What dressage saddle to go for?

[sammiea]

I currently have a Wintec 500 and hate it so its up for sale and i'm going to invest in a half/three quarters decent leather dressage saddle, but there is so much out there i just dotn know what to go for.

I will be buying a second hand saddle. I want something with a nice deep seat and BIG knee rolls. However it is to be used on a 15.3 so i dont want it to look silly.

What makes & models would you recommend if i have a £500 budget

 

[amandathepanda]

The saddle company make a lovely dressage saddle and will customise knee blocks to suit you. Nwe prices are about 600, you can get them for about 300-400 on ebay. I've got one and it is very nice

 

[Bananaman]

The Ideal Jessica is an excellent 'mid budget' saddle.

Secondhand can often be picked up for about £4-500.

 

[sillygillyhorse]

From what you say about wanting a deep seat personally I do not think the Saddle Company dressage saddle would suit you. I have two of them and like a flatter more open seat and they suit me. If you like deep bucket like seats then would not be for you.

I agree with Bananaman about the Ideal Jessica, an excellent saddle at a sensible price and you should pick one up within your price range.

It is difficult to recommend as saddles are very much personal preference. If possible get a local saddler to bring you a selection for you to try. You say you want big knee rolls etc but in reality they may not suit you. Sit on a many different ones as you can before parting with your cash.

 

[happihorse]

I would get a Master Saddler out so that you can try a wide range of makes and styles. It is really helpful to try loads of different types in one go so that you can actually feel the difference. If you find one that you really like (whether new or second hand), you could always have a look on ebay to see if you can get one cheaper! The price of second hand saddles is really low at the moment, so you could probably get a real bargain!