I’m looking for a new (used) saddle for a horse I’m leasing in the Fairfield/Westchester area. Who, or where, is my best bet for getting a selection of quality used saddles to try in succession, or at once? I am open to the online sellers, but don’t want to try and send back saddle after saddle; I’d rather be able to sit in a few at once and bring them back to the dealer in person. Years ago Beval was able to help with something like this- would they still do it? Any brand reps who are trustworthy and would have a good stock of quality used saddles? I’ve worked with Kate from Dutchess on a fitting in the past and love her expertise, but not sure she has used stock that fits the profile I’m looking for (I know, I know: CWD, Voltaire, etc)- but please fact check me! Horse is a pretty average warmblood build, rider is tall and long-legged.
I just worked with Jen from FrenchUsedSaddles.com and she was excellent. She had me send pictures of the horse, it’s back, and my rider standing next to him, as well as all of the specs (age & size of both, what has worked in the past and what hasn’t, etc.). The first saddle we tried worked. When it arrived I took pictures of it on the horse, then of my rider in it flatting & jumping. Jen was in contact every day of the trial, and had many other saddles in mind if the first one didn’t work.
it’s not exactly the ability to try a lot of saddles at once, but you will be able to try several brands and that to me is more valuable than working with one, biased rep.
good luck!
There are no where near as many people around with inventory of used saddles as there used to be. RIDE and Horse Connection in Bedford will each have a dozen or so. You can sit in them in store, and take them on trial. Beval in Cross River had 4 or so the last time I was there.
If you’re up for a road trip, you can go to Rick’s Heritage Saddlery in NJ or PA, or Pelham Saddlery in NH. Both have good inventory lists on the website so you can make sure there are many options beforehand. Pelham is also pretty darn reasonable on shipping if you want them to mail you 1-3 to try.
Beyond that, I’d call reps for the companies you are interest in and see who is in the area and what they can bring over. Many brands reps will have a selection of other brands as well that they’ve taken on trade.
