Custom Saddle Questions!

[Alexis_Mellark]

So I have a tricky to fit tb cross gelding with a long back, sharkfin withers, and is just overall difficult to fit. And while I currently have a saddle situation that is working, I couldn’t help but consider the option of a custom saddle for him. (I’m also not the easiest saddle-fit either so it could be great for both of us). However, I don’t have $8-$10k to spend on a saddle right now, but I can’t be the first person in this situation either.

Has anyone here had any experience with purchasing a custom saddle, and did they offer you a payment plan or lease options? And if so, which brands did you purchase from?

[Fellbutbackup]

Gravity! Heard raving great things about him. Also I heard good things about Adam Ellis Saddles, too.

[Bristol_Bay]

My Voltaire in grain/calf was more like $6000. Just contact your local rep to ask about financing. My horse has very high withers, but Voltaire has a panel that gives plenty of wither clearance, and they replaced the panels once to add foam for better balance.

[Madison]

Most custom saddles don’t run $8-10k, but they do run more in the range of $5k-6500. However, while it sounds great in theory to get that “perfect fit” it is in reality a bit of a crapshoot as to how it turns out when it is delivered, and your experience can depend a lot on how good your rep is. So, ask around about the reps in your area and get a feel for who is good, because if what shows up doesn’t really fit, a lot of people have had bad luck getting the saddle companies to remedy it. I have done two custom orders, and was lucky to have good reps for each and they worked out for me, but if I could have found used in my configuration, I would have gone that route not only because it is cheaper, but also because you know exactly what you are getting. Right now, a lot of the consignment shops like Highline Tack have great trial policies with free shipping, so it could be a good time to explore the used market also to see if you can find something barely used that fits your needs!

[BAC]

I agree with Madison, the reality is that many custom fit saddles just don’t fit and then the company refuses to do anything about it, or insists the saddle fits despite evidence to the contrary. If you have an excellent fitter in your area you are working with then I might consider it, otherwise I would just keep trying to find a good quality used saddle and hope you eventually find a perfect fit for both of you.

[SonnysMom]

![]( have had two fully custom saddles by Patrick Saddlery for a really tough to fit horse. One was a dual flap the other a monoflap. Loved both of them. About $5,000. No payment plans.

[IMG]https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/581657_4748738242499_1529869883_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=cdbe9c&_nc_oc=AQmwCgPJXyt6fEz14Gm-BDZ9nyKnxelZCOZN2JVOG9kffyVzphQ6wBivHQgUEB9x6xk&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=b75edc59511304883d5934ec4b24d00f&oe=5EF20D9E)

[sheltona01]

If you go British, you can get a fully custom saddle from 3k to 5k no problem new.

[Redlei44]

Maybe my acquaintances have had exceptionally poor luck, but I don’t believe any of them were really happy with their experience or the product (especially for the price, which were all around 6k). One seemingly fit the horse but would not stay in place and was also incredibly uncomfortable to ride in (a trait of most new saddles, IMO). One clearly did not fit the horse, and they went around and around with the rep insisting that “it will be fine, just use it for a while“. One fit the horse just fine, but not really better than the old saddle they had been borrowing, and it did not solve the physical/behavioral issues they wanted it to.

Based on those observations and my documented hate of new saddles, I would just recommend that you truly exhaust all of your options for used saddles, working with an independent fitter if at all possible!

ETA - no financing that I’m aware of, but they all traded in their previous saddles toward the purchase price.

[GoodTimes]

When I bought my custom saddle the timing was bad. I determined that the tree had twisted in my Antares (purchased used) right after the Royal. It seemed that every half decent used saddle had been purchased the week before.
I had the Bruno rep come out. My horse isn’t that complicated so she quickly determined what would work for him. I rode in three demo saddles and picked the most comfortable seat/flap configuration. I went with grain flaps, calfskin seat/knee rolls.
I paid $2000 up front, and the remaining $4000 when it arrived.

I love the saddle. It fits both of us well. I’m much more secure in this saddle, which is good since my gelding has a wicked buck when he feels good.
I’m hoping this saddle will also fit my young mare. She’s only 3 though so it will be a few years before she’s done growing.

My only complaint was that it took much longer than the rep predicted. She told me 6-8 weeks. It ended up being 12 weeks.

[one1horse]

I got a custom wool flocked Stubben Portos for $3400. I paid half up front, and then the second half when it arrived in the states before being shipped up to me. They guaranteed the fit, but I had no issues. My rep came out and watched me ride in it about a week after I got it to ensure everything looked good. Then he came out about 6 months later to assess the fit after the flocking had broken in a bit. Had it reflocked for me and I paid nothing. I know they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love my saddle and had a really excellent experience with them. I’ve referred several friends to my rep, and they have also had positive experiences, but I’ve also read plenty of unhappy stories about Stubben on COTH too. It really is all about preference.

[Bogie]

Before you order a custom saddle try to find a really good independent fitter and pay them to evaluate your horse and suggest brands that might fit off the shelf. There are so many saddles on the used market and so many configurations already available, you may find that you can find something that fits even if it needs reflocking. I’ve heard too many disaster stories to order a custom saddle. I always purchase used/demo because I want to buy the saddle that I know fits my horse.