Hey everyone! I am ready to ditch my English All-purpose saddle since it is quite obvious that I have no desire to ride around in circles in a ring or do horse shows anymore. All I want out of my pony now are trail rides. SO… still being new to the area, anyone have any suggestions on tack shops in central PA? Actually, in all of PA? I’m not opposed to traveling (already went 3+ hours to Rick’s in West Chester for my daughter’s saddle) but I am opposed to buying a saddle that I haven’t sat in first. What I’ll be looking for is something lightweight and comfortable (leaning toward an endurance saddle) and affordable (new or used, but prefer good quality used over low quality new). Feel free to throw saddle suggestions my way too!
Wengers on Route 15 near Gettysburg has a lot of saddle options for trail riders. I don’t think they have a lot of used saddles though. For used, we always go down to Crawfords in Ruckersville, VA, outside of Charlottesville. But that is, of course, not in PA and I’m guessing Gettysburg is not “central” enough. So, uh, maybe this wasn’t helpful. :uhoh:
Hay
I’m a dressage rider than went to an endurance saddle. I use the Abetta endurance. I did have a tack shop come out and make sure it fit my horse. He is hard to fit.
One thing I love about this saddle is it probably weighs all of 10 lbs if that! Check that one out. And it was about $500 bucks.
saddles!
I have a Weaver … love it…and ride between 30-50 miles a week in it…I bought it from
http://www.buytack.com/products-saddles/wea/31-1020.htm
and they offer free shipping.
Other:
http://www.moonrakerqh.com/tack/weaver-saddles.html
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/1004/20510C
has an Abetta Endurance 16lbs for $358! and all the trimmings.
If you look close, many online tack shops offer returns on saddles that dont fit........ but you have to call and double check on the policy.
PS: if you are close to me (harrisburg) feel free to come ride and try mine!
Hay
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/1004/20510C
has an Abetta Endurance 16lbs for $358! and all the trimmings.
This is exactly what I bought. I did change the stirrups out because I didn’t like those whatever they ares that come with it. I like my heels down and this prevented that.
I did pay a lot more than this but it was worth it to have my local tack store come out with several saddles for a fitting. I know nothing about endurance or western saddles and she pointed out some things about my horse’s back that helped with the fit.
And 16 lbs. Still much lighter than your average western saddle.
Good luck!
Thanks for the replies! Gettysburg is definitely in range… and 15 is easy to get to. I’m over an hour north of Harrisburg, right off I80 between Williamsport and State College.
I know most online stores have returns but usually at your cost. But I’ve never actually sat in an endurance saddle (and rarely a Western, and only one Aussie) so I would really LOVE to go to a store with a large selection. I’m feeling mighty particular as I get older. Or should I say my seat bones and knees are starting to feel mighty peculiar.
So you Abetta folks… I have sat in an Abetta Western saddle. I did not like it at all, the seat was hard as a rock. Is that not true of your Abetta? I had almost bought one online, then saw one in a tack store and after sitting in it was so glad I hadn’t bought pretty much the exact same saddle. I wouldn’t have lasted five miles in it. Atypical?
There is also H an H in Annville (mainly english) and Crossroads tack in Lebanon. They have a lot of used saddles. And there is Lone Oak in Enola. 
I hated my first Abetta. It was a base model.
My MFT came with an Abetta Deluxe Trail Saddle. Now that has been nice to ride in.
I guess I’m going to have to give the Abetta Endurance a look! I mean, a sit? Thanks for the tack store suggestions, a lot of these places don’t advertise and it’s really hard to find them other than word of mouth.
Old Pony, sound like you are near to me. Did you try Kauffmans Harness Shop in Loganton? Or the Amish harness/shoe store in Madisonburg off of Route 192? I can’t remember the name, Millers maybe?
There is also a tack shop at Elysian Fields, I’ve not been to that one, but she used to run a mobile tack store. If you Google Elysian Fields it should give you directions.
Hey Lawndart, I sure am near you - other side of Loganton. We met at the clinton county extension short course… still need to meet up for lunch one day at the Twilight diner though! Maybe now that I’ll be out of school for the summer we can work that in!
I absolutely LOVE having Kauffman’s around!!! I’ve looked at all their saddles. Unfortunately the comfortable ones weigh about 60 pounds and are Western style with a horn. And cost about twice what I’d really like to pay. I swear I’m in Kauffman’s more than any other store, except Weis. But since it’s been a few months since I’ve looked I was planning on checking out their inventory the next time I go in.
I have not heard of Miller’s. Or Madisonburg. Guess I’ll google that one. I had heard there is a tack store near Bellefonte or Centre Hall … have you ever been to one out that way?
LOL! Did not realize that was your user name. :lol:
There is the Pine Tree Harness Shop on Route 192, The one in Madisonburg just off of Route 192 (which is not Millers, but the name escapes me at the moment) and there is Saddles Etc in Centre Hall. The first two are Amish, Saddles Etc is not.
Are you looking for a specific saddle? I’m looking for Tucker Equitation Endurance wide tree, 15.5 inch, and boy is it a bugger to find!!
If you want me to show you where they are, let me know, we can do tack shops AND lunch :winkgrin:
That sounds like my kind of girls-day-out! I don’t do the mall. I’m out of school next week, I’ll have to give you a call!
I remember your user name because one of my favorite songs in the 80’s was “Lawn Dart” by Ed’s Redeeming Qualities.
I would LOVE a Tucker… if I could find a used one in my price range I would jump right into it. I’m looking for something ultra-comfortable for my not-as-young-as-they-used-to-be bones, and very light so I don’t wrench my back out putting it on. I’m just trying to stay sound!
Hay
I like my Abetta Endurance and it does have a cushy seat. But please don’t take my advice. I think I sit like I’m sitting in a dressage saddle in this thing. I think I’m supposed to sit more on my pockets? Not sure.
If you’re like me and don’t know anything about these saddles or the fit of your horse, do go to the stores. My tack store was very, very helpful!
I don’t know where in PA you are, but I am in Bucks County and there are several tack shops in the area. I go to NJ sometimes as well since it’s so close. My list is:
KT Saddlery
Bucks County Saddlery
Horse & Rider Tack Shop
Horseman’s Outlet
Beval Saddlery
Skyland’s Saddlery
Dover Saddlery
[QUOTE=oldpony66;4916041]
I would LOVE a Tucker… if I could find a used one in my price range I would jump right into it. I’m looking for something ultra-comfortable for my not-as-young-as-they-used-to-be bones, and very light so I don’t wrench my back out putting it on. I’m just trying to stay sound![/QUOTE]
I LOVE my Tucker. Very, very comfy. But you’re right, they are really hard to find used for a decent price. I’ve been looking for a model with English rigging rather than western (the endurance model has both) and the used are almost the same price as the new. :no:
FISHERS!! That is the name of the Harness shop in Madisonburg. I’m a victim of Mental Pause.
Jazz Rider, I was just in a tack shop today lamenting my search for a good used Tucker in my size (15.5" seat). The owner told me to just give up and buy new. And she does not sell them either. :winkgrin:
I’m with Callaway. I live in PA and still go back to NJ to shop.
Coach Stop Saddlery in Bedminster, NJ and Horseman’s Outlet are both awesome. Horseman’s Outlet has a HUGE selection of saddles and their prices are good. Tierney at Coach Stop is wonderful and it’s worth going there for her experience alone.
Tucker Equitation Endurance wide tree, 15.5 inch,
[ I’m looking for Tucker Equitation Endurance wide tree, 15.5 inch, and boy is it a bugger to find!!
Thanks Bright Sky, I did see those sites, but I’m hoping to find a good used one.
Lawndart, I know Crawfords down in Ruckersville, VA has a used Tucker or two, because my hubby called down there. They’re not cheap, but you’d save $300-400. I can’t remember the size though…we opted to by wood for a deck instead. :winkgrin:
