Saddle Brand Opinions?

[Amelia.643]

I’m looking into buying a used saddle in the near future, but not looking to spend a ton of money. Probably under $1000, so have pretty limited options.

While I would love an older, well loved Antares or CWD I don’t think I’ll find one that fits the budget.

So any tips for finding budget saddles or insight on what brands to stay away from? Although brands like HDR and M Toulouse are tempting I’m trying to stay away from them, since most opinions I’ve heard are negative.

[Scribbler]

In general, the higher end semi custom saddles are a better buy second hand than the mid or low end saddles either new or second hand.

But it really depends on how the saddle fits both you and the horse. If a Wintec fits your horse and a Voltaire does not, then the Wintec is the better saddle for your horse at this time.

HDR and M Toulouse are both lower priced tack store saddles (not high end semi custom sold by a rep) and not brands I’d look at. But if you got a second hand one cheap enough and it fit you and the horse, it could do the job.

I would not recommend any low end saddle honestly. I’d go older with a high end brand. The wool flocked British and German saddles are less expensive new and also more durable than the French style foam saddles. You might be able to find a functional County or Black Country or Stubben or Passier jump saddle used.

[Equestrian24]

It will really depend on what fits you and your horse best and what you like personally, as that can vary greatly between horse and rider, and what may work for myself and what I ride may not work for you and your horse(s), and vice versa. With that being said, I’d always recommend an older quality used saddle if you can find one that works for you over a lower quality newer one.

My tack room currently has all older (20+ years old) saddles from Stübben, Courbette, Crosby and RD Collegiate, and I really like them all. They’re definitely a different style than the modern French saddles, but they’re all of good quality and have served their purpose well for both myself and the horses I’ve used them on.

I’d definitely recommend trying any saddle out first before buying to make sure it’s an appropriate fit and works.