Saddle Shopping... What Brands/Models Do You Like/Dislike?

[gottagrey]

A couple of years ago I decided my saddle and I were breaking up. I tried a CWD and it wasn’t a good fit for me. it was a friend’s saddle and made for her requirements, and I just couldn’t justify spending $$$ on some of the “in” saddles. We have a saddle fitter that comes to the barn, set up an appointment for her, gave her my budget and was open to used and new saddles. She sat me in a Hastilow which brand new came in $25 below my budget. I really liked it so it was a done deal. What’s better is that I could take that saddle right then, and it wasn’t a trial saddle) and she’d make any adjustments to it. Also had 2 follow-up fittings which were included in the sale price. The Hastilow is adjustable, which I wanted since he’s older and bound to lose some muscle as he ages more.

3 other people at my barn also got Hastilow saddle. My understanding is Hastilow won’t sell their saddles thru anyone but master saddle fitters which is also good.

I’ve ridden in a few Antares and have found them quite comfy but I’ve never ridden in them for any length of time.

Because of the OP’s horse breed, and the adjustability of the Hastilow, and reasonable price tag (like 1/2 of a CWD) I’d see if you can locate a fitter or rep.

[Foitin]

@QcJumper03

I personally love my CWD. I have the SEO1 (semi flat seat) so its easy to get out of the tack and it’s used by a lot of equitation riders. Their flaps come in several shapes and sizes (most saddles do). I’ve tried several from luc childric, decocoux, butet, beval, and Pessoa but I found that CWD has super soft leather and their saddles fit me very well (I’m 5’6 with long legs especially from hip to knee). I bought mine for a little more than your budget but it looks brand new! You can definitely find some in the 1500-2000 range. I don’t know their longitivtiy since I’ve had mine for less than a year but it fits my picky broad shouldered mare like a glove.

I just got a used one of these (SEO1, 2010, shorter flap) for about $1500. The leather has some flaws, but has cleaned up nicely and meets my requirement of not slippery.

[SonnysMom]

Aiken Tack Exchange normally has a good range of jump saddles and are very helpful with fitting. Rick’s Heritage has a decent selection- (saddlesource.com).

I have found this saddle to be pretty nice for the price point. I don’t jump high but I do xc and trail ride with this saddle. The tree shape is pretty forgiving. I had to move from a M to MW tree on my dressage saddle but the jump saddle still worked. Neither dressage saddle works for new lease horse but the jump saddle works. It is wool flocked. Not high end French calfskin leather but not hard and slippery.

http://windswepthorse.com/Thornhill-Germania-Spring-Jumping-Saddle_p_150.html

[DiamondJubilee]

I’m also on the bandwagon with purchasing a used quality saddle. As for what saddles are great/not so great, its so hard to tell. Everyone is built differently and likes different things in saddles.

I tried a CWD and just hated the way it fit me. My ponies liked it, but it pretty much held my thigh and leg off of the saddle when I glanced down. Felt like I was just perching on the saddle. But so many people love them and love the way they fit.

I had a Bruno and it was brutal for me! Sold it quickly and purchased a used custom Antares (that an FEI jumper had as a sponsorship and returned). Fits me and my ponies like a glove. I’ve never had a more comfortable saddle that works for me and my medium and large ponies (I do need a half pad for my mediums as the wide gullet is just a tad too large for them).

Just go with a saddle fitter and try as many different brands as you can. See what works best for you and your horse. Good luck!