What saddle?

[stevieg]

We have recently sold a Devoucoux Chiberta which my daughter loved but was MTM for her previous horse.

We now have a 3 year old TB mare who is due to come back into work shortly having been broken & backed a few months ago and is in need of her own saddle.

Funds are limited and we would prefer older quality to something newer but cheaper if you KWIM.

My daughter won't entertain Albion or Stubben so they are both off the list.

Any suggestions?

 

[Lobelia_Overhill]

I have one of these: http://www.saddlery.biz/saddlery/ho.../equipro-grandeur-general-purpose-saddle.html very happy with it (the photos on the site aren't very good!) the leather is gorgeous, and it's extremely comfy, less than £600.

 

[coen]

I would be concerned about buying a saddle that can't me adjusted as the horse will still have alot of changing to do. My horse has a fairfax saddle which I love and a bates which I bought today so I will reserve judgement on that.

I really liked the albion but in all likely hood it would be useless to him in a years time.

 

[Kayfm]

I looked around for ages trying to decide what new saddle to go for. I finally went with Bates and am very pleased.

 

[stevieg]

I've not heard of the Fairfax.

One of the reasons we didnt want to pay a lot of money was because we realise she will in all likelihood need something else once she has matured & muscled up.

 

[albertsarmy]

Why not look at a WOW? Fully adjustable and can be altered as the horse grows and developes. Can be built around the riders needs as well.

 

[KatB]

Although she is likely to change shape a lot, it is imperative (as you will know) that the first saddle a horse has fits well so they find being ridden a nice experience.

I would be looking at something like a second hand barnsby or ideal which are beautifully made saddles for the horse, and can be picked up cheaply. They are also mainly flocked saddles, so there will be scope for adjustment before the horse completely outgrows it