What kind of saddle should I get?

Question

So I ride at a small H/J barn during the school year. I don't "own" a horse, but I do care for several horses for other people.

I would like to get a saddle, but I don't know what I should get.

At this barn, the horses don't have their own saddles, so riders can pick a favorite saddle and ride in it on any horse.

I'm wondering what sized tree I should get... can a regular fit most horses for just a one-hour lesson with the right types of pads?

I don't think I want a close contact saddle, or an all-purpose (the cantles look like they'd get in the way of jumping for AP).

I'm thinking of getting a 17" seat. I want to get used, and I know what to look for quality-wise.

So to sum up:

What sized tree should I get that would fit most horses for a short lesson?

What brands would you recommend?

Oh yeah, I'd like it to be leather, nothing synthetic.

Answer 1

gp which has a middle wither they can be jump in and normal ride they fit most horses as well i have one and it is the best saddle i own.

Answer 2

I am not trying to be rude but no saddle will fit all horses no matter what.. I think you should not get a saddle until you own your own horse. Trust me dont put the carrage before the horse or you'll get no where I did the same thing.. And I had to sell it it was way too big for my first horse. I know their are some barns who do that with their saddles and most of the time their is problems resulting out of it but If you want to get a saddle get a medium tree that way it wil some horses you might just need to put a towel or something under the pommel (front of saddle)

Answer 3

I'm confused. You say you don't want a close contact or an all purpose. But you intend to jump. You cannot jump in a dressage saddle. Honestly, I much prefer close contact, it is the best for jumping. All purpose saddles put you in the wrong position, and dressage is just that, for dressage.

Anyways, I would suggest any of the Dover Circuit close contact saddles. They are really good for the price, and you can even get a new one for less than 1000.

Answer 4

Well for what size tree you would need to find a measuring guide for saddles or something because not one size will fit a horse you need a certain size to do everything right. I would recommend the brand Collegiate. And for the type of saddle that you should get if you are going to do long term riding and not just jumping then go for an all purpose. If you are just jumping then get a jumping saddle. If you are just learning then get a close contact saddle that you can use like and all purpose.

Answer 5

i think you should get a treeless saddle because then you don't have to worry about trees and having your saddle not fit a horse. easiest and safest way.

http://www.tacktrader.com

Answer 6

After riding the horse for a while, look at the sweat marks for any dry patches, if it is all sweaty where the saddle sits, it fits your horse.

Answer 7

The tree size depends on the horse you are riding...I have a Dover Circuit Elite and I enjoy that one...

Answer 8

Sounds like you pretty much know what you want, I just don't know how you are going to get something (unless it is treeless) that is going to fit several different horses.  Do you or are you going to have an instructor that, knowing your stage of expertise, and being aware of the different horses that are going to be available to you, help you with some suggestions?  It's sort of a hard question to just answer outright, there are several right answers.  I am going out on a limb when I even mention a treeless saddle, as I have never owned one, nor do I intend on owning one, but I'm not faced with your situation either.

Answer 9

WHY would a cantle (The back half of the saddle) get in the way with jumping?

If you plan on doing a LOT of riding, then I'd look at the All Purpose saddles, WITH knee rolls (I think that's what you were calling the "cantle" by mistake.) makes it a LOT easier to sit over a fence, and the deeper seats make it easier to stick in.

Close Contact saddles, basically are great if you're going for the LOOK and have ONE horse you're working.  But sticking in them is a whole different ball game if you don't have cast iron legs and lower thighs.

I'd go to ebay and look at Stubben Siegfried A/P's you can do a little dressage in them as well as some jumping and feel right at home doing your flat work as well.

Find a gently used one and it will with care, hold it's value throughout the years.  Mine's worth more now than when I paid for it nearly new in '72!  It's a wide tree and has fit everything from little round Arabs, to all my thoroughbreds and even my Quarter Horses!

Best of luck.