Which is smarter - synthetic or leather?

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BeBopTalulah

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I have a great synthetic wintec saddle. In fact, I've had 3 of them over the years (black and havana). No problems with them at all, comfortable, hard wearing and fit for purpose. I had never considered being able to afford (or justify the expense) of a leather saddle, until I saw second hand saddles on Rideaway for around £300-£400. At some point, I'd love to do some working hunter/hunting, would a synthetic saddle hold me back? I have no show experience at present, so I would like to know what a judge would think. Also, is a saddle at £300 or £400 going to be fit for purpose? What brands should I be looking for in a second hand saddle? I would be willing to increase my budget depending on the answers I get here :)

Thanks.
 
Second-hand saddles are a very good way of getting a nice saddle at a rather more affordable price, particularly useful for young horses who are outgrowing their saddles regularly as they mature and muscle up. New saddles are like cars and lose value once they have been sat in, top quality 2nd hand retain lots of their value - much better than a new budget-quality saddle. If you are used to synthetics then you will find that leather needs more care.

BUT, and it's a very big 'but' you must either know exactly what you are looking for, or be able to enlist the help of someone you trust who does - although many many saddles are absolutely fine. Check out all you can about saddle-fitting and how to assess assymmetry and damage in a saddle. It is worth the extra here to get a good saddle-fitter involved - please don't just go for some cheap thing you've seen in the paper or on e-bay - it is really not worth it in terms of aggravation and potential serious damage to your horse - much better to be putting all of your budget into a good quality 2nd hand saddle than to spend it on vets fees.

As for best 'brands', that depends upon the shape of your horse, and what you find comfortable to ride in. Current prices for saddles around here: a few years old in very good condition, no damage, appear to be round about half to a third their retail price depending upon the amount of use they have had, a bit more for an ex-demonstrator which is in effect nearly new (so you should get something nice for 350 to 700 pounds or so, perhaps with a few quid extra for reflocking or other minor bits of work to really fit your horse)

As for showing - the idea is to show off your horse to their best, a straight cut saddle will always make the shoulder look better than a forward cut one, and a neat saddle without huge kneerolls makes for a better overall picture. IMHO for lower levels of showing this is more important than the material it is made of, though be prepared for some judges to comment.
 
Leather definitely! My mare has a Collegiate saddle with an adjustable gullet which I picked up for £250, it's very smart looking, comfy and has a deep enough seat to help me sit to her antics!
 
I much prefer brown leather and 99% of judges will too! It's just 'correct' for showing :D

You should find a good quality 2nd hand leather saddle for between £300 and £400, that is plenty good enough for the show ring.



Barnsby, Farrington, Jefferies, Derby house, Ideal, Black country, Oakfield, Fylde are some of the most well respected saddle makers who make lovely english leather saddles :)
 
I picked up a second hand Stubben for £400 from my saddle fitter - it is definately fit for purpose and in brilliant condition! I also have a synthetic saddle but would personally choose a leather one.
 
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