Woo hoo! Getting a new saddle!!

[Bossdog]

Hello

New horsie Katie needs a new saddle and I have no idea what to go for. The saddler is coming on weds with a range, mostly Wintec/Bates, Keiffer & Jeffries. Now she is quite a broad cob andb is also a bit fat at the moment. I was expecting huby to only give about £350 so I was all prepared for a Wintec with an adjustable gullet, to suit her as she tones up and loses weight. but hubby wants to get a proper nice leather one (

) and will pay up to £800. So what would you do, how often will the leather one have to be checked and how much will it cost to have it redone?

Aagh, so excited!!

jules x

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

If you need a saddle that is readily & easily adjustable & made from quality leather then give the Bates consideration. I have a GP, a Close Contact & a Dressage Saddle & they all fit & look great. Ive had to change the gullet on a couple on them as my lad changed shape but that was a simple job & only cost £14.95 which is the cost of a different size gullet.

If you do go for Bates then also buy their leathers, other makes tend to scrape the saddle flaps whereas the Bates don't.

Good Luck in your search

 

[jnb]

I have a Black Country GPD, ideal for cobs as although it's quite straight cut it has both knee and thigh rolls - cost £775 including vintage (extra grippy!) leather and Black Country's special gussets on the wither - see www.blackcountrysaddles.com for photos.
I don't know if you can see the saddle (under my bum!) in this photo but I do use it for showing and any judges always say how comfy it is!