Weighing new saddle vs used vs repair/adjust

[grandprixer]

Hey all, another saddle thread I guess.

Looking at potentially changing up my saddle set up. Right now I have a 15 y/o Nona Garson Prestige, which I’ve loved. Been well cared for but getting quite worn, suffered from overconditioning at one point so is torn at knee pads and bottom of flap. Starting to pull apart at twist despite desperate attention/care.

Fits me meh, little small in the seat and narrow twist, but fits my long legs better than most. Narrow for my horse but still has room to be adjusted out enough if needed.

Looking at options, in general, what would be costs to repair/adjust this saddle? Would it be worth repairing and selling to add money to a new saddle fund?

If I wanted a used saddle, general cost range for a high quality, well cared for, can be well used but in good condition foward flap jumping saddle?

If I wanted new, do makers take payment plans? I currently make about 300-400$ a month, is that enough to resonably afford a new custom/customish well made saddle? I’m not to snobby about brand, but I like saddles that are high quality and last a long time.

[kaya842]

Replacing the seat (pull apart at twist = needs new seat?) is around $500+, new need pads is around $150+, not sure what to do about the actual flap - guess you could have it patch (cheaper than replacing but harder to resell) or replaced maybe. I would say if your wanting to repair the flap at the bottom, fix the seat and the knee rolls you’d be looking at around $1,000 for everything. Thats based off of prices listed on saddlery websites from a few months ago when I had a saddle with similar issues.
I think you could find a new saddle (maybe new to you and gently used) that fits you and horse reasonably without going custom. I would start by trying a bunch of saddles and finding aspects that you like/ dislike. For example, I know I like a shorter than average flap despite having long legs for my height. I also like a narrow twist and a flat seat, but I do not like a hard seat as I have back issues. I also know that my mare needs a wide saddle due to her shoulders/ wither configuration. Depending on what level you compete at with your horse and budget constraints, you might find something that fits you perfectly and fits the horse well enough with shims.

[SonnysMom]

Since you don’t love the saddle and it doesn’t fit the horse and may not fit the horse even if widened I would not put any money into it. There are plenty of places to buy older used saddles that will fit you and the horse better.
Middleburge Tack Exchange
Rick’s Heritage Tack
Aiken Tack Exchange
Pelham Saddlery (although they have way more dressage saddles)
Trumball Mountain
Galloping Grape
MD Tack Exchange

There are also websites that specialize in higher end saddles such as CWD, Voltaire etc… but I would not start with those on your budget.

Most of those places will allow a trial but shipping can add up quickly.

I would invest in a visit with an independent saddle fitter to point you in the right direction and get a wither tracing.

I happen to live close to Rick’s Heritage and my saddle fitter will bring saddles but she will also go through their website with recommendations for ones for me to have on hand when she comes out.

[AKCH]

The only time I would be considering doing a saddle repair is on a really good quality saddle to begin with and it would have to really fit me well not a “meh” fit. I think you’re better off putting your money aside to get something of better quality used rather than new for big $. Those types of saddles are worth their weight in gold and are priced for much more affordable prices. Great links posted above.

[jen-s]

I adore Prestige saddles and have opined at length about them in numerous threads over the years. But a 15yo Nona that is likely foam flocked and maybe a non-adjustable tree (not sure when they made the swap to the new trees in the Nonas), I would be hard pressed to make those repairs unless the saddle already fit both me and the horse perfectly. VTO can do a tree pressing for ~$200 and Kaya’s other prices seem spot on. At best, you’re probably looking at a saddle that has a current value (in good used condition) for $1500–or less, and likely less.

If money is tight (and lord knows we’ve all been there and some of us are perpetually there), then I’d look for extra work or 0% interest ways to finance a new-to-you saddle. I wouldn’t buy brand new, but I’d work with an independent fitter who has access to a selection of used saddles. Ideally one who has a low-ish commission rate who could possibly take your Nona on trade or sell it outright for you. If you happen to be anywhere in the NC/VA/SC area, I can recommend an awesome independent fitter.

[BAC]

Considering its not a great fit for you or your horse I wouldn’t invest any money in the kind of repairs that will be required. You can look for a good quality, used saddle instead. My friend sold an older but gorgeous Devoucoux last year for $1,700 and it was a bargain IMO. An independent fitter is a good option if you have one in your area.

[pattnic]

Agree with others that selling yours and buying something used is probably in your better interest.

I just paid about $420 to have my saddle adjusted and a repair made (not as extensive as yours, in terms of repairs), which made sense for me because the shape would work for the horses I am currently riding, the saddle fits me well, I like it quite a lot, and it is in good condition.

Purchasing a different saddle that would have worked (not as well, and was ugly but a great price) would have been more than twice that amount. Realistically, it would have been about six times that amount to get something truly comparable.

So in my case, repair/adjust made sense. In yours, that $1000 or so you spend on repair isn’t going to increase the value of a saddle you’re ho-hum about by $1000. That $1000 would be better spent on something that is a better fit and in better condition.

[grandprixer]

Assuming I had a budget of up to 2000-2500 at the most for a saddle, would that be better invested new or used? Can you get decent used for that price?

[Against_All_Odds1]

Maybe try Redwood Tack? They have lots of used saddles for fair prices

[jen-s]

You can absolutely get a decent used saddle for that amount. You can buy a low-end to medium-ish-end new saddle. But you can also buy lots and lots of well cared for, top quality, many years left saddles in that budget. With shipping. And possibly even reflocking.

[grandprixer]

@jen-s

You can absolutely get a decent used saddle for that amount. You can buy a low-end to medium-ish-end new saddle. But you can also buy lots and lots of well cared for, top quality, many years left saddles in that budget. With shipping. And possibly even reflocking.

Wow :eek: I think I might be overestimating used saddle costs. I was hoping to afford a mid end well used saddle!

[Bogie]

@SonnysMom

Since you don’t love the saddle and it doesn’t fit the horse and may not fit the horse even if widened I would not put any money into it. There are plenty of places to buy older used saddles that will fit you and the horse better.
Middleburge Tack Exchange
Rick’s Heritage Tack
Aiken Tack Exchange
Pelham Saddlery (although they have way more dressage saddles)
Trumball Mountain
Galloping Grape
MD Tack Exchange

There are also websites that specialize in higher end saddles such as CWD, Voltaire etc… but I would not start with those on your budget.

Most of those places will allow a trial but shipping can add up quickly.

I would invest in a visit with an independent saddle fitter to point you in the right direction and get a wither tracing.

I happen to live close to Rick’s Heritage and my saddle fitter will bring saddles but she will also go through their website with recommendations for ones for me to have on hand when she comes out.

This is a good list of tack stores. I’ve gotten some real bargains at Middleburgh Tack Exchange. I’ve found that they are more realistic in pricing their saddles. If you are patient and you know what you are looking for, you can get a good quality saddle (one that retailed for 3K-ish) for about $1k. If you really know what you want you can sometimes get a bargain on eBay, but you don’t have the luxury of returning them most of the time.