Circle Y’s are very good, Martins are awesome but pricey…
I would say shop around locally. Look in local tack shops, search craigs list, look at the feed store bulletin boards. I bet you could find a deal locally and be able to try out the saddle before you buy. I’ve never bought a saddle without riding in it first. I either buy one that the seller will let me try or I find someone with the same saddle and ask them to borrow it for a ride. I think that makes all the difference.
I have been keeping an eye out for Crates, Victor, Broken Horn, Champion, Billy Royal, Harris and Chavez but the used Saddlesmith I have seen look pretty decent
would love to find a nice used Victor that would not cost an arm or a leg (read I am broke) b/c they are supposed to fit arabs well
We do western pleasure, and I occasionally do the adult western equitation medal. All local shows primarily. I do have a used simco (older) saddle that fits him very well. I use it to school at home, but would like something a bit fancier for shows.
Hit your local horse auction and pick one up there. I prefer Circle Y, Billy Cooks and if possible and affordable MLLetty. If the saddle has tooling it will be fine for local level. Higher than that and you will need silver, you can actually put you own silver on rather cheaply or have it done.
I would never ever buy a new saddle if I could get my hands on a used one.
