Which English saddle should I buy?

Question

I need a saddle that is extremely comfortable, but a reasonable price. I am considering these two, but I would appreciate it if you give me some suggestions. My price range is up to $300 (cheap, I know, but I'm a beginner.) I need a very balance saddle. Any good used saddle websites that I can look at?

http://www.tack-wholesale.com/English_Saddles/JumpSaddle.html

or

http://www.tackroominc.com/wintec-500-all-purpose-saddleib-p-2073.html

Thanks!

Answer 1

I personally would recommend the Wintec product. Wintec and Bates are owned and made by the same company. The main difference is whether they are leather or synthetic. Australia has long made synthetic leather products, and have perfected their process, making a product that is both comfortable and easy to care for. Driving harnesses are often made of Australian products and have been known in the industry as being the best of the best for a while. I have a friend who spent more money on her synthetic harness than her leather one because it was made in Australia of such good quality product.

The main reason I recommend the Wintec is that no money is going into an inferior leather. All the money you are spending is going into the tree and other "bare bones" aspects of the saddle. I personally own a Wintec dressage saddle and love it. I ride several different horses and have used mine on everything from my own Xtra Wide Andalusian to a Narrow Quarter Horse without having to buy a new saddle. Many people I know (myself included) have turned their noses up at the economy and looks of the Wintec synthetic leather, but after having mine for two years, it still looks nice, fits me well, fits all my mounts, and has been through more tumbles, falls, rubs, scratches, etc and still looks well cared for. The main complaint I have is that in the summer, I have more sweat marks on me than I do riding in a leather saddle as the material in the saddle is not able to absorb any of the sweat. I have just learned to wear something over my show breeches when warming up so I don't end up with unsightly marks on my dressage breeches. I fully plan on purchasing a higher quality leather saddle one day, but as a college student and rider who does not ride horses with the same build every day, I love mine.

Before you buy, I would recommend looking at used saddles at your local tack stores or 4-H tack sales. If you can find a good quality saddle, it may be worth the money, however I would still stear towards the Wintec. For the money, you are going to get a better quality and more life out of the saddle if you go with a new Wintec than with an older used leather saddle. If you can free up some more funds, you should be able to find a good show quality used saddle in the $500-$800 range, but that would likely involve alot of hunting and searching.

Answer 2

Hi there! Definitely stay away from the Derby Original. The leather quality is TERRIBLE. The Wintec is okay, but I owned one and it made my horse very sore. (Although it was an older model.)

You are much better off to go with a quality USED saddle. Ebay is an excellent source for used saddles. Stick with a known brand like Courbette, Stubben, Collegiate, Pessoa, or Crosby. Buy from a seller that has plenty of positive feedback. I've bought at least 6 used saddles off Ebay and have never been dissapointed. I can pretty much guarantee you'll be able to find a decent used saddle for right around your price range if you're patient.

I've been riding for 14 years, and I'll take a quality 20 year old saddle over a crappy new saddle any day. I guarantee your horse horse will also be more comfortable in a well made saddle. Good quality saddles are worth investing in as far as repairs go too.

If you find a used saddle you're interested in you might be able to find user reviews at www.horsetackreviews.com

Good luck!

Answer 3

I would say the wintec- I have had those and they work pretty well for most horses. Not my horse, of course, but my mom, sister, and aunt all have a wintec. I believe my mom and sister's is in the same price range, maybe the same saddle.
One thing I would suggest if you want a good saddle for cheaper, look at local 4-H used tack sales, which sometimes are on their own or at fairs. I got a used all leather jump saddle that fits my horse perfectly for only $300. It was 2 yrs old and looked pretty much brand new. Prices on that saddle new was about $800. Dig around, you may find deals.

Answer 4

English saddles usually come in narrow, regular and wide (or the easy change gullet system). Your english seat size will be bigger than your western seat size. I'm not sure of the conversion, but since 15" is an average western seat size, I'd guess you'd go with a 17" (average) english saddle. It's easy to figure this out if you have an english saddle to sit in. You should have one hand's width between your butt and the cantle. Yes you do have to worry about it fitting your horse. I have no personal experience with the easy change gullet system, but I would imagine it would widen the range of horses your saddle will fit greatly. Make sure you read the fine print on the return policy!

Answer 5

Of the two saddles the Wintec is a far better saddle.
They are well made and is some models you can change the gullet size if your horse changes shape. They are super easy to care for and they are very comfortable to ride in.
Also they have webbers with out buckels on the stirrups leathers so there is no buckle under your leg and it is much more confortable to ride long time in.

Answer 6

id go for the second one wintecs are good saddles but tend to be pricey so watch out

Answer 7

Try kvvetsupply.com thay have great beginner starter packages!

Answer 8

Try www.usedsaddles.com

Answer 9

Lol, this sounded kinky but no, it's in the pet section. Lol, I's like thinking, 'oh honey'. jk like.