Saddle preferences for young horse

[Shumba]

Hi,

Does anyone have any opinions of the Shires Hi-Lite self adjusting saddle? Or any other reasonably priced saddles that may be good for starting a youngster?

I'm looking at lower priced saddles as I don't want to spend a lot until she has been under saddle awhile and has develped more. I was told the self adjusting saddle would be a good choice but I don't know, I've never used a saddle like that before and would appreciate some advice.

Thanks!

 

[0]

i always buy synthetic saddles for youngsters due to risk or breakage and the fact they changed shape so quickly its not worth buying leather.I would personally just go for a run of the mill synthetic.

 

[Sooty]

We had a saddle fitter out with a view for getting a synthetic saddle for Beano when he turned three, but his opinion was that they do not have the same tree as a leather one, and do not spread the weight evenly and are not good for young horses. We bought a secondhand leather saddle which we will part exchange (probably annually as he grows) until he has finished changing shape.

 

[Maesfen]

I personally prefer a safe leather saddle, even if old and tatty as long as it fits both the horse and me. To me, a synthetic does not give you enough substance and can be easily damaged whereas a good English leather one will more than likely bear the brunt much better even if it does get scratched a bit more. Traditionalist, me!

 

[banners]

I have a wintec with changable gullet for my 3 yr old. Its pretty horrible but since starting my horse 8 months ago I have gone through 3 different gullet fittings! You can pick the synthetic saddles up cheaply second hand too - wouldnt bother buing new. They are in my opinion probably the best bet for a youngster. Best to spend a bit more when they have stopped doing most of their growing.