Any experience with this saddle?

[SilverMare]

I’m looking for a dressage saddle that’s under $900. Nothing for showing, just for at home.

Have been looking at used saddles, but have not had any luck for dressage ones. They’re either in awful shape or don’t fit my horse.

Have found this saddle for $695. Pinnacle Lulworth.
http://tinyurl.com/6ba2jx

What about the Circuit saddle from Dover? Even though their shipping prices are high.
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-15012
Though the back of the Dover saddle looks a little odd to me. Maybe it’s because I own a hunter one.

[Zen_and_Horses]

recommend HDR

No experience with the saddle you mentioned but I am a fan of the HDR saddles. HDR dressage saddle in buffalo leather is a nicely balanced saddle in the $800 price range. www.adamshorsesupply.com carries them as well as several other internet sellers.

[Hampton_Bay]

Buy something used. You will get a great deal on a nicer saddle than anything you could find for that price new. Kieffer and Passier (the older ones) seem to go for very reasonable prices used.

For $900, I would not waste the money buying anything new, except for a Wintec. The new dressage saddles in that price range tend not to be worth the money.

[slight]

Me too

I hope it’s o.k. to piggy back on this thread. I’m looking for a saddle in the same price range.
I’m short - any suggestions?
How about the Claridge House saddles?
I also wondered about the Circuit brand…and the HDR looks nice!

[mg]

I was told lots of good things about the HDR when I was looking for a saddle <$1000. I looked used and I really wanted a Kieffer Wein, but all the ones in my price range were really beaten or needed restuffing. I tried out a Klimke which fit my pony well, but I couldn’t stand the large knee rolls. If that’s your thing though, maybe look for one of those? I ended up with a Collegiate Mentor. I really really like it. It fits my pony well, it fits me well (I’m short, 5’4"), my trainer said it was really comfortable (and she rides in a Passier), and it has a nice deep seat and minimal knee rolls. I realize people complain about the new leather quality, but it really isn’t that bad. It’s nothing to brag about, but the saddle is built well, it’s wool flocked, and it does its job.

[SilverMare]

Thanks for the replies.

Mg - I cannot stand large knee rolls, either. Feels like they push me farther away from the horse. Almost like a block of wood.

I’m still looking at used saddles, but the majority don’t seem to fit a wide pony. They’re either too long, too narrow, or padded oddly.

I’m also short. Just a hair under 5’4".

[mg]

Have you tried looking at used Bates with the gullet system? I’m not sure about the whole Cair thing (I’ve heard mixed reviews…personally, it feels hard as a rock to me and I don’t really get it), but the adjustable gullet might work?

[elmerandharriet]

bates and wintecs work great for short riders i had a 16.5 bates isabell and im just about 5 foot with my boots on

[Ambrey]

I have heard good things about the Tolouse Aachen for a low end saddle.

We got a Wintec Pro Dressage. We tried several used and new, and this was the one we liked the best in the lower range (this is for my mom and I to ride our new pony). We did try the HDR and Collegiate too.

[Traum]

Silver mare, you have a PM

[LD1129]

I tried a Dover Circuit but I felt like it tipped me forward. I have talked to some other people that had the same issue. If you are comfortable in it they are nicely made and really hold up well.

[good_booie]

I have the HDR Rivelle. LOVE it. It is not so restricting with the knee block so it allows you to find your way without being “set” into place. If you can, please try one. I picked mine up brand new at our local tack exchange for $749, tax included. I tried oodles of saddles beforehand as well. This really is a great saddle.

[SilverMare]

Thank you for your suggestions. I went to the tack shop today to sit in a few Wintec saddles. Thinking some COTHer opinions would be useful.

The Pro Dressage was comfy enough. But is it good quality?
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-15025

The Isabell was uncomfortable. Is it just me?
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-15023

Wintec 2000 All Purpose was very comfortable. However, I’m looking for a dressage saddle. Would it work for dressage and working over cavelletti, too?
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-15205&bhcd2=1209075940

(I don’t plan on showing so I don’t care if the saddle is leather or not. Just as long as it’s functional.)
Posting links from Dover since it’s one of the easier sites to navigate.

[Ambrey]

The wintecs are very good and durable for the money! I think the equisuede Pro will hold up better than a saddle made of poor quality leather.

And no, it’s not just you- I also hated the Isabell.

I’d not get the 2000 for Dressage- it was impossible for me to get a long leg in that saddle. They do have a VSD, but I think it’s only in the equileather, not the equisuede.

http://www.wintec.net.au/products/allPurpose/allPurposevsd.html

[SilverMare]

I’d not get the 2000 for Dressage- it was impossible for me to get a long leg in that saddle. They do have a VSD, but I think it’s only in the equileather, not the equisuede.

http://www.wintec.net.au/products/allPurpose/allPurposevsd.html

Hmm, I didn’t see a VSD so didn’t get to try one. Know nothing about Equileather, does it hold up well?

[Austin_Rider]

I’ve ridden the heck out of a Wintec Pro dressage saddle just like that, except it’s wool flocked. It’s held up great for arena lessons and trail riding. Very nice saddle. I dislike the CAIR though, but understand that you can special order wool flocked version.

[SilverMare]

[QUOTE=Austin Rider;3167227]
I’ve ridden the heck out of a Wintec Pro dressage saddle just like that, except it’s wool flocked. It’s held up great for arena lessons and trail riding. Very nice saddle. I dislike the CAIR though, but understand that you can special order wool flocked version.[/QUOTE]
What did you dislike about CAIR? Have never used a saddle with it before.
Also, if the CAIR does turn out to be completely awful, is it possible to replace it with new CAIR or replace it with something else completely?

[Ambrey]

@SilverMare;3167206

Hmm, I didn’t see a VSD so didn’t get to try one. Know nothing about Equileather, does it hold up well?

I’ve heard it does, but I’ve never used it. I like the equisuede better

The VSD is new, I’m not even sure it’s available in the US yet. It is like the Wintec 500 with a straighter flap.

[ThrghbrdJmpr]

I second the Kieffer Wien suggestion… I just got one and I LOVE it!! It’s basically brand new… I would guess maybe 10 rides on it and I picked it up for $535 on ebay. If you search for it search for Wein to because people spell it wrong. That’s how I got mine so cheaply

[SilverMare]

The VSD is listed on Dover for $449 both on the website and the catalog.

Another question! Do I use a dressage girth with an A/P wintec saddle? Looking at pictures, the billets seem long enough for a dressage girth.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/wintec-500-dressage-saddle/p/X1-1592/cn/373/
The Wintec 500 Dressage looks nice, but they didn’t have one at the tack shop to try.

Sorry, I just have so many questions! I take lessons in dressage, but ride hunt seat (or just bareback) at home. I’m not a huge fan of my instructor’s saddle but it works for lessons.
Whatever I do get, I don’t want one that pushes my legs back while tipping me onto my crotch - just not comfortable or functional!

Thank goodness I don’t need a new bridle. Can’t seem to find a simple cavesson. Forget pony sized! Love the mare, hate fitting things.