Whats a good Close Contact Saddle for me? on a budget, moving from all purpose to closecontact.?

Question

I already have an All Purpose 17.5" saddle that is the brand Carlyle. Its like a fake collegiate. I am ready to make the step to a close contact for jumping etc. What is a good brand for close contact saddles? I have been looking on ebay, i dont mind if it is slightly used, but i dont want a really old one. budget is between 400 and 800. I figure this is reasonable for a slightly used saddle.

I really like the Dover Circuit? any opinions? Also looking for a size 17.5 or 18.

I am not concerned with the tree width right now. Just some good saddle ideas.

Thank you

Answer 1

Marcel Toulouse saddles are FAB-U-LOUS. They are so comfortable and the leather and the way it is made feels like its higher priced counterparts. I read somewhere that they expect them to get much pricier but you can usually grab on under $1,000.00

Answer 2

If you're on a budget, go for a used really good saddle.  Personally I like Stubbens and Passiers. Pretty much any saddle made in England, Germany, or France.  I'm sure other posters will have many more suggestions, but you're better off getting a used really good quality saddle, than a new, cheap one.  Just make sure it fits your horse.

Answer 3

Dover Circuits are nice (for the money) they are all well balanced and comfy, but the leather isn't the best quality and the stirrup bars are really tight against the saddle, which has caused several pairs of my friends stirrup leathers to wear out.  You probably don't need a 17.5" or 18"....you always have to go bigger in the a/p saddles....I would guess you could ride in a 17" or 16.5" pretty comfortably...might be worth trying some out before you buy on ebay.  Crosby, Crump, and Collegiate are all good brands.  The best deals would probably be found on the Crump (my personal favorite:)

Answer 4

I love the Crosby Prix Des Nations. If you buy it used it is in your price range. They are older and maybe are not the best looking but they ride so great. I know alot of people that love them and most of the people i know that have them own more than one they love them so much. I just sold mine and it was easy to sell to. The only saddle i have found more comfortable than this one is my County innovation but it is a custom saddle. I highly reccomend crosby for comfort and quality.

Answer 5

I wouldn't get the Dover. They look nice, but the leather isn't top quality. I think you should be looking either for a used Crosby or Stubben. Both are excellent quality and last forever. I used to have a Crosby Hunterdon that I absolutely loved. I actually just bought myself a Crosby PDN Sovereign last week in VERY good condition for $200. Look at sites like Equinehits.com, Tacktrader.com, Bitsandbridles.com, http://results.bayequest.info/b001/other... etc. Also, google " craigslist crosby saddle" or whatever brand you're looking for. You'll come up with saddles across the country for really good prices. Most people are willing to ship too. That's how I found my new saddle. It was in better condition than similar saddles at the same price on Ebay.