Ravenwood
Well-Known Member
At the end of April (when my horse is fittest and slimmest after a season's hunting) her saddle started to rub, there was just a small round raised lump on both sides just below and behind the wither. I turned her out for 8 weeks rest but the saddle had obviously been pinching her more than I realised as it took all of 8 weeks to heal and quite a large albeit scattered patch of white hair has grown through on both sides.
My friend (a trained saddler) came out and said that the saddle is definately too narrow i.e. just taking out some flocking won't be enough. So I have to buy a new saddle. I cannot sell the one I've got as it belongs to her previous owner, it is so lovely and comfortable I am almost tempted to look for a narrower horse!!!
This has really come at the wrong time as I have had so many unforeseen expenses lately that I am really struggling but obviously have to have a saddle as it is the start of the summer holidays and my daughter wants to ride out as much as possible and I have to accompany her.
So what are my choices - have been to two saddlers who seem to be selling a variety of second hand saddles that seem to me to be either very old and over priced or very expensive nearly new ones. I just can't find a reasonably priced reasonable saddle.
I realise that by buying a very expensive saddle is worthwhile in the long run as it will last me forever but I just can't justify the cost to myself or my family at the moment.
One saddler suggested a synthetic saddle at £300 new and says that he sells loads of them particularly with a changeable arch. But what if you are out in it all day in the pouring rain and surely its value would be very little in a few years time if I ever needed to change whereas a traditional leather saddle seem to hold their price.
Sorry long post, needed to get it off my chest and writing it down it helps!!!
My friend (a trained saddler) came out and said that the saddle is definately too narrow i.e. just taking out some flocking won't be enough. So I have to buy a new saddle. I cannot sell the one I've got as it belongs to her previous owner, it is so lovely and comfortable I am almost tempted to look for a narrower horse!!!
This has really come at the wrong time as I have had so many unforeseen expenses lately that I am really struggling but obviously have to have a saddle as it is the start of the summer holidays and my daughter wants to ride out as much as possible and I have to accompany her.
So what are my choices - have been to two saddlers who seem to be selling a variety of second hand saddles that seem to me to be either very old and over priced or very expensive nearly new ones. I just can't find a reasonably priced reasonable saddle.
I realise that by buying a very expensive saddle is worthwhile in the long run as it will last me forever but I just can't justify the cost to myself or my family at the moment.
One saddler suggested a synthetic saddle at £300 new and says that he sells loads of them particularly with a changeable arch. But what if you are out in it all day in the pouring rain and surely its value would be very little in a few years time if I ever needed to change whereas a traditional leather saddle seem to hold their price.
Sorry long post, needed to get it off my chest and writing it down it helps!!!