Saddle conundrum - 16.5 inch HM Flexee or Ghost Piccolo??

[Kirstineridesagain]

I am wondering whether to go for a second hand Ghost Piccolo for £425 pounds or an almost new Heather Moffett Flexee (16.5 inch) for £360 for my Highland. She’s never worn a saddle but will be in the next few months. I haven’t had her measured forvaltning saddle as my budget is low and I don’t want to get a fitter out who will convince be to get another or made to measure saddle. I have someone who can check the saddle when it arrives, but I have no idea if I should go for a 17 inch instead. I was going to test the saddle on my Icelandic too, to see if it’s a good fit (she also needs a saddle). The Ghost is a private sale via Facebook and the Flexee is via EBay. My husband is’ sceptical of buying privately in case I get scammed (she doesn’t seem like a professional seller and nothing dodgy on her profile).

Both saddles are black, that’s why I’m thinking of my grey Highland for these saddles. I want a brown/havana for my chestnut Icey.

I’ll attach a photo of the Highland - she’s about 14-14.1 hands high btw. She has higher withers than my Icelandic.

 

[tda]

I would go for the ghost. I've trialled one but not purchased yet. I did have a Flexee when they first came out for another pony but I never felt quite right in it and sold it on quite quickly

 

[Caol Ila]

I’ve no experience with the Moffet saddles but both my horses are now in Ghosts. They are very adjustable when your horse changes shape, and there is a fitter semi locally, to you as well as me.

 

[Kirstineridesagain]

I’m inclined to go for the Ghost. Thanks both.

Yes, I know Steph Bloom will cover my area so that’s a bonus too.

 

[Kirstineridesagain]

…but husband says risky to buy from a private person online. Is there a way to protect yourself from losing money just in case it doesn’t show up?!

 

[TheMule]

…but husband says risky to buy from a private person online. Is there a way to protect yourself from losing money just in case it doesn’t show up?!

I only buy off Facebook if I know the person, I know that one of my friends definitely knows the person or I can go and pick it up myself. It¡s full of scammers!

 

[Widgeon]

…but husband says risky to buy from a private person online. Is there a way to protect yourself from losing money just in case it doesn’t show up?!

I only ever buy online (distance selling) if the seller is ok with using PayPal Goods & Services - that gives a lot more protection if something is "off". How far away is the seller? If I can't collect in person I always do a detailed web stalk of them - check their social media photos line up with their story, see if they're on any local RC websites etc. Obviously that's not foolproof but it's worked so far for me.

ETA - IME most people sell their second hand niche brand treeless saddles via social media groups, so if you rule out all purchases of that kind I think you will find it next to impossible to get what you need for your budget (sorry)

 

[TheMule]

There is a Ghost Piccolo for not much more than that on Vinted which does at least offer some degree of buyer protection

 

[Widgeon]

There is a Ghost Piccolo for not much more than that on Vinted which does at least offer some degree of buyer protection

Ooh, there's a brown one on there too for £550! https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7470327919-ghost-veneto-piccolo-treeless-saddle?referrer=catalog

I would never have thought of looking at Vinted for saddles.

 

[Gloi]

Whenever I've bought a saddle on Ebay I've been to pick it up in person to check it out.

 

[Caol Ila]

My Ghosts came directly from Steph, since I wanted something weird, but I have bought other saddles and hoof boots and rugs from Facebook marketplace, ebay, etc., and never had a bad experience. Maybe some of it's luck, but I message the seller, and through the conversation you have, you can generally work out whether or not they are legit. I suppose a really good scammer could catch you out, but I've found people quite genuine.