Given this price limit, what saddle would you buy?

Question

I have a limit of 3 grand to spend on a close contact saddle. It can be new or gently used, and i prefer used to some extent. I have a long femur and leg, so i need a 3a or 3aa, long and forward. I event and do jumpers, and prefer a deep seat and square back. i like blocks and padded flaps. Any suggestions?

For quality sake, i don't want to spend under 2200.

Out of curiosity(i know its over my limit), what are the prices new of these close contact saddles:

devoucoux

delgrange pj

county,

prestige

jaguar

cwd

childeric

other french saddle makers...

Answer 1

You mentioned you have a LONG femur bone, but NOT what seat size.  Did you know you can find some gently used ones (Like Hermes) on ebay for your price tag.

Answer 2

I really reccommend the Bates close contact long flap in havanna for you.  Yes, it is under 2,200, but it is my favorite saddle.  I love the cair panels and the adjustable gullet for a custom fit.  Plus, it comes in a long flap and has a deep seat.  You can test ride one from dover: http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp...  $ does not necessarily equal quality.

If you can spend 4,200, I'd say get a custom Tad Coffin.  That would be the best.

This Equipe looks awesome: http://www.doversaddlery.com/equipe-expr...  

Anyway, my advice would be to go to dover and pick out a few that look awesome to you.  Then, look them up on Horse Tack Review to see what others say.  http://www.horsetackreview.com/.  After that, test ride them through Dover...definately test ride them.

I still love Bates, though : ).  My college team's instructor rode through all the levels to Grand Prix.  She swore by them and had one for all of her horse...10 of them with each of the horse's names on them.  After riding in them all the time, I fell in love with them!

Good luck.

Answer 3

Well if you are only going to be riding one horse. For 3 grand you can get yourself a really nice quality custom saddle fitted for both you and your horse. Not only will it cut down on soreness for your horse, but also potentially save you money in the long run on vet bills.