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Discussion on Catalog Saddles
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Member:
Wendy
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 10, 2002 - 9:01 pm:
Can you buy a saddle through a catalog and get the proper fit? I live in an area without tack shops (Ugh!) and am new with this issue.
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Member:
Willie
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 11, 2002 - 7:31 am:
Yes, it's possible but it takes work. My suggestion would be to ride in as many other people's saddles as you can find, to find something that suits your riding style and fits you. Then borrow as many of THOSE saddles as possible and try them on your horse.
You don't say what style you're riding, and that's important, because English saddles (dressage, hunt, saddle seat) vary considerably more in fit and choices than do western saddles. For an excellent explanation of how an English saddle should fit, see https://www.saddlefit.com/report.htm. The Smith-Worthington website at www.smith-worthington.comalso has a good section on saddle fitting.
When you've narrowed your choices down, order a saddle from a catalog company that has a generous and clearly stated return policy, and then adhere to it -- you may have to return the first saddle you order! Dover Saddlery for instance allows you to return a saddle for exchange or refund as long as it's in precisely the same condition -- i.e., new and unmarked. Dover also has trial saddles available in their most popular models and sizes, though there may be quite a waiting list. (You pay full price for the saddle, they send you a trial model, you try it out and return it for the size/model you want, or ask for your money back.)
One suggestion: Don't buy anything off ebay unless you really do know what saddles fit you and your horse! There are some wonderful bargains on ebay, but you're really taking your chances -- you have to trust that the seller knows what they're talking about, AND you have to be familiar with the specific model of saddle.
Good luck, and be patient!
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Member:
Cowgrl
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 1, 2004 - 2:30 pm:
Sarah, That's funny you mentioned Ebay for buying saddles.
I just bought a Crates western saddle for $1,100 and saw the exact same saddle, they gave the model number and everything, on ebay a week later for $500, brand spanking new. Unfortunately I had already ridden several times in the saddle so I was unable to return it for the full purchase price and buy the one on ebay.
Holly
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