I’m cruising the forums gaining information on saddles. I’m testing a JRD that I find very comfortable and think it’s borderline good for my horse. What issues have you heard about them? Do you know what they sell for new?
expensive new, dirt cheap used. a dime a dozen here in norcal. No after purchase support is what I hear about them. I would not have one.
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I have read that they often have tree issues/develop tree issues (crooked) so would never even consider one…
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Hmm … interesting that you mention crooked tree issues … in my other post with pics, someone said it looked crooked.
This saddle game is HARD.
I’ve trialed about a dozen already and have studied some very good teachings via YouTube (yes Schleese, but also Karen from Horobin who is excellent, imnsho), and I’ve learned far more about saddles than I ever wanted to! ;D
Of the fitters that I can get to come soon-ish, I have Lesli Popa/Comfortzone Saddle Fit (who sells a multitude of brands), and Julie Weitzel from Custom Saddlery - and one more option … be ‘remote fitted’ by Karen who sells Peter Horobin (search for THAT name here, and get NOTHING.) They are mainly in Australia, and have a fitter somewhat closer to me in Charlotte, but that’s a long haul to get to KY. But their tree construction looks very promising.
The seller of this “2-year” used JRD is asking $4000(!). I think that’s way too high, but at the moment it’s the best I can find.
Ugh saddle shopping is the WORST - and your region makes such a difference since you are at the mercy of local fitters. I’m in CA,which is pretty populated with saddle fitters and as much as I like my saddle, I do think it would be really cool to have been able to try more models and brands at once, so the Comfortzone Saddle Fit option sounds like a blast.
Re: JRD. I have mixed feelings. I had a very old one that held up great and was able to sell for $700 (in Nor Cal) but when I trialed a few newer models I did not care for the workmanship and heard rumors of super long turnaround times to fix issues. 4k is absolutely too much for a used one. I got my Dresch used for 2k and in my opinion it s a superior brand to JRD.
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I currently have a love-hate relationship w/ Custom. Had a very-hard-to-fit warmblood mare, but the Custom Icon Flight worked well for her - and me…Problem was, IMO, the quality. After a 2-3 years, had worn a small hole in mid-seat, just under my tailbone, and the seat also developed ripples. Put up with that for a while, then new horse, new saddle. Custom Wolfgang Constanz worked really well on my short backed Lusitano. Fast forward a couple years - small hole in mid seat. Had it patched, that held for about 15 months and tear began to grow. So just had the seat fully recovered.(not by Custom) Now maybe its me, but saddle fitter said they went thru a spell of quality issues…just fyi. And they are apparently slow on repair work .
I’ve also heard service issues re JRD - if you search threads here maybe more info; I have a memory of past discussions on them.
I love all three of my JRD saddles! Each of them was made for a different horse. Mehrdad has been amazingly helpful with reflocking when needed. When my husband died, and I started riding his horse, they remade my husband’s saddle with shorter flaps and a new seat for me. Each time I have sent my saddles in for reflocking they have come back fitting perfectly. Young horse’s saddle is a real tattletale, the instant he drops his back, I know, and can put him back together . I got the first JRD almost fifteen years ago, and though the horse it was made for has passed, it is my back-up for young horse when his saddle is in the shop. I also loaned it out to one of the other riders in my barn while she was saddle shopping - it fit her and her horse perfectly, and she asked if I would sell it, but I won’t part with it. All of my saddles are in really good condition, original billets and underpanels. The only time the upper parts were changed was when hubby’s saddle was remodeled for me. Mehrdad comes to our area 3-4 times a year, and I haul the horses into whatever barn to get things checked. Usually they don’t need adjustment once the horse hits eight and stops growing, although the wither has kept expanding with training on young horse.
How much do you think a 2-year old JRD should sell for?
I have a second hand JRD, bought it for $1500, it has all the signs of being a high quality saddle and is in great shape.
For some JRDs $500 is reasonable, for others closer to 2000 or even 2500 it’s literally pristine. JRD isn’t a brand I’d be comfortable saying “look for another one just like it” since the quality and fit are variable, but that doesn’t make 4000 reasonable, even if it was a 100% perfect fit for you and your horse.
”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹Remember, even the prices you see on eBay and saddle consignment websites are asking prices, and don’t necessarily reflect what the saddle will actually sell for.
Does anybody know if JRD trees are adjustable?
Also, what about “Ideal” saddles?
Ideal is a good british made saddle
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Bliss saddles?
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You could probably get a semi custom Stubben for that and the northern CA fitters are fantastic. (I’m not sure why I assume you are in No. Cal) They bring about 7 styles To try at your fitting and you get to ride in them all. If you don’t want new, they are doing all the used saddle and demo sales on the Stubben NA site right now. They do one big sale now and I think more more at Christmas.
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The 1894, which is their most affordable model is now available full custom at a starting price at almost half the cost of the JRD you were considering. Super saddles, lots of options.
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Initially, I was pleased with the JRD saddle, but that quickly changed. I spent over $7,000 on a custom saddle, and it became almost unusable after just 18 months. The saddle came with a “reflocking” service, but that turned out to be a complete disappointment. The so-called “inspection” was rushed—Mehrdad barely spent a minute looking at it, and the entire process was frustrating to deal with.
On one occasion, he arrived two hours late, barely got out of his car (didn’t even turn off the engine), and after just 30 seconds, declared that everything was fine. After several similar check-ups, I finally insisted he take a closer look. Only then did he suddenly claim the saddle was in terrible shape, and said the reflocking would be a major job that would cost an additional $900. His attitude throughout the entire process was unfriendly and disrespectful.
When I finally got the saddle back, it caused my horse significant discomfort—he wouldn’t even go near the mounting block. Now, I’m left with a nice piece of leather that I can’t use. Despite this, Mehrdad insists everything is fine with the saddle. The quality has been very disappointing, and while I can’t upload photos here, you can find images and reviews of my experience by searching for JRD on Yelp.
A friend of mine had a JRD saddle custom-made by Mehrdad for her horse. During a show, a judge pulled her aside and pointed out that the saddle was far too long for the horse. When she reached out to Mehrdad, sending emails and text messages, he never responded.
I heard many similar stories, and also people who are happy. The resale value is low, the JRD saddle don’t sell as high quality saddles like Antares, as an example. Antares are way cheaper and way better, at least my experience.
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Ann Forrest at Equestrian Imports is amazing at long distance fittings.
https://equestrianimports.com/
Another brand to consider is Adam Ellis.
As for Custom, I had a horrible experience with a Rep but really like the Custom office in Aiken.
