saddlecompany.co.uk

 

[TigerLilly]

I have just brought a wintec wide for mine from www.longmelfordsaddlery.co.uk they delivered it with in 24 hours and it was £100 cheaper than any were else i have looked i was very impressed with the service

 

[JessPickle]

[ QUOTE ]
Find one you like - I have no idea if my saddler is qualified, but I think he's really good! I once got a Master Saddler out to my horse, a very reputable one, and he was rubbish (horse hated saddle and bucked me off). I'd say try and get someone reccommended to you.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have had exactly the same experience saddler came tried to sell me a saddle, my Yo watched me ride in it and told the "master saddler" it didnt fit. The saddler I now have may be a master saddler I have no idea but he is great another livery reccommended him to me

 

[MillionDollar]

I recommend an Ideal GP or Bates Caprilli GP, both very comfy for rider and horse.

 

[M_G]

Saddle Company

 

[debbielinder]

i have a bates caprilli gp it is so comfy and always looks in good condition and i have to say the adjustable gullet system has been a lifesaver as my horse was off work for 3 months due to a tendon injury and when i came to get back on her my saddle was perched on her back cos she'd put so much weight on i just went out and got the wider gullet for 15 pounds and it fits purfectly again!

 

[Happy Bird]

I have a Bates GP Cair I am thinking about selling. PM if interested as I don't want to contravene advertising rules on here !!!

 

[Peanot]

I have just sold a Caprilli (actually part-x`d it) as it didn`t fit her as well as it did when I had it. I tried the wider gullet but it wasn`t sitting correctly due to her getting more muscle and top line, but i have to say that it was a lovely saddle. Very comfy and 2 friends tried it on their horses and they both bought one and still have them. All of them were brown. Lovely, just no longer fitted. I now have the Ideal Jump Grandee saddle, had it for a week and I do like it, very comfy.
But it really does matter what fits the horse. I went to a master saddler and we tried about 40 saddles on her and rode in about 8! Only the Ideal and the albion SLK (only albion of a medium size) fitted her, but still needed a slight alteration. I` would definately have a good fitter to fit one.