Nice *USED* Saddle brands and models around $1,200

[ejm20]

I am coming back to riding and horse ownership after my previous horse passed away 3 years ago. My first saddle was a M.Toulouse Noelle jumping saddle and while I was happy with it at the time for the price I paid, I’m now looking into my first “big girl” saddle that’s going to last for many years. My main complaint with the Toulouse is that the leather needs to be babied and doesn’t hold up to hard use. With that being said, I am still operating on somewhat of a tight budget and will be looking at older used saddles and more obscure brands. The saddle will mainly be used for jumping and pleasure riding 4-5 times a week. Rated shows aren’t in the budget right now so it will mostly be used for schooling.

The saddle will be fitted to a young TB recently off the track so something that’s wool flocked would be ideal. I am on the shorter side (5’4’’ and shorter legs) so advice on models that are also suited for a shorter rider would be great… what do my fellow shorter riders usually look for? Thank you!

[Dewey]

Stubben makes a lot of mid-range models that often fit TBs. They are very well made and will last for years. I would go for some of their new models like Roxane, Zaria, Porthos, Genesis, etc. I use a Roxane VSS (not the Roxane S so popular with eventers) on my Appendix mare, and I love it. I am even shorter than you. Some of the Stubben models are wool-flocked or can be made with wool flocking on order. Mine is wool.

My saddle also has flaps made of cowhide, which I prefer as it wears like iron. Some of the Stubben models are all calfskin, so make sure you know what you are buying.

If you like the security of a deep seat and large knee and thigh blocks, you might consider the Juventus jumping saddle. It’s technically a youth saddle, but it has a 17" seat. Lots of petite adults find it very suitable.

[jhg140]

You can usually find older used Butets in that price range.

[StubbornHorse]

I bought my PJ Delgrange used for $1250. It was in beautiful condition, fits a ton of horses, and is unbelievably comfortable. 6 years later and it looks just like the day I bought it.

[ejm20]

Good to know, thank you for the great tips! On the PJ Degrange, which model was it? Double leather or grain leather?

[Mouse_amp_Bay]

Jen was a frequent poster here and one of our resident COTH saddle experts. She has some good suggestions on budget saddle shopping here:

https://www.thesaddlegeek.com/

[Natalie]

@ejm20

Good to know, thank you for the great tips! On the PJ Degrange, which model was it? Double leather or grain leather?

Delgranges are grain leather–the “double leather” or covered leather is something you’ll find on mid-range brands like Toulouse or Pessoa. As far as I know, no high-end saddle maker uses it. I have a PJ Pro that’s older that similarly is wearing like iron. I’ve been trying to sell mine as it doesn’t fit my horse, but have been having trouble moving it. Now I’m thinking I might just keep it for a while longer to use on other horses since it’s so beautiful. :lol:

But yes, the older PJ’s are a good saddle to look into–you’ll find them used in your price range and they last forever if you take reasonably good care of them. They seem to fit TB backs very well.

[joiedevie99]

I had a wool-flocked Prestige Red Fox a while back - very comfortable, fit TBs well, and was well under your budget. There are quite a few Prestige model options over the years, just check carefully as they make foam flocked too.

[ejm20]

@Natalie

Delgranges are grain leather–the “double leather” or covered leather is something you’ll find on mid-range brands like Toulouse or Pessoa. As far as I know, no high-end saddle maker uses it. I have a PJ Pro that’s older that similarly is wearing like iron. I’ve been trying to sell mine as it doesn’t fit my horse, but have been having trouble moving it. Now I’m thinking I might just keep it for a while longer to use on other horses since it’s so beautiful. :lol:

But yes, the older PJ’s are a good saddle to look into–you’ll find them used in your price range and they last forever if you take reasonably good care of them. They seem to fit TB backs very well.

Good to know, thank you!

[AEQ817]

Older butets, pessoas, maybe an older antares

[Training_Cupid]

I’m 5’2" and ride my OTTB in a Stubben Portos. Mine’s foam and fits him very well. (For dressage we use a wool flocked Stubben Juventus, which I love)

[kmwines]

I have an older Albion that has worn really well. The seat had torn along the edge but I also rode in jeans a lot when I first had it. I’ve it almost 15 years and the flaps are still perfec .

[alternate_universe]

I got an older Antares in that range from Redwood Tack. She has a great selection.

[ejm20]

These are great suggestions, thank you everyone!