What type of english saddle should I be looking for?

Question

For right now I'm using my mothers ancient all pupose saddle. I find it very uncomfortable to ride in. Its like sitting on a wooden chair! I'm keeping my eye out for a "new" (probably used) saddle and was wondering what type i would be best suited for. I will be riding hunter/jumper, but will also be hacking consistently.

Answer 1

I can honestly say you should get a Wintec (2000 preferably) They are absolutely like riding on air, and are perfect for hunter/jumper. I have tried out alot of saddles, and have yet to find anything that beats the light weight wintec. You should be able to get a used one for a good price. Happy riding.

Answer 2

If you're going to be jumping, I suggest a close contact as opposed to an all purpose saddle. Close contacts will put you in a better position over fences, as they accommodate shorter stirrup lengths and more forward positions.

If you won't be competing at a high level or jumping higher than 3', you probably won't need to spend thousands of dollars on a top custom saddle. I still recommend going with a reputable brand name, as cheaper saddles are often made with inferior leathers and dye. I avoid synthetic saddles like the plague, since there is zero resale value and the quality is generally poor.

You can find older Nelson Pessoas for $800 and under. These saddles are built on sound, spring trees. They have wider, more comfortable seats. I have some students who love their Collegiate saddles, too, though I'm told they're now being made in Argentina and the leather quality has dropped significantly.

My advice is to look for a quality used saddle. Always make sure you can take it on trial, and have a trainer or saddle-fitter help fit it to your horse.

Answer 3

What ever you do... DO NOT buy a cheap "new" saddle.  You are much better off buying a used good quality saddle, than buying a brand new cheaply made saddle that will make you and the horse uncomfortable.  I have ridden hunt seat and jumped, and my favorite saddle for jumping and flat work is a close contact all purpose saddle.  Stick to the good brands; Stubben, Passier, Crosby, etc.  Wintec saddles are a nice inexpensive saddle for schooling, but if you plan on competing you will want to go ahead and make the investment in a good saddle.

But first and foremost is the fit of the saddle on your horse, especially if you will be jumping.  I personally own a Stubben and it is the most comfortable saddle and it fits my horse perfectly.  They come in a variety of tree sizes and you can't beat the quality.  I also school some of my client's horses in Wintec, and for being a synthetic saddle they are quite nice.  Many of the new saddles come with an adjustable gullet system.  But I have found that they wear out much quicker than a traditional leather saddle.

A good quality girth is also important to avoid irritation.  Good Luck.  Consignment tack shops and believe it or not Ebay when you can confirm the brand of saddle is a great place to look.  I bought one of my Stubben's on Ebay for a STEAL!  Craigslist is also a great resource.

Answer 4

Like one of the previous responders, i cannot help but think "wintec"!  Either a jumping saddle or a all-purpose should do just fine (assumig you're not doing some seriously high jumps!), whichever you find more comfortable.

The wintecs are cheap and durable.  They do last many many years, some of my friends' wintecs are ancient.  They are also great for your horse!  Get one with an interchangable gullet system and you'll be set o 99% of all horses you ride with just one saddle.  

Buying an expensive saddle does have its perks, but if you put all your money into one saddle and don't ride the same horse all the time you may be wasting it b/c every horse is not the same size - and it's pretty expensive to get a nice saddle re-fit!

Answer 5

hdr saddle they are comfotable and not to expensive!!

Answer 6

i have a harry dabbs saddle with a slight deep seat and i love it.

Answer 7

Antares and CWD are basically the only acceptable saddle on the A circuit hunter jumper shows right now. Theyre might be a few others, but those are the best of the best and put you in the correct position. It doesnt look like you are competing at that level yet, so I would say any saddle that puts you in a good position- a straight line from your ear to your shoulder to your hip to your heal. do not purchase a saddle that sits your legs way in front of this line. That is the most common mistake.. and it also should fit you and your horse.

Answer 8

i would say a all purpose courbette saddle

Answer 9

If this saddle is for your horse and if you live in an area that has a service , I reccomend you have a saddle fitter come out.  If that is not the case how about going to a tack store and trying various saddles and sizes.  Once you have a brand that you like and you know what size then you can shop around online.  At least then you can get an idea of what you like/ what fits you the best as well as the prices of various models.  Two close contacts that I have had is cliff barnsby milton for my first horse and now I have an antares for my current guy. These are the only names that I can speak about from experience.  I am sure that there are many other saddle makers that people have been happy with!  Good luck!

Answer 10

you need to make sure that the saddle fits - i have seen so many animals with bad backs through this. the wintec is good or any

general purpose saddle that suits you and the horse.