Used English Saddle

Used English Saddle



Which English saddle should I buy?

I need a saddle that is extremely comfortable, but a reasonable price. I am considering these two, but I would appreciate it if you give me some suggestions. My price range is up to $300 (cheap, I know, but I'm a beginner.) I need a very balance saddle. Any good used saddle websites that I can look at?

http://www.tack-wholesale.com/English_Saddles/JumpSaddle.html

or

http://www.tackroominc.com/wintec-500-all-purpose-saddleib-p-2073.html

Thanks!

I personally would recommend the Wintec product. Wintec and Bates are owned and made by the same company. The main difference is whether they are leather or synthetic. Australia has long made synthetic leather products, and have perfected their process, making a product that is both comfortable and easy to care for. Driving harnesses are often made of Australian products and have been known in the industry as being the best of the best for a while. I have a friend who spent more money on her synthetic harness than her leather one because it was made in Australia of such good quality product.

The main reason I recommend the Wintec is that no money is going into an inferior leather. All the money you are spending is going into the tree and other "bare bones" aspects of the saddle. I personally own a Wintec dressage saddle and love it. I ride several different horses and have used mine on everything from my own Xtra Wide Andalusian to a Narrow Quarter Horse without having to buy a new saddle. Many people I know (myself included) have turned their noses up at the economy and looks of the Wintec synthetic leather, but after having mine for two years, it still looks nice, fits me well, fits all my mounts, and has been through more tumbles, falls, rubs, scratches, etc and still looks well cared for. The main complaint I have is that in the summer, I have more sweat marks on me than I do riding in a leather saddle as the material in the saddle is not able to absorb any of the sweat. I have just learned to wear something over my show breeches when warming up so I don't end up with unsightly marks on my dressage breeches. I fully plan on purchasing a higher quality leather saddle one day, but as a college student and rider who does not ride horses with the same build every day, I love mine.

Before you buy, I would recommend looking at used saddles at your local tack stores or 4-H tack sales. If you can find a good quality saddle, it may be worth the money, however I would still stear towards the Wintec. For the money, you are going to get a better quality and more life out of the saddle if you go with a new Wintec than with an older used leather saddle. If you can free up some more funds, you should be able to find a good show quality used saddle in the $500-$800 range, but that would likely involve alot of hunting and searching.

Packing with an English Saddle (part II)