Saddle - shall I buy?

L

lizziebell

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 January 2009
Messages
1,726
Location
...in my wellies
Visit site
Bit stuck on getting a jumping saddle. I'm no jumping super star, but I have long legs and am struggling to jump in my GP - so I want a reasonable priced jump saddle.

I've seen this web page

What do people think? My horse wears a Black Country Dressage saddle in a Wide, and a Wintec in an extra wide (although the wintec was wide until I had it re-flocked). How are the width sizes comparable on the Stubbens?

Already done a trek of the local saddlers and the only thing they have suitable is way above my price range. I don't really want to pay much more than £500. My dressage is due for a check over anyway, so I would get any new jump saddle checked at the same time - just not sure if this is worth the risk
confused.gif
 
Why don't you think about a John Whitaker jumping saddle as they have the adjustable plastic tree, so if it doesn't fit your saddler can "melt" it to the size you want.

Not sure on price, there is one on Ebay at the mo for £400 that might be worth looking at, obviously may go higher but it's a less risky option. The burgandy ones tend to be a bit cheaper. I have heard good reports, my instructor has one & says they are really nice saddles.

Ditto saddles direct are worth looking at, as you can send back if doesn't fit, they just charge your the carriage.
 
Personally i would say its not worth the risk. A wide in one make can be very different to a wide in another make. The panel could be different and also the tree profile, theres more to it than just getting the width right. A saddler/fitter cant make a saddle fit if any of the elements are wrong. you often hear of people that say they are going to buy off the internet and get someone to fit it. Flocking just fine tunes the fit, it cant make a saddle fit that is wrong. Adjusting the width is a tiny (but important) part of the whole picture. Essentially all elements of the saddle have to be right in the first place. And the only way to know that is to put it on and ride in it with someone exprienced to help you.

Why dont you go back to all the saddle fiters near you and give them your general requirements and maximum price. Ask them to look out for something for you. In the meantime you could save a bit more, which could up your budget. Spending several lots of postage from an internet site will soon reduce your £500 and make the job even harder. And paying for a second opinion if you think any are ok, if they turn out not to be, could mean you soon have half your original budget!

You may also find that a different make of GP or a VSS could give you more room, which will give you more options than just looking for a jumping model.
smile.gif
 
Kent and masters sell a fabby jump saddle. It is engish leather but made by thorowgood It is made on their 'Cob tree' so perfect for cob types, also has the adjustable gullets too. Pretty sure its about £600-£650 http://kentandmasters.co.uk/jump.html

I have one and I am VERY impressed with it.

Most saddlers won't touch the John whitaker ones as they should go to the factory to be re sized. you can't just melt a tree to the correct width! you need specialist equipment
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top