Western vs English saddle- opinions please

[Laura2013]

I'm potentially taking on a new young horse and will need to get a saddle.

I have a limited budget (max £500) and may only have her a year so need something that will hold its price.

My eventual aim is to do western but also trec, hacking, horse agility, sponsored rides and anything else that takes our fancy. Any western done in the first 6 months is likely to be at home, lessons and clinics- ie no competitions.

The horse doesn't have much top line so is also likely to change shape.

So I am now wondering whether to go for an adjustable English to use at first and then purchase a western saddle once she is doing a bit more or if I am going to keep her, or alternatively go straight for a western saddle?

If I went for an English then I was thinking along the lines of a second hand saddle company saddle or Kent and masters both of which seem to be easily altered. For a western I have no idea where to start or if it even possible to find a fitting saddle for my budget.

Thoughts please?

 

[Tickles]

If she is young and unfit an English may be kinder as lighter and can be fitted to her. On the other hand Western are (I believe) more forgiving in fitting as she changes shape as they are always worn with so much other padding.

 

[moana]

Whatever you prefer really, just make sure it is correctly fitt d. Non genuine westerns such as the Wintec can be fairly light, but often of poor quality and they are generally more adaptable fitting than english

I have a variety of saddles for my lot, including a genuine western and awintec western. Love the westerns most.

 

[Spring Feather]

Regardless of which style of saddle you choose, if you only have a set budget and are looking to recoup most/all of that money at the end of the year then my advice would be to buy a very good name saddle, second hand.