Would you buy a saddle thats not made by a master saddler?!

[lillie07]

As title says... I have found this on ebay, it looks nice and there is good feedback from others sold. BUT.... its not made by a master/ qualified saddler. It will only be for the short term. Whats peoples thoughts on it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-JUMPING-ENGLISH-...0QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks

 

[samp]

Its an american company and they would not been registered with the master saddlers over here. It looks a nice quality saddle to me, not sure how they work their sizings out though?

 

[Tia]

It says it is a custom made saddle, over here this implies it is made by a licensed saddle maker, not sure what it means in Argentina.

If I was you I would email the seller and ask which saddler made the saddle and then drop PapaFrita, who lives in Argentina, a PM and ask her to see what she can find out about the company.

Argentinian saddles do vary enormously - some are beautifully made and others are awful.

 

[Bosworth]

just a quick query - how can they custom make it to your horses size without taking templates?

 

[Tia]

Yep that was my thoughts too.....

 

[Blizzard]

Personally I woudl prefer just to buy an english one, Fieldhouse and the Saddle Co. are very reasonable, or there is always synthetics.

Im very wary of foreign saddles.

 

[PapaFrita]

Someone else a while back posted a link about these saddlers. I rang them up and spoke to a very nice chap who said he was happy to take and email extra pics of saddles for anyone interested. I have to say they seem to be very good, although I have to say that most saddles I've seen out here are of excellent quality.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

They look good quality however if you do have a problem it's a long way to return them. If they have agents in this country then possibly it would be ok, but do they?
I think I'd play safe & buy a saddle from here and know exactly where I stand.

 

[elsielouise]

looks OK but it's a long way to send back if it doesn't fit! Danger is to be tempted to use it anyway if it was 'almost there' in fitting terms and much damage can be caused. Even in the short term.

My philosophy has always been - bits and saddles - get the best you can afford and fit to the individual animal