I need a new close contact hunt seat saddle. I want to purchase a used saddle, but I haven't been able to find one, so I think I may just end up getting a new one. What bands should consider? Must be under 1,500 dollars.
I have only ever ridden in Pessoa's, and would like something different this time. I won't consider Wintec, Pessoa, HDR (Henry DeRe...something), or anything that is cheaply made.
Has anyone had any experiance with the Dover line of saddles? Are they well made? They sound good in the catalog, but I have never seen one in person...
2007-06-17 11:35:29 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Horses
why would I ask my vet...that isn't part of the vet's job.
2007-06-17 11:59:54 · update #1
Yes!! The dovers are the best! I compete on the A circuit all the way up and down the east coast. I use them and love them! Comfy and my horse likes them. I mostly use tad coffin saddle though now because I need them but they are about $4,200
2007-06-17 15:28:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, first of all, I would choose a saddle that is going to fit the horse well. Some brands of saddles are known not to fit certain types(builds) of horses as well. Then you want a saddle that fits you well. You should find somewhere that you can sit in a few saddles to see what you like, or sit in friends' saddles to see what you like and what suits you. If you have long legs, you will need longer and possibly more forward flaps. You may be more comfortable in a saddle with a narrow twist, etc. For $1500 you can find some excellent quality used saddles or even some very nice new saddles. I've gotten my saddles on e-bay and had good experiences since I knew what I was looking for.
I have heard plenty of good reviews of the Dover saddles, and I would probably get one in the future. I have 2 Courbette Alpina saddles and really like them. They have a flexible tree, so there is a little more variety in the horses that it will fit. Also, they run right around $1000 new, and are well made, comfortable saddles. But with the Courbettes, people seem to either love them or hate them. Same with the HDR saddles...a lot of people really like the upper end line of these saddles. I understand the Crosby saddles are not as well made as they used to be, so I would only buy a used one a few years old, but research to find out when they went to a new manufacturer. They used to be very nice, but I am understanding that they are not as good quality as they used to be. The H/J crowd seems to love Beval, Bates(who makes Wintec, the leather saddles are supposed to be nice and some have the adjustable gullets), County, Butet, some Stubben. Saddles are all a matter of personal preference and what fits your horse(s), though.
Also, go to www.chronicleforums.com and go to the H/J forums...there are always plenty of discussions about saddles, and you can search for information too.
2007-06-17 22:36:02 · answer #2 · answered by tbjumper0514 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to have a Dover, and it was great ( I sold it when I no longer had a horse that fit it). A friend just bought one and sent it back-- the quality is not what it once was.
Two of my friends ride Crosby's and like them.
I have a Stubben that I adore. Even though I don't have an 'English horse' right now, I will keep it for future horses. Keep your eyes open-- I found mine in a thrift shop, unused with the original tags on it, for $350....
2007-06-18 00:15:20 · answer #3 · answered by Beth K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Harry Dabbs, and they are made in England, but you can get them here (i mean the US). I love to to pieces, and I bought it used for $560. If it was new it would be $1,600 or so. It is modeled after a Pessoa, but much better quality and a little different form. They are made esp. for hunter/jumper and equitation. I would also try Dover Circuit or Elite. My riding instructor has suggested them to me, along w/ other people. They are made well also.
p.s. i found my harry dabbs online, on equine.com
2007-06-17 19:02:57 · answer #4 · answered by Menka 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Delta_Dawn; GET A CROSBY! I have a used close-contact spring tree Crosby that I absolutely love. It is very well made and of the finest leather. I know I'll never need to buy another saddle.
2007-06-17 20:29:55 · answer #5 · answered by boogeywoogy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a Crosby... the ones I've ridden in are extremely comfortable. You can usually find used Crosby's on eBay but I believe you can also find a new one within your price range as well.
2007-06-17 18:55:24 · answer #6 · answered by delta_dawn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
type what you told us on ebay. you should be able to find a very nice one there. I got a saddle, girth and bridle all for 200 dollars. GOOD DEAL
2007-06-17 20:59:39 · answer #7 · answered by Sahara M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tried a bazillion different types including the named, the most comfortable I found was the incredibly cheap coligiate. It was wonderful!
2007-06-17 18:48:18 · answer #8 · answered by gg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i really love my corbette. It was very well made and dosent show much wear. I have heard that bates saddles are really good.
2007-06-17 22:15:22 · answer #9 · answered by karen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
BATES!!! They're quite expensive but wow... that is top-quality saddlery right there. I'd at least look into that.
2007-06-17 19:09:24 · answer #10 · answered by csbp029 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋