saddle advice please - better/worse brands?

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ThePony

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Hi,
I need to get a new saddle, current one doesn't fit me or my girl. I would like a new, leather GP. Horse in question is a very average back conformation, and would need a mw, though no fitting issues such as cobby shape, prominent whithers etc. All of this I would have thought should make it easy, but I have no idea of what makes offer decent value for money, as opposed to just being super expensive or a particularly sought after brand. Any ones to look out for or avoid? I would like to spend below £700, think I should be able to manage this, would just like to know I'll get value for money and a quality saddle which will be comfortable for the both of us!
Help, any advice gratefully recieved!
(I know to get a saddler out, my local one has very limited stock so no joy yet - I would like to be more informed!)
 
I would rate Ideal as a good make, in all styles and Lovett and Rickets. Jefferies should also do some for that price. You would be able to get a second hand Barry Swain for about that price and that would be my preference over all other makes of saddles - but most saddlers would no be capable of fitting it well.
 
I have a 20 year old jumping deep seated Eclipse, leather, and about £500 2nd or 3rd hand 12 years ago.

I have no idea what their new saddles are like or if they still exist but it is the best saddle I have ever bought (I currently have 4) and would recommend looking at them.

It is so comfortable for both horse and rider and every saddler that sees it says what a great saddle it is.

PS I dont work for them just love my saddle!
 
You should get a very good second hand one for £700 or a new not so good make.

I personally think you can't go wrong with ideal. very good quality saddles with a range to fit everything/do anything, at a not-extorsionate price.

Have a look at their website to get an idea of what you want, then hunt for a used one.
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Hi, I have found Ideal saddles to be excellent, very good value for money, well made, and quite a few different models to choose from. They are also very comfy
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I have had three now over the years and swear by them.
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i agree with above- what do u want a new 1 a 2nd hand 1. Ideals are nice. but i have also had excellent jeffries, throwgood and 2nd hand albion. I would see what other saddlers in ur area have. whatever fits ur horse and u is th emost important thing xxx
 
I've been researching the same for some time and am about to get one from here. I've heard nothing but good feedback. Spoke to the saddler today and he was so helpfull. He'll basically do anything you want so a custom designed saddle so to speak and made to measure. Also English and made in England.
http://www.heritagesaddlery.co.uk/
 
I have and older jeffries dressage saddle which I love not as much as my newer manor GP which I also love but then there is my charles Fieldhouse GP which I cannot live without and has saved my life many times when I have made mistakes LOVE IT
 
I've had 3 King's saddles and have loved them all, so have my horses. My Jeffries one was also good but too big for me, though that wasn't the saddle's fault! If trying another make, I would be interested to try an Ideal and perhaps a John Whittaker.

I don't think I`ll go for any of the £2000 plus "luxury" saddles again after having a bad experience with a Devoucoux.
 
Wow,
thanks for the great response! I have tried quite a few ideals, and although I like them and the position they put me in, I find that for some reason the pomel feels higher on them (don't have this with other saddles and she doesn't have high whithers, so I think its just me!). I found Albions too padded, especially around my knee. Interestingly she has a heritage currently. It is a nice saddle, esp for their asking price, though I hadn't heard of other people who have them. Good to know that the feedback is good regarding them. Shall look into Jefferies and Kings more. Have also been lookng at Kent and Masters, anyone heard anything (good or bad regarding them?).
Thank you loads!
 
I recently got a Stirlingshire WH saddle....from Rideaway, bog standard M-fitting....very happy with it after several not-so-great-fitting ones. I paid £300 for a second hand one, although it had barely been used and is practically brand new.

Ideals are nice, so are Black Country.
 
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