Can you tell me the pros and cons of each of these english saddles??

Question

1. http://cgi.ebay.com/New-16-English-Close-Contact-Jumping-Saddle-Bridle-Set_W0QQitemZ360084023623QQihZ023QQcategoryZ47283QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

2.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360084832360&ih=023&category=111281&ssPageName=STORE:PROMOBOX:NEWLIST#SLIDESHOW

3.http://cgi.ebay.com/16-Tan-Leather-English-Close-Contact-Saddle-Horse-Tack_W0QQitemZ300254826814QQihZ020QQcategoryZ111281QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

4. http://cgi.ebay.com/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230220500476

the saddle will be used to jumping, hunters, and trail riding

Answer 1

Anytime you see one of those "packages" for sale, be advised that they are probably made in India, no matter where the leather comes from.  The problems are that the craftsmanship, tree and resale are not what you expect from the picture.

Now here's a little bit larger Crump, Prix De Saute, which is made in England and probably will go cheaper than that "new" package but way better made.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Crump-17-Prix-de-Sau...

Here's another one, this time a 16 Crosby (Also made in England)

http://cgi.ebay.com/English-Saddle-Crosb...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Crosby-Sovereign-Clo...

Here's another one from Courbette:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Old-used-Courbette-1...

Those are just a small sample of what I found on ebay...

Answer 2

I don't use ebay so i don't know if i just could find the info, or it wasn't there.  But i couldn't the brand of the saddles.  But Saddles are an item you get what you pay for.  That price with a bridle for brand new is really cnothing. So you will really be getting nothing.  Meaning the saddle won't last long.  It is not well made and it is made from Indian leather, which is tanned in urine. English leather is tanned in oil. They won't last very long even if you take care of them. I f you don't have much money to spend try used.  A used decent saddle is better than a better brand new crappy one.  When i worked at Stateline all the cheap saddles were returned with in a year because they were falling apart.  If you buy it on ebay then you won't be able to return it when it falls a part.  

Answer 3

All of the saddles that you have selected are essentially the same.  You have some style differences between the all purpose and the close contact.  (Close contact geared more towards jumping.)  If you will be using these saddles with any regularity, more than just the occassional ride, I don't think you will be happy with any of them.  They are very cheaply made with poor quality leather (despite what their ad may say.)  Often times these saddle are not properly fitted to be on a horses back and they will pinch and cause saddle sores.  For the same price or a little bit more you can buy a better quality english saddle used.  A well cared for used saddle can last a lifetime and it will be much more comfortable for you and your horse.  

I know this because I am cheap... I have bought several cheap saddles because I thought it was a better deal to get a new saddle than a used saddle.  But I have learned the error of my ways... and now I look for good quality used saddle.  If you are going to be jumping your horse it is even more critical that you have a well balanced and well fitting saddle for both of you.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Stay away from no-name saddles! Almost always the leather is poor, the construction is flawed, and they can be seriously uncomfortable for you and your horse.

A saddle is an expensive investment, and there's just no way around that, believe me. Buying a cheap, poor-quality saddle could easily pinch your horse's back and haunt you for months. Or the leather dye could rub off on your pants. Or the saddle will fall apart while you're riding in it. The list just goes on and on.

I recommend looking for a higher quality close contact saddle (stay away from an all purpose if you'll be jumping). Pessoa, Crosby, and Beval all put out good products, and you can usually find a good used saddle by one of these makers for under $800. Some people like Stubben, although I find their products uncomfortable and I dislike the reddish color of most their saddles. The older Collegiates are fairly nice, but the new ones are made in Argentina. Neither India nor Argentina are noted for putting out good quality products. If you can afford it, buy a saddle with wool flocking as it can be custom fit to your horse.