Saddle/ bridle recommendations for a young horse

[sloulou]

Assuming my potential new horse passes the vet - am going to need some tack for him.

he is 5 years old - and currently not massively fit - so am guessing his shape is going to change.

I want to buy something that will last well (saddle wise) but not cost too much

(I know, I know) but reckon I could afford £1000 for both at a push... but cheaper better if still good quality...

Also want a nice cavesson bridle that will be comfy...

What do you lot think?

 

[Magicmillbrook]

As far as a saddle goes it will realy depend on the size/shape of your horse. I quite like the new wintecs, I got a VSD for my old mare as an everyday saddle, it was fairly cheap (just over £300) and of course you can have the gullet changed if your horse broadens out.

For our youngster we had to have an Ideal VSD. It was the only saddle short enough for her (she is V close coupled). It has the advantage that Ideal can change the tree head two or three times (for arounfd £150), that was £800.

Our old pony had a field house genaration pony saddle - again fairly reasonably priced at a smidge under £400. Another thought would be a good second hand saddle or perhaps a treeless (Heather Moffat for example).

I would strongly recomend you get a good sadlle fitter out and see what they suggest before you decide waht type of saddle you want, you may find out you dont have a choice.

With regards bridle I dont think you can beat a well looked after havanna hunter type in good english leather. I am not a fan of padded/raised/stiched/diamante, I wouldnt discount a second hand one either.

Good luck with the vetting - will keep foingers crossed for u

 

[Nosey]

When I got my youngster I got a nice traditional second hand L+R Event saddle. Bought from a local saddler who fitted it too. It was comfortable and did the job and when we progressed a bit I sold it for virtually what I paid for it...which was about the same price as a new synthetic.

Young horses will change shape as they mature and get fitter and with a leather saddle there is some chance of altering the flocking slighhtly so it still fits, alternatively they stay in good nick and can be sold on. Don't think there is much of a resale value with synthetics?

I also bought a really nice second hand sabre bridle from same saddler..barely used for £20. If the tacks good quality in the 1st place I think it can look even better 2nd hand!

 

[flyingfeet]

I started mine with a Wintec close contact saddle, I then sold this and got a bates

Neddy went from an X-wide to medium as he developed. You can set them a little wider and pad out as necessary to get a decent fit.

Bridle wise, it doesn't really matter for a youngster as they are likely to trash it. Certainly wouldn't spend over £40 (although every time I turn around my horse spits out his rein and looks all innocent)