Saddleseat Info Needed

[Mische]

Hi all!

Decades ago, when I was a teen, my grandparents moved to a farm in Iowa and bought some American Saddlebreds for my sister and I to ride and show. I have many great memories from that time. I kept my old saddle and some other tack. I always hoped that I could use it again but I live in a city on the east coast.

I’m just not sure what to do with it. I can’t bear to just throw it out!!! Especially the saddle. So I would like to give it away or sell it. The problem is I’m not knowledgeable enough to know if that’s a good idea.

I only rode for maybe 4 summers decades ago so wasn’t very experienced and don’t remember much. I think it looks like it’s in very good condition and looks just like the new ones sold online today. But I really have no idea. Does it need repairs? Could it be outdated and not as comfortable or safe for horse and rider as a modern saddle? Comfort and safety for horse and rider is my main concern.

Is there anyone here who has LOTS of saddleseat knowledge who would be willing to give me some info about it? Maybe look at some photos of it? Or does anyone know someone who might be willing to give me info? Or a site that might have info?

I would really appreciate it!!!

[Puddin_Pie]

This would be an excellent Facebook question for a Saddleseat page.

As a former saddle seat rider, whose daughter also rode academy saddle seat for a number of years, I can tell you the saddles have improved and gotten more comfortable. Depending on how old it is (are we talking 5, 10, 15 years here?) and if it was a well known brand (like a Shively), it might have some value.

Post some pictures and the brand name, size and age and I can ask my daughter’ instructor.

[Mische]

We’re talking decades It was made by Blue Ribbon (in England). I’ll post some photos tomorrow!!

[Mische]

Had hoped to get to this earlier today but here are photos. I’m not quite sure I’m measuring right. Somewhere between 20" and 21". I’m pretty sure I have stirrups in the shed.

[ATTACH=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“full”,“data-attachmentid”:10645007}[/ATTACH][ATTACH=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“full”,“data-attachmentid”:10645006}[/ATTACH]

[Mische]

More photos [ATTACH=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“full”,“data-attachmentid”:10645013}[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“full”,“data-attachmentid”:10645014}[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“full”,“data-attachmentid”:10645015}[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“full”,“data-attachmentid”:10645016}[/ATTACH]

[Mische]

Think it’s from the 80’s but looks pretty good to me. While I was trying to look up information I noticed that new saddleseat saddles have “adjustable stirrup bars”. Is that standard on all new saddleseat saddles? Does that, or anything else about this saddle, make this a saddle that nobody would want to use now?

[GraceLikeRain]

There are several saddlebred specific groups on Facebook that can give more guidance. For the most part, saddles that are 30-40 years old have elements of design that are seen as outdated or just not as ergonomic as current design.

This looks like a beautiful saddle that was lovingly maintained. It may have more value/appeal as a piece to display in a tackroom or home of a saddlebred enthusiast rather than as a riding saddle.

[Mische]

Thank you! I will definitely look for Saddlebred facebook groups and see what I can find out.

[enjoytheride]

Blue Ribbons usually sell for around $200 to $300, usually on the lower end of that. Saddle seat saddles have not changed a whole lot although brands fall out of favor.

[Puddin_Pie]

Blue Ribbon was a fabulous brand in its day. Many of the saddles now have adjustable stirrup bars. The saddles looks to be in great condition, but the market is not there. A lesson program might be interested in it, but likely at a bargain basement price. Ironically, it is probably better made than many new saddles. Good luck.

[Mische]

Thanks guys!! That’s pretty much what I wanted to know.

As long as it’s a saddle that’s comparable to the newer ones as far as comfort, safety etc then I can try to do something with it in good conscience. If I get little or nothing for it that would be OK. Just want someone to appreciate it and use it.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know how long ago Blue Ribbon (England) went out of business? Did they make other types saddles besides Saddle seat?

[swmorse]

Looks like an older saddle in good shape, but probably not what people are looking for these days. If you don’t care about getting money for it, why not contact Saddlebred Rescue in NJ and see if they might have use for it? Maybe they could sell it? They have a website and FB page.

[pluvinel]

Actually, you might have a saddle for people with a “hard to fit” horse. The panels under the saddle have the nicest broad weight bearing area that I have ever seen.

Although saddle fashions go in and out, I will take an “old style” staddle over the newer ones with gussets.

I would advertise it as a “balance seat saddle.” And yes, they go for a coupla hundred.

[Puddin_Pie]

Saddle would correctly be called a Blue Ribbon cut-back or Lane Fox saddle, 20 or 21” seat. You measure from the point of the pommel to the center of the cantle. 20” was very standard in the day, with 21” being a larger size. Blue Ribbon went out of business in the early 1990’s, if I remember correctly. They made beautiful saddles and bridles. All of my saddle seat Weymouth bridles were Blue Ribbon brand. The leather was always so supple. I had 2 Blue Ribbon saddles back in the day. One was built on their Arabian tree with a 3” cutback and the other was a gorgeous equitation saddle with the adjustable stirrup bars.

[ASB_Stars]

That saddle is in stunning condition, and back in the day, they were the saddle of choice. I wouldn’t represent it as anything other than what it is. Not everyone will appreciate it, because it isn’t a Shively, but if I was still riding saddle seat, I would snatch that right off of your hands!

[luvmyhackney]

Love those older cut backs. They fit everything and the leather quality is usually amazing. Any lesson program or someone looking for a saddle on a budget would be happy with it. I would reach out to Shelby Horse Supply and Winner Circle tack shop. They sell consignment cutback saddles and have a list of people that collect the older styles.

And yes, those cutback styles fit just about everything you put them on.

[mjhco]

I own an old Blue Ribbon cut back. Leather is still beautiful. And I own a Blue Ribbon full bridle and a hunt bridle which I purchased just before they closed. Leather is still beautiful.

[Mische]

Ok. Great!!! Sounds like I can find it a home. You all have been very helpful. Maybe when I have a little more free time I’ll go dig my old bridle out of the shed and see what u have to say about it. Have no idea what kind it is (don’t remember)