Saddle?...........?

Question

is this a good quality saddle?

http://www.horse.com/products/sku-EKA30__dept-3.html

Answer 1

Hi. I have a lot of experience in this. I show my horse in pleasure, horsemanship and halter events, but I used to ride english. I board year round at my professional trainer's barn, so I see a lot of stuff come in and out. This would be a fine set for someone who is starting out. It would be great for training, trails, recreational riding. If you are a show person....local shows. If you are looking at breed shows, you may want to look further. For about the same price as the one at Country Supply....a company called Schneider's has full packages that are suitable for showing, as well. I mean, you wouldn't be embarassed with it at lower level breed shows. The one in contry supply is not bad at all. I have dealt with them before, with no complaints. Try looking at the ones on the Schneider's website. www.sstack.com They are geared more to the show crowd, yet the saddle set is pretty comparable in price. Quality is always a sure thing with this company. I am an wife and mother of 2 sons and a wonderful gelding, Riley. I am not a professional, but have enough experience with showing and have been around Congress and world show quality horses, so I have a pretty good idea of quality. You aren't going to go wrong with the set you are looking at...just maybe shop around a little. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 2

I'm a British rider and instructor. I have experience showing, hunting, eventing, showjumping and in dressage. I can't say that I've ever been impressed with the so called 'starter kits'. They tend to be mass produced, of poor quality materials, and generally don't put the rider in to a good position. The one illustrated has a very deep seat, considering it is supposed to accommodate jumping. It would be very restrictive, as you would not be able to slide your seat back as you jump a fence, encouraging you to stand in your stirrups. It also seems that the tree points are very far forward, which could drastically effect the horses ability to move it's shoulders, causing a restricted gait. If you are aiming to jump, then a specialist jumping saddle would be a better buy. If jumping is not your thing, then a saddle with straighter cut flaps, which would encourage your leg position to be correct, would be a good idea. If you are just starting out, I would encourage you to have whatever saddle you buy to be professionally fitted. It is a very tricky business, fitting a saddle correctly, and can cause all sorts of problems if it is not done well. I have seen many horse and rider combinations compromised by a poor saddle. It must not only fit the horse very well, but should also take the riders body shape in to consideration...

Answer 3

If you plan on trail riding on a seasoned horse, then that saddle would be fine. But if you plan on showing or training I would step it up a couple of levels. These saddles tend to be made out of lower quality leather and don't fit the horse or rider very well. If you want you and your horse to be comfortable and in good balance I would look for something a little better quality. I've always had good business with Country Supply though! Try www.doversaddlery.com They have good quality english merchandise.

Answer 4

As a western rider, I can't help you on an English saddle, but my dealings with Country Supply have always had good results.