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Discussion on Looking for a new dressage saddle
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Member:
trouble
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 10, 2007 - 3:27 pm:
Hi, all
I am in the market to upgrade to a nicer dressage saddle and am eager to hear your opinions. I would like to find a nice "used" saddle in the $1,000-$1,200 range.
I am currently riding in a 17" older Collegiate brand which I purchased used when I started taking dressage lessons about a year ago. I now know that I need an 18" saddle as I am long legged at 5'10" tall and 140 lbs.
The horse I will be using it on is a 16h quarter horse who will probably take a regular tree. I am still working on evaluating this, but he does not have high withers or any other issues which would need custom fit.
I have been doing some research lately, but there are sooooo many brands that I much prefer to hear your opinions.
I am somewhat familiar with some saddle specs, but I do not know what "twist" means or what effect it has. Also, what are your opinions on thigh blocks (internal/external), adjustable gullets, or other design features?
My instructor hasn't recommended any one brand, but says a nicer quality and better fitting saddle will improve my riding.
I am looking forward to hearing your opinions, even on more expensive brands, as you never know if you will hit the lottery! Thanks.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 10, 2007 - 3:46 pm:
Hi Lisa,
I purchased an Amerigo a year and a half ago and absolutely love it. My mare has no special features where I needed a custom fit, but I did have a fitter out to make sure it would work OK with her. She moves very freely in it and there have been no problems with fit. For me, it is exceptionally comfortable, love the feel it gives me of the horse under my seat & leg and my trainer thinks it improves my position. I've also had 2 friends ride in it: One is about 5'9" and maybe 120 lbs soaking wet, very long legs and she really loves the feel of it. The other friend is perhaps 5'4", short legged and a bit heavier and she keeps saying that she's going to steal it when I'm not looking. I'm somewhat in between the two in size and shape so the saddle seems to be quite comfortable for any body type.
It does have thigh blocks, not very large, which is a help for me.
Prior to the Amerigo, I purchased a Wintec Isabella when I first started dressage. It was a very good saddle, particularly for the price and it seemed to fit any and every horse I ever put it on. It was purchased for a high withered TB, later used on my mare (a solidly built warmblood) and now used on a QH - no problems with any of them. Didn't have quite the feel of the horse that I get from the Amerigo but a good solid saddle regardless.
If you can find a good used Amerigo that fits you & your horse, I highly recommend it.
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Member:
trouble
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 10, 2007 - 5:50 pm:
Fran,
this information is exactly what I am looking for. I have been seeing the Amerigo brand on Ebay alot and I think some are in my price range. My trainer has said that the Wintec Isabella is quite popular as well and I know it is in my price range.
It would be difficult for me try out different saddles as my trainer has recommended, so I will count on my reliable friends at HA.
Thanks for your input.
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Member:
chrism
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 10, 2007 - 6:48 pm:
Before you get into the try/buy/resell cycle, may I suggest this book: The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book by Dr. Joyce Harmon? It is available from amazon.com
I think it would be worth your money and time reading it before you choose your next saddle. It will help you evaluate fit, define terms, identify needs, etc. It is very, very thorough.
As an aside, I've had a number of saddles over the year. I would recommend buying something that is used (usually priced at half of list) and is a "name brand" of some sort so it will be easier to sell on if needed. Your local tack store may have used saddles you can try. If you have access to a saddler, he also may be able to help you choose one that fits both you and the horse you are riding. If you are friendly with other folks at the barn, you may be able to borrow different saddles to try for comfort, etc.
But, start with the book, first. It will save you mucho dinaro in the long haul.
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Member:
amara
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 10, 2007 - 9:15 pm:
i second the try them out at local tack shops, or other people at the barn... every person fits a saddle a little bit different, and what works for one may not work for another...
twist is essentially the "fork" you sit on...all depends on how wide your hip is...me, i'm fairly narrow, others are wider..
do you like a saddle with a lot of padding that holds you in place? or a piece of wood with a piece of leather slapped over the top and you better have a good solid seat cause the saddle aint giving you any help whatsoever?...
thigh blocks are basically a way to help position your leg..all depends on your comfort level... some people recommend solid thigh block for the most help possible, others will say that unless your leg fits the thigh block exactly right it might not put your leg in the best position, and you are best off with minimal thigh block and learning how to sit in the saddle properly.. proper alighnment from shoulder/hip/knee/ankle will allow you to get by with less thigh blocking..
do you like a deep seat? flat seat?...
i have always found the passiers, collegiates and courbettes to have a "lot to them"... deep seat, lots of thigh block, etc... not for me.. i never did like a saddle that told me what to do! (control freak that i am!)..
i have a neidersuss and i love it...its a flatter saddle with minimal padding in the thigh area.. while the seat is flat, its quite comfy...its up to me to seat myself properly, but as long as its properly balanced i have no trouble whatsoever in doing that... i originally bought it when i had some lippizzans i was training, but have used it on arabs, WB's and even my 12 hand pony...found pretty easy to fit to all of them...
there are just so many choices out there that you need to get to a local tack shop and try some... to me, when you first sit in it if you feel like you've "come home" then you've got a winner..
good luck
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 10, 2007 - 9:44 pm:
I'm glad the info helped Lisa, but I do agree that it's best to try as many saddles as you can. Both tack shops and the catalogs will let you try a saddle and return it as long as your very careful not to damage it, although it is a hassle.
One recommendation: If you try a saddle, find an old pair of soft cotton tube socks. Cut out the toe and slip one over each of the stirrup leathers. It helps prevent wear/scratches so that if the saddle isn't what you want, you will have little trouble returning it.
Good luck!
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007 - 1:52 am:
Here is the name of a recent saddle discussion you might find interesting.
English saddle advice – twists, trees, etc. (many questions)
Having just gone through a ssaddle hunt I understand what you are going through.
I too highly recommend the saddle fit book by Joyce Harmon mentioned above.
The best advice I can give is don't be in hurry.
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Member:
canderso
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007 - 8:42 am:
Hi Lisa,
$1000 - $1500 is a lot of money to put into a piece of equipment. Your saddle is going to have a huge impact on your riding, your horse's way of going and, ultimately, your horse's back's fitness.
So you really want to take your time finding your next saddle.
Try as many saddles as you can - you will know when you get to the right one because you and your horse will suddenly find everything is easier than it is now, with your current saddle.
If you can get your hands on the October 2000 issue of Dressage today, there is an EXCELLENT article on saddle fitting for dressage.
To give you an idea, I just bought a new saddle ... after test driving 7 others! (and I finished my search so quickly because I found my very very trusted saddler after losing touch with him for a year...)
Good luck and hold out for that feeling!!!
Cheryl
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Member:
terrilyn
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007 - 9:01 am:
Hi Lisa--
First, I heartily second Christine's book recommendation. Usually I'm the one on this site pushing it...it is really invaluable.
That said, it still did not keep me from entering the try/buy/resell cycle she refers to. Even though I THOUGHT I knew what I was doing, I ended up with not one, but two saddles that do not fit my very high-withered TB. My current plan it to make a plaster cast of my horse's back and take it with me to Dover and a few other reputable saddlers. (Harman's book has directions for how to make a cast).
From all the reading I've done, I'm seriously considering trying a Thorowgood T4 for high-withered horses and "fish" that pad the panels where needed. They make a dressage saddle as well...from reviews I've read, some love them and some hate them, but I guess that's true of every saddle...particularly synthetics. Just another option for you to consider as these are very reasonably priced and comparable to the Wintecs.
Anyone in need of a lovely made-in-England 17.5 close contact saddle with all the fittings? Cheap! Also, a Wintec Pro Endurance...all fittings as well.  More importantly, has anyone ridden in a Thorowgood or know anything about them?
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007 - 10:17 am:
There is another similar thread, it is called:
Discussion on Collegiate saddles?
Sorry I don't know how to put a link in.
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Member:
chrism
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007 - 5:16 pm:
Just as a fun followup ... I am now riding in a Kieffer that I found on the 'net from a fellow dressage club member. It was so inexpensive, I bought it sight unseen, figuring "wth" it would work for someone I know. Amazingly, it fit my hard to fit older horse (who would have let me know if it was not appropriate). Then, my young horse grew up and it seems to work well for her. I sold the expensive treeless saddle I had as it wasn't being used.
I feel guilty for my "easy" and "cheap" saddle find. As one boss I had years ago used to say, "I'd rather be lucky than smart."
Anyway, there are lots of crazy saddle hunt stories out there. Just take it slow and patiently and you'll find something that works for both you and the horse.
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Member:
trouble
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007 - 7:04 pm:
WOW! I knew I could count on you guys! I think the best piece of advice is to take my time and try some out. This is hard for me because I am an impulsive type person, and I want a better saddle NOW! HA!
Ultimately, I want the best fit for me and my horse so I will be patient and keep researching possibilities.
Fran, thanks for the advice with the tube socks. That will come in handy as I have seen some ads offering a trial period and I plan to do this.
Christine, thanks for the heads up on the book. I normally do alot of reading, but probably would not have thought of a reading a book for saddle fit.
I really appreciate everyone's input. Thanks!!
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007 - 7:16 pm:
Great site for new or used saddles. Very nice on the phone. $25shipping for the box to ship back if you don't like it. No restock fee.
I found a perfect condition Keiffer Aiken for $395 not long ago.
Call them after you search on what you want and they will tell you what they can to help.
https://www.usedsaddles.com/about.htm
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Jul 13, 2007 - 7:14 pm:
Hi Lisa, A few months ago I bought a Passier GT on E-bay. It is a medium tree and had hardly been used. It fits my TB/quarter cross and my arab gelding as well as being a very comfortable saddle for me. I have an old Passier all purpose saddle that is also great. You should be able to find a very nice used Passier in your price range and they seem to fit a wide range of horses. Just my experience.
Cynthia
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Member:
trouble
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Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 2:55 pm:
Thank you, Cynthia
I have seen alot of Passier's on ebay and they are in my price range. I will put them on my list of saddles to try. Thanks!
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