Premier Equine Bletchley Dressage Saddle?

[CCRider12]

While looking for a suitable, won’t break the bank saddle to re-start a youngster I came across the PE Bletchley Dressage saddle. I paid $808 for the saddle, stirrups, leathers, bridle (he’s a cob size and I don’t have one), three extra plates, and shipping from the UK. I found several good reviews so thought I’d grab one while the exchange rate wasn’t too bad. I’ve found a few here in the states, but the price was worth it to buy new. Have any of you seen or ridden in one? Opinions?

https://www.premierequine.co.uk/products/bletchley-synthetic-mono-flap-dressage-saddle

[Scribbler]

I looked this up, I don’t ever click links from new posters

Looks like a low end saddle with no options, comparable to a thoroughgood or wintec. Honestly I’d rather go with a high quality older used saddle. My Passier jump saddle was $500, then of course I got it reflocked for a couple hundred more. I’m just not interested in buying low end new.

[CCRider12]

I have been looking for an oldie but goodie, but nothing is coming up that is worth the asking $$ UGH! Even the older wintecs I’m finding are absurd around here. I’m so leery after buying so many saddles that weren’t as advertised that I bit the bullet with this. Maybe its a mistake, maybe not…

[GreyDes]

I don’t know anything about the saddle, but have purchased saddle pads and horse boots from Premier. I’ve been happy with both for the price and their customer service and ship time were excellent.

Please let us know what you think of the saddle!

[js]

It looks like a nice alternative to Wintecs or other synthetic. Let us know how it is when you get it. I understand the difficulty of finding a saddle in your price range, even used saddles.

[CCRider12]

Received the saddle today and will give you all a review once I’ve put it on and sat in it. So far it looks decent. The synthetic leather is similar to the Wintecs. I also bought a bridle which I am pleasantly surprised with! The shipping was super fast, too!

[wahoowa]

@CCRider12, how do you like the saddle? What is the tree shape like? Saw these online recently and am curious. Thanks!

[CCRider12]

I had a bad fall and concussion so haven’t been able to give it too many rides. That said, I really like it so far! The synthetic leather is soft and placement of the exterior blocks fits me well. I’m 5’6" and sit well in the 17.5". The tree fits more of an A shaped horse and I think the panels are fairly straight, but accommodate some curve. It was very easy to change the plate, and im very curious to compare the plates to the Bates/Wintec plates because them seem almost the same. It does not have a point billet, which I really need on my young guy. Over all I think its a great buy for the price! If you grab it while the exchange rate is good you can get an excellent deal!

[Klhase14]

Hello, it’s been some time since you posted this and curious to see if you have any updated opinions on the PE saddles? I came across them online and even with the shipping, they are a good deal and worth a try, but haven’t really found anyone in the States who has one.

[BEJ]

It ultimately did not fit my horse, so I sold it. The two things that I did not like about it is it had a very wide twist and the synthetic leather did not hold up. The thigh blocks had holes in them after a few rides. I think the culprit was the silicone in breeches. This is apparently a common issue with these saddles. I did ride in one again a few months ago and my feelings are essentially the same. If you don’t mind a wide twist and use non sticky breeches it’s still a good saddle for the price!