HDR saddles ?

[Hannahray]

Been looking to get a new saddle and the HDRs are in my price range. A friend of mine has one and I really like hers and it’s comfortable. So at this point I’m concerned of it fitting my horse, he is an ottb with high withers. We are still working on his top line and putting a little more weight on (I rescued him two months ago). So my question is should I wait ? I am using my trainers saddle now that fits him pretty well just until I get my own. Also are the HDRs a good choice for my horse ? What’s everyone experience ?
My price range is 800-900

Sorry in advance of this is confusing haha .

[SpicyMonarch]

Don’t do it to yourself and your horse! The only thing they’ll come close to fitting is a great dane and riding in one is like sitting on a picnic table.

With your price range, you would be able to find a nice used Beval or something of that qulity. Much nicer saddle for yourself and your horse.

[ClassyRide]

I have an HDR saddle and I like it. It fits my Saddlebred gelding pretty darn well.

That said, I used to have a TB mare who had high withers. It did NOT fit her well at all. In fact, it rubbed her withers really badly. I was on a tight budget just like you, so I got a Collegiate and stuck a riser pad underneath of that, just to be 100% certain her withers had clearance. That set up worked great for us.

I’m not sure if you’re flexible at all with your budget, but last I checked, a new Collegiate is only a couple hundred more than what you quoted. If you want new, I’d suggest that. If you get used, you can get something of much better quality, like the Beval that SpicyMonarch mentioned.

Best of luck!!!

[Hannahray]

I’m not against finding something of better quality but I just feel like I haven’t been able to find anything in my price range. Any suggestions where to look ? And anyone know anything about the circuit saddles ?

[enjoytheride]

I have an HDR dressage saddle. Nice quality, wool flocking, fits my horse. I would happily buy one again.

I bought it used and I cover all new and used saddles in my price range.

[lesson_junkie]

Let me confess right up front, I am a major tack snob. I have nice tack, take care of it, love how it perform and looks.

So, last summer, when I needed a medium tree, 16.5 saddle, and I wanted it quick, I went to the local used tack store, nabbed one the right size, and took it on trial. It fit the pony, I really liked the way it sat, paid a very reasonable price for it, and went home to give my HDR a good soaping. Imagine my horror when I lifted the skirt and saw “Made in Argentina”!!! Oh, the humanity!!

Well-honestly, I love it. The ponies go well in it, I am secure and comfortable, it’s wearing well. My ego is a little bruised, what with my tack snobbery and all, but the more I use it, the better I like it.

[CaitlinandTheBay]

Is it yellowbritches on here that works at that big east coast tack shop? I feel like I’ve heard her talk about having lots of used saddles coming in and out. Maybe I’m crazy but you might PM her.

Also, look at Rick’s (www.saddlesource.com). Also, if you can stretch your budget a bit, talk to Smith Worthington. They might have a few Stoneleigh AO’s sitting around. They’re made for high withered horses and SW will adjust the tree to your horse’s back w/ tracings and pictures. They’re listed in their bargain barn for $975. I tried to buy one a year ago, but after they looked at my tracings, I ended up with a discontinued model they had laying around the shop. My bill + shipping & fittings was about $1050. They’re not the fashionable choice, but SW’s have a great reputation for lasting forever and the customer service is incredible. You’ll be hard pressed to find a used one. My saddle is very comfortable and fits my TB like a glove. You might try them Friday. They may still be closed though. If so, give them a call on Tuesday.

[lesson_junkie]

Let me chime in about Smith Worthington. I have one-a Beaufort-and it is one of the nicest saddles I have ever had the pleasure of using. I wish the one I have could have been configured to fit my 14h pony. If it had, I would not be suffering the ignominious fate of riding in an HDR and having to confess to liking it.

[Hannahray]

Yeah iv been looking into the smith worthingtons a bit. Since they are local for me, and the saddle I was riding in before was a smith worthington just it was way too wide for my horse and the flaps are a bit long for me I am only 5’2.

[CaitlinandTheBay]

If they’re local, definitely swing by or call them. They’re an old company (understatement) and you never know what they have in their basement. If you can get something in your price range, you’ll have a much nicer saddle than an HDR and your pony will have a great fit. I can’t say enough good things about them.

[anothertb]

They have different tiers of quality, as with most brands. Several people in my barn have them and the Rivella is a very nice lower end saddle.

[butiwantedapony]

You asked about Curcuit saddles. The new Circuit Premier line is really nice. I have the premier EQ and am VERY impressed for the price. I have a devoucoux, a jaguar, and a vega in my line up right now too and lots of years rising in high quality tack and basically just being a tack snob. This saddle really is very nice for the price and a great fit on TB withers… And you can do a test ride with Dover.

[Inclined]

Rick’s Heritage is a great place to shop (saddlesource.com), and so is Middleburg Tack Exchange (http://middleburgtack.com/). The latter is the one where yellowbritches works.

[Rambler]

I hated the HDR show jumper I had. It was slippery, unbalanced and poorly constructed. The Velcro on my saddle pad would go around the first billet on one side but not on the other side.

[beowulf]

Your money is better spent buying a used Stubben, Kieffer, Ainsley or Passier. I’ve worked in many tack stores that sell HDRs… All I can say is they are always, eventually, returned – or at least, attempted to be returned. The tack quality is okay but the construction is poor and slipshod at best - seams unravel and the panels are usually uneven.

Alternatively, you could get a very new or barely used Circuit. They are good saddles for the $$.

[Spud_amp_Saf]

Intrepid saddles are around the same price point and are usually a great fit for the higher wither types. IMO, they are nicer and better quality than the HDR. They also come with adjustable gullets and wool flocking. I have one and I have had some really nice high end saddles and I am quite pleased with it - especially for the price.

[Angela_Freda]

Interesting comments.

I had an HDR [ETA I actually still have it, I just don’t ride anymore]for my narrow/slab sided TB and it was great.
Bought it new from usedsaddles.com/LightningG tack shop.
Rode in it for…hmmm… about 6 years consistently, then 7+ years on/off.
Really comfortable [for me], fit my horse and other horses I’ve since taken lessons on well [again TBs]… and held up well.

FWIW I am also 5’2", 110#. I was this close to being able to get into a childrens, but dammit my hip to knee is too long.
Have you tried a Childrens? You might save some $$ there.

[fatappy]

I have one - a wide tree. It fit me and my roly poly appy really well. It also fit my big shouldered TB well too.

It’s by no means the best quality. I put a hole in each of the knee flaps that was easily fixed.

I’ve tried on and off to sell it for years with no luck. So the only downside that I found was the resale value. Otherwise, I was happy with mine for the 5 years that I had it.

[BoysNightOut]

I got the HDR Pro AO a couple years ago for my OTTB. I love it. Fits him well (doesn’t have super high withers, but still a little bit high). Very soft & comfortable, and has held up well.

[anon67067638]

What size saddle and tree are you looking for?