New Saddle - Questions

[cattlecait]

Well, I might be getting a new saddle today, and I was wondering what I should figure out about it before I make it official. How do I tell the size? Any other stuff I should know?

It's at a flea market here for $195 including saddle pad and stand.

Thanks!

 

[RabbitMage]

I wouldn't buy it, personally. Looks cheaply made and I bet it'll fall apart with regular use.

 

[patandchickens]

Yeah, if you want something to sit in occasionally for a parade or costume class, fine, but for actual regular RIDING I would suggest finding an older well-made leather saddle. I am guessing this one is synthetic? And even if it isn't, unless it is an artefact of the camera, the stitching looks poor-quality. I dunno, you're there and we're not, but it isn't exactly confidence-inspiring in the photo.

Also, waht about FIT? I know western saddles are more forgiving than english saddles (in terms of saddle fitting a wide variety of horses) but you still DO have to worry about whether the particular saddle fits the particular horse. Pads DO NOT make up for much in the way of misfit. Personally I would never ever buy a saddle unless I could ride in it on my horse(s) first to make sure it was not going to hurt them.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[banderanch]

Cute saddle! But... I would agree with the other two comments. Fit is so important to your horse, believe me I made the mistake of buying a wrong saddle too! Pads did not compensate for it either. Plus if it is of cheap leather or material it WILL fall apart. My good friend said she was out riding with a gal and got one of those saddles...said she didn't care cuz she wouldn't be riding that much. Well...into around her 3rd trail ride they were riding along and her whole stirrup fell off BROKE right off the leather! So you get what you pay for. If you want it for parades or show I would only pay 50-75 dollars if that. Anyway god bless and good riding to ya!!!

 

[cattlecait]

We ended up deciding not to get it, can't really convince ourselves that we can afford it anyways Oh well, right one will come along when it does.