Buying English tack for a new English rider?

Question

What are your opinions on this saddle?
http://www.equinenow.com/english_saddle-ad-15276

I have ridden western for over ten years and have a good balanced seat. I ride bareback, and have experimented with English. I own a very English-type western QH riding horse and would like to try some English riding on him.

I love jumping and would like to try doing some basic dressage, but I have no riding instructors or trainers anywhere near me! I live way too far up the darn map. So for now I'm teaching myself with the help of lots of books and videos.

So, my question is, is this a good beginning English saddle for me? I know it has to fit my horse, of course, but just general opinions on the brand, quality, etc.

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

If you're wanting to work on dressage, then this saddle would not be the most ideal. Jumping saddles have a more forward cut so make it more difficult the rider to bring their leg around the horse as one with longer/straight cut. Also as mentioned you might feel a little bit perched too. A General purpose would allow you do both flat work and jumping comfortably.



If you're buying online just make sure that the measurements are suitable, different brands have different shape and width gullets/trees etc. Older saddles can be in excellent condition but would have likely been made for the rider rather than with the horse in mind. Stubben saddles will last a life time, but they tend to be quite narrow and also the older seigfried models are not the best for flat work due to their shape - forward cut, flat/long seat etc



Some tack shops run a fitting service and might have some second hand saddles you could try. Just let them know your price range.



There's also other options like Thorowgoods, they are synthetic or part synthetic but they're comfortable and very adjustable. Years ago I wouldn't have touched a synthetic saddle but I'm a big fan of these. They also come in lots of different models too - cob, hi-wither, compact etc

Answer 2

HDR is a very reliable brand, though you need to find out which model it is and research it. HDR has 2 different price ranges, one is more high end with new saddles in the $1200 to $1600 range. If it is one of these, used, that's a really great price. The lower end stuff is more economy, and can be bought new for $600. If it is one of those, and used, you might be paying too much.



This is a close contact saddle, which is not your best choice for dressage or for an English newbie.



They tend to set you a little bit forward and perchy, not very secure feeling. Very good for galloping 4 foot fences. Not so good for pretty downward transitions.



I would suggest you look for an AP (all purpose) saddle. They will have a longer flap and deeper seat, and encourage correct seat.

Answer 3

Bridle and reins I'd buy new. Bit? D-ring or full-cheek snaffle. Probably should have several. Next, if at all possible, find a USED top-quality saddle from one of the "I couldn't possibly afford that" brands. Stuebben, Passier, etc. The used saddle might need restuffing and to have the billets replaced. Properly cared for it'll keep its value over the years. Your great-grandchildren will be able to use it.



Get yourself the book Schooling Young Horses by Werner Storl. Do not expect to understand it all at once. It has a ton of good information packed into only about 90 pages. It's also rather insulting to beginners, probably from Hr. Storl's having been asked to repair too many badly trained horses. For example, "... they usually buy the wrong horse for the wrong reason ..." (quoting from memory) right there on page two or three. Ignore the insults and learn all the good stuff.

Answer 4

I had an HDR Pro close/contact that I purchased new about a year ago. It was the first NEW saddle I ever bought. It retailed for $800 and was beautiful. It was hard to break in (it took a month of daily riding and conditioning to supple up the leather), but once broken in, it fit me perfectly and helped me maintain a good position for jumping. (And I am someone with long legs and a big butt, so finding a saddle that fits ME is a challenge.)



But it gave my horse a sore back! The panels beneath the cantle really weren't wide enough to distribute my weight effectively -- something to keep in mind if your horse is "hard to fit."



Assuming this one fits your horse, it's decent, reasonably well-made beginner-level saddle, and $375 is definitely an appropriate price. If the seller will allow you to return it if it does not fit, it's worth checking out. But since you're new to English riding, I strongly recommend getting a saddle fitter (or at least knowledgeable friend) to evaluate the fit.

Answer 5

There are so many different English saddle brands, and the prices range so much! But this one looks like it's a decent quality of leather. I'm not familiar with brand but if it's used and in that condition it must be a pretty decent saddle. I'd just say which you already knkw make sure it fits your horse and clean it regularly! Good luck on your English riding!

Answer 6

yessss I love HDR! It is used so it is broken in . Beautiful saddle. If you need any help or advice, just go to my instagram and maybe ask me! @miss_equine

Answer 7

hi

Answer 8

If you plan on showing..."they: like dark over red....