I’m sure everyone might be getting tired of my saddle posts but I’ve found greenhawk has a mondega conquiste. Anyone ridden in one of these?
http://greenhawk.com/wdItemDesc.asp?strilhID=Web&strmdNumber=RIE5219&stricSKU=RIE5219
If I was paying $1250 plus tax for a saddle, I’d rather use that money to buy a better quality used saddle tbh.
2 Likes
In my opinion, Mondega saddles are entry level saddles. You should be able to find this item used (and in good condition) for a few hundred dollars. Keep in mind that resell value tends to be low. Some models have adjustable gullets, and if you are going to purchase I would look for this feature.
As Sueby suggests, I too recommend shopping for a used high quality saddle. For this budget, you should be able to find a higher quality item that you will LOVE.The bonus is having a saddle that will retain value, and serve you well. Connect with your coach/trainer. They are often aware of saddles that are quietly for sale within local network.
My advice is to stop looking at cheap, off-brand saddles. If you want to buy a new saddle, go buy one of the Wintecs people recommended in your thread about Wintecs. If you want a leather saddle, buy a used name brand saddle. I bought a used Rodrigo Pessoa a few years ago for $500 + about $40 to replace some loose stitching. It’s a vastly better saddle than any of the cheap off-brand new saddles you’ve asked about.
If your local tack shop doesn’t carry used saddles, there are retailers online that do and will help you identify the saddles that are most likely to suit you and your horse. For example, I just checked the Galloping Grape web site (https://www.gallopinggrape.com/) and they’ve got a number of nice saddles for less than you’re talking about spending. I see a Pessoa for $595, an old Stubben Seigfried for the same price, and a PJ USA for $1100. And wow, a Stubben Get Connected on super sale for $1100, And that’s just on the first page of English saddles.
I’m in Canada though and the ones I’m looking at are in Canadian dollars(1 us to 1.26 cdn) plus most of the places suggested to buy tack online are in the US & costs a lot in shipping and import fees.
There’s limited selection for any used (English) saddles where I am, from what I can see. Nearest place with larger tack stores is over an hour away and one is largely western. The other is a greenhawk.
I’m hesitant to buy on Facebook and Kijiji. eBay most of the saddles are shipping from the u.s as well so again import fees of over $100.
I’m keeping my eye out on pleasant ridge saddlery online which is based in Ontario as well as spruce wood… these will let you return but shipping is at your cost. Other than. Greenhawk these are the only 2 places I’ve found to buy tack online and that are reasonably priced for shipping. I also don’t want to to pay for shipping back and forth just to try saddles out that don’t fit .
The trainer I have my horse with is western as well so I have my doubts that she would know about any English saddles for sale.
Sorry for rant but I don’t think it’s quite as easy as for others here to just get a great quality used English saddle that will fit my horse as everyone seems to think.
I’m also in Canada and while my saddle fitting experience was long and drawn out, I certainly didn’t have issues finding a ton of used options. Get yourself a reputable saddle fitter who isn’t attached to one brand. They should have a ton of resources for you.
I wouldn’t touch a greenhawk saddle, because I find them to be a much lower quality for the price you’re paying. Pleasent Ridge, Bakers, Bahrs and Picovs all have used online. I’m more familiar with Ontario stores because that’s where I’m living, but I’d be shocked if BC didn’t have a single online tack store with used items. An hour drive to pick up a bunch of tests saddles isn’t really a hardship, TBH.
Also look for FB groups in your area that are specific to Saddles/Tack sales. Now’s a good time, because lots of people got new tack for the Holidays and want to get rid of what they’re currently using. You’ll likely have to pay in full, but most will allow a trial period to return.
1 Like
It’s not as hard as you’re making it out to be, either. Driving an hour or even two is not that big a deal. Lots of us have to drive some distance to get to a well-stocked tack shop. I routinely drive an hour to a big tack shop when I need something that my very small local tack shop doesn’t carry.
There are lots of tack shops in Langley, including a big consignment place. Sprucewood has several nice used saddles on their web site right now. There are several old Passiers, which are great saddles and, in my experience, tend to fit a wide range of horses.
And, again, if you want a new saddle, order a Wintec. With the adjustable gullets and riser system, you can get a good fit for many different horses.
The perfect saddle isn’t going to drop out of the sky into your back yard.
A quick google shows me quite a few used purchase options from Canada. You’re going to have to pay shipping no matter what, unless you buy off a local FB or Craigslist posting. I’m in a horsey mecca and it was still a 2 hour drive to Middleburg the last time I bought a used saddle in person, and the tank of gas I used getting there and back wasn’t that much less than the shipping was on my (quite heavy) used sidesaddle when I bought that.
Get a saddle fitter out who can give you a few idea on brands that might fit you and your horse. From the pictures you posted on the other thread, your horse does not look like he should be too tough of a fit. Look for things that are known for fitting a good range of horses, like Pessoas or Bevals or Stubbens. The price range you’re looking at should give you the option to get a quite nice used saddle.
Have you looked at Bakers or Bahrs? I think they will send saddles on trial.
Tack Collector (based in Calgary) will also let you trial saddles, and they have a HUGE used selection. I don’t know if it’s all on the website, so try emailing or messaging them.
I have seen a Mondega Conquiste after a little bit of use, and it looked like garbage. Did not hold up at all to 2 years of light use.
I bought a wintec ap on boxing day sale this morning and then ended up changing my mind and cancelled it and got a Thorowgood T4 on sale instead lol. I hope it will be a good fit.
Thanks for the advise…I’m glad I didn’t get the mondega.
I know it’s not probably as hard as I made it out to be but we actually have no local tack stores near by and a small greenhawk 1.5 hours away. Edmonton ab is 6 hours. Vancouver , lower mainland is 13 hr drive
