Thoughts on these saddles?

[Equilove]

Just looking for something cheap that I can do some shows in (small shows). Right now I have a brown saddle and a black bridle, and I'd like to get a black saddle so we match. My brown saddle is the love of my life but I am afraid it might get too narrow for Sav once I start riding her more and she muscles up / matures. Here are some cheap saddles I found that I was interested in. I'm on a tight budget, since I'm saving up to have some extra cash when my boyfriend and I go on our cruise in 2 weeks..

Also, I don't mind having something synthetic. I just don't want it to fall apart.

Amazon.com: EquiRoyal Newport Dressage Saddle: Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: Henri De Rivel Competition Dressage Synthetic Saddle: Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: Silver Fox Dressage Saddle - Black - 18" Medium Tree: Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: EquiRoyal Newport All Purpose Saddle Saddle: Sports & Outdoors

Are these alright? Or is it a complete waste of money?

[Blue]

Honestly I don't think it's worth it. You might actually end up spending more on vet bills because it hurt the horses back. 10 years ago I DID get lucky with a Silver Fox and it DID fit my horse, but today I'd never get one again. Go ahead and spend the $100 extra it costs for a used saddle.

Isn't there a nice Collegiate for sale here? Check HGS Forums too, they have a ton. :) Wintecs, Stubbens, Collegiate... those are usually the ones I keep an eye out for. I've also heard good things about Thorogood (sp?) but never seen one in person.

What's your limit on a saddle? Maybe wait til after the cruise and save up a little more?

[cowgirlup@idaho]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy a brown bridle? I don't show and I don't ride english so I may be speaking out of turn. :)

[shewasmyshadow]

Yeah, not real sure on those saddles. I'd go with a used name brand saddle. Amazing deals do pop up. Someone on here helped me find my close contact and I got it for a steal.

Here's what you do... ;) Tell folks on here what you're looking for and how much you want to spend. They'll attack ebay and all the horse classifieds you can think of!! You will end up getting a good saddle for a great deal. :D At least, that is what happened to me. hehehehe... :p

[outriding01]

I do hunter/jumpers, not dressage, and I've never even heard of EquiRoyal, but I won't touch anything HDR with a 10 foot pole, and I can't imagine any possible scenario where you can get a good quality saddle, brand new, for under $1k..... Like others have said, used brand name is the way to go, even if it does take more time and effort. Is your brown saddle a dressage saddle? I would get a brown bridle for now, and save up for a new saddle just in case your horse ends up needing a wider tree later on. That gives you some time, and then if she doesn't, you have a some extra cash to splurge with a little, pay off some bills, etc.

[Tiz]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy a brown bridle? I don't show and I don't ride english so I may be speaking out of turn. :)

:p

[madelequestrian]

Equiroyal and Silverfox are distributed by JT International and are made out of "plastic leather" I swear! Not good tack at all! Better off riding bareback. Save up until you can spend at least $400 or $500 on a decent used stubben, crosby, etc. Even Wintec would be better! You will thank heavens you did later! And your horse will be much less likely to buck you off!

[offgridgirl]

I agree get a brown bridle and save for a better saddle later...:)

[shewasmyshadow]

Didn't know what size you needed, but I found this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Crosby-Sofride-AP-Saddle-17-5-17-1-2-W-/160552252617?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2561a8f4c9

another

http://cgi.ebay.com/Collegiate-Sr-Event-AP-Saddle-/190505571576?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5b0454f8

[madelequestrian]

I highly recommend www.usedsaddles.com. They have extremely fair pricing and you are allowed to take the saddles on a trial run before actually purchasing them! When I got my last english saddle I definitely took advantage of this and actually ended up returning the first one I got because I didn't like the position it put me in.