Help please...I need some advice.

[Horseaholic]

please bare with me as i explain because i really need some advice.


Okay so here is my story. Lets start off with some basics about me. I'm 6'2 and I have very long legs (about a 37'' inseam.) I usually ride one of two horses when i take lessons once a week. Last week I asked my trainer if she thought it would be a good idea for me to get a saddle. She said absolutely since I'm so tall and yada yada yada. I asked her which saddles she really likes and she said Bates- close contact and said that hers was for sale because she bought it when she was bigger and now its too big for her but that she really loves it. She said it has gel inside and explained the whole CAIR system (but said it was gel not air) also,that bates has the changeable gullet system. She said she LOVES used saddles so you dont have to break them in and what not. So i asked her how much these type of saddles were and she was kinda seeming like she didn't want to tell me so i was like is this like a $5000 dollar saddle or more in the range of $2000 and shes like no no $2000...and i said that that was an okay range for me. Soooo...I've been looking at the Bates saddles and what not (hense my other thread) and found a good deal that cloedoll directed me to for $1700 (which includes a lot of extras).

Fast forward to todays lesson...
I rode in my trainers saddle today and I liked it but im not sure i was in LOVE. it felt REALLY nice and i particularly liked the irons she had. (Only the saddle is for sale) I asked her how much she was thinking and she said make me an offer...i said that wasn't really fair because i really don't know what to offer. So she diddle daddled and said 1900 or 2000 and that shed like to get me stirrup leathers and irons for under 2000 as a package.

NOW here is my dilemma...idk if her saddle is in good condition...idk if this is reasonable...idk if I would be able to break in a saddle only riding once a week so is a used saddle better for me? But am I missing something that maybe her saddle isn't the kind that I've been researching NEW for 1700? It's a 17' seat and idk if thats big enough or too small for me. I'm just so confused. :huh: Also I just want to add that if i were to buy the saddle online I would obviously put it on a credit card and slowly pay it off but if I bought from her I'd obviously be paying cash...I'm stuck here. Please give me your advice. Thanks in advance! And thanks for reading and taking the time to help me.

[Mandzanita]

I think you could get a WAY better deal....saddles are kind of like cars....when you drive them off the lot, most will lose a good chunk in value. Even if you're saddle is barely used, you can't ask the same amount or even near the amount of a new one. If you can find it new for 1700, I'd offer her 1000. Maybe 1100 with all the stuff included. See what she says. If you really LOVE it and it's a "like new" saddle maybe offer a bit more. Her asking 2000 is way too much in general but bad economy added is even worse a deal.

In my opinion, the CAIR system is a little over-rated....I've heard of too many of them blowing out mid ride, especially in climates where temps vary dramatically. I think you could find a better deal out there, either for that saddle or another. I'd make a lower offer....more around the early 1000's and see what she says.

[Arrow]

You need to do more research, I'd say. Ebay is pretty good place to check out what stuff is going for. Check out www.gallopinggrape.com, too. http://dragcave.net/image/XLgY.gif (http://dragcave.net/viewdragon/XLgY)

[elevenelevenxo]

A lot of tack stores (most) will let you to "test drive" saddles. You have to be EXTRA CAREFUL about getting them dirty or marked or anything, but they'll usually allow you to try a saddle on the horse you're riding to A: make sure it fits the horse and B: you feel comfortable in it. Definitely worth it, in my opinion.

Don't discount used saddles - most people will tell you a saddle that's already broken into is worth way more than a stiff brand new one. And you'll be saving money too. Just get it checked by a saddler or tack store to be sure the tree is intact and make sure it fits the horse.

A lot of brands are using the interchangeable gullet systems now. I'm a huge fan of Wintec....and I've heard good things about Thorowgood saddles too.

Just look around at various tack stores online and see what saddles you like tend to be going for. If you find some that you like and sound good, take a trip to a local tack store to sit in them and feel them out that way, and ask about trying them on one of the horses you're riding. :)

[WashingtonBay]

The ethical dilemma for me would be whether she'd be really put out if you bought another one just like hers but not hers. I mean... you could offer her less as your max you can afford... then if she turns you down you can get another one and say you got it for less.

[JackieB]

It's kind of tough because in this economy, you should be able to get a really good deal on a saddle. But, you can't be quite as diligent in seeking the best price with your trainer since the relationship is involved. If you are going to buy a saddle just like hers, or very similar, but not from her, expect her to be a bit disappointed. If the difference was $100 or so, I might just chalk it up to extra lessons and buy from her. But if it's more, I'd maybe have to talk to her, let her know what I was seeing for prices, and try to meet in the middle or something.

But perhaps more importat at the moment is the fact that you aren't really sure what you want yet. It appears as if you are in the "research phase" that is important, and fun as well. I wouldn't buy any saddle for at least several more months while you continue to educate yourself about them and define exactly what you want to buy.

Good luck!

[KittySawrus]

Does this mean you take riding lessons...but don't have your own horse...and you're expected to buy a saddle?

Sorry, I'm just a little conufzzled :huh:
Especially since that sounds like a big chunka money!

[grandmadeb]

Well here is some comparative info. We had a Dominus saddle that we bought new and ended up selling it because it did not fit the second horse. Bought it for $1400 and sold it for $850. Bought a new Prestige Red Fox for $1600 and when the horse's body changed it no longer fit him and we sold it for $1100. Both were in fantastic condition and the Dominus was used for 2 years while the Prestige was used for 4 years.
No matter what you do make sure it fits both you and the horse you are riding. You can always make her an offer which she may or may not accept.

[Horseaholic]

Thanks for your advice everyone...

Mandz- I can't help but think I could get a better deal. :(

Arrow - Thanks for the link I'm going to do some more research as well.

Eleveneleven - That's exactly what I'm wondering if a used saddle is going to be more valuable to me rather than a stiff new one. I'm going to take a look at the tack store maybe next week.

WB- that is exactly the dilemma for me too...I don't want to offend her because I really respect her I just can't help but think I could get a better deal. I'm a pretty big push over when it comes to people I like and respect and money is involved. I'm afraid I'll offend her by offering less you know? It's crazy but im kinda afraid to offer her less.

JackieB - Thanks! (I can take all the luck I can get ;) ) I know that unfortunately if I do get the same saddle and not hers I'm sure she will be put out :( which upsets me. I want a new saddle SO BAD and I keep trying to tell myself to relax and take my time. And you're absolutely right I don't know that I LOVE the saddle yet. I might ask her to ride in it again.

KittyS- yes, I take riding lessons and I don't HAVE to buy my own saddle I just want to. I only ride 2 horses so it's not like I have 5 different horses to ride for 5 lessons its just two that I can change the gullet on the saddle according to who it is. :)

Grandmadeb- thanks for the comparative info. I'm wondering if maybe when she purchased the saddle it was much more for her ( because she said she got it when it was new to the US) so maybe she just isn't in touch with the prices now. She should be willing to go lower if the new saddles are less now right?

I'm at work now and have a break so I'm off to scan ebay for used saddle..THANKS everyone for all of your advice... and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

[Horseaholic]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bates-Caprilli-Close-Contact-saddle-17-5-long-flap_W0QQitemZ130265005267QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 130265005267&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C 240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

this saddle is long flaps where my trainers are medium.

[WashingtonBay]

I understand completely not wanting to insult her by making a lowball offer. I am not good at that kind of negotiation either!

I'd say really, buying a high-end saddle might not be the wisest thing, unless and until you're buying one for your own horse. There's no telling whether any saddle you buy now will fit any future horse you buy. It'd be one thing to buy a cheap used older saddle to use that happens to fit your lesson horse and is too cheap to turn down at the time, or even to buy a new synthetic if you wanted for $500. But I think when you get above a thousand bucks, it might be a rather risky luxury to buy one now just for lessons.

[cowpuncher]

It's difficult for me because I agree that used saddles are a great bargain. I'm all about looking on ebay and other places. The problem is, I've never found a saddle on Ebay ot any other auction type site because I've never seen one that was a high quality saddle. As a trainer, if I have a client looking for a saddle, I'm gonna recommend a good saddle. If I've got something that fits their needs, I'm gonna offer it to them. Yes, I;m gonna look to make a profit, because Im a businessman. I love horses and I love teaching, but I HATE being poor and broke.

I don't know the trainer in question, or her reputation for integrity, but if she's worth a damn as a trainer, she's not trying to rip you off. I'd think twice about buying it. If you can afford it, buy it. If you can't, tell the trainer, and see if she'll work some sort of deal with you. I've never paid less than $2500 for a saddle, new or used. My fravorite saddle ever was lightly used, and I paid $4000 for it. It was worth every dime.

Don't think that just becuase you only ride for recreation that a cheap saddle is "good enough" for you. I picked up an old Menea saddle this summer, as a wall-hanger. I paid $2500 for it. It only fits a few horses, but the ones it does fit, it works really well on. It was built in the 1890s. Buy quality and your grandkids will be riding the saddle too. Your trainer is gonna steer you right.

[luvs2ride1979]

For your height, you really need more like an 18 - 18.5" saddle. English saddle sizes go off height/thigh length first, THEN bum size. You will feel much more comfortable in a larger seat size. See if you can borrow one from someone to try, or trial a used saddle at a local tack shop. English trainers rarely know about saddle fit for any rider outside of "average" proportions, trust me on that one, lol.:cool:

You'll also need the longer flaps ;).

[Remali]

Seems like quite a lot for a used saddle to me. If you like buttery-soft leather, may I suggest you take a look at some County saddles? They are so comfy and well-made, and you could probably find a very nice used one. The new ones are even butter-soft! I had a County saddle, it fit so well and put me in such a good position and my leg felt very secure in it.

[KittySawrus]

KittyS- yes, I take riding lessons and I don't HAVE to buy my own saddle I just want to. I only ride 2 horses so it's not like I have 5 different horses to ride for 5 lessons its just two that I can change the gullet on the saddle according to who it is. :)


Ooh, rights! Well I hope you can dig out a saddle at an affordable price for you :)

[grandmadeb]

My daughter is long from the hip to the knee and she found it difficult to find a saddle that worked for her. The Prestige was an excellent fit for the horse but as time went on it did not allow her to sit correctly. We tried several from the local tack shop including a used custom made by Richard Castelow(SP?). They worked for her but not for him. Even got one from a tack store down near Phila. for a tryout- a Bevel I think-but it did not work. Most tack stores will let you try saddles even if they are far away- you pay shipping. A good fitting saddle, be it used or new, makes all the difference in the world.