Saddle Opinions?

[MidnightEscapad]

Alright, I'm looking through a magazine that has new tack and clothing on sale. Sale ends August 31, 2006

I have my eye on a few saddles, but can only pick one. I might not even get one at all depending upon how much my parents and I are willing to spend and how I time it to be a nice birthday present for myself.

For English I can ride comfortably in a 16" to 17" saddle.

Saddle One:
Pessoa A/O Saddle.
A wider seat and better support. The most comfortable ride ever with a wider 10' European seat. Breaks in quickly. Slightly wider panels for improved back protection. Oackbark leather. Self padded flap. Concealed knee roll. The calfskin seat and knee pads break in immediately. Imported. Sizes 16½", 17", 17½", 18½", regular or wide.
List Price: $1995.00 Sale Price: $1799.00
Free snaffle bridle with laced reins with purchase of any Pessoa saddles bought on page. Large P/S, C/S, F/S, O/S. Bridle Value: $129.95
I use this type of saddle in my riding lessons and love it.

Saddle Two:
HDR Rivella D
Slightly flatter seat, longer flaps and discreet knee and thigh blocks are well suited for equitaion. Highest quality, smooth French leather with distinctive styling throughout. In light hazelnut color. Sizes 16½", 17", 17½", retular or wide tree.
List Price: $1195.00 Sale Price: $1099.00
Free HDR Bridle with purchase of any HDR Saddle. F/S or C/S. Bridle Value: $119.95

Saddle Three:
Dovers Circuit Elite
Our Best Selling Circuit Saddle.
Test Ride: Circuit Saddles are available for a Test Ride!
-Correctly balanced close contact saddle easily makes the transition from schooling at home to the show ring.
-A narrow twist, combined with a slightly deeper, slighting wider seat, provides a secure and comfortable ride without sacrificing any feel.
-Only premium French hides are used Luxurious French leather breaks in easily.
-Beautifully detailed with touches usually found in much more expensive saddles: enameled nail heads, cantle overlay, English-style black edging and self-colored channel stittching.
-Steel-reinfoced spring tree carries a lifetime warranty.
-Oakbark. Availbile in sizes 16½", 17", 17½", 18", regular or wide tree.
List Price: $1195.00 Sale Price: $699.00
Free! Circuit Padded Bridle. With any Circuit Saddle on this page. Fancy stitched, rasied bridle with matching laced reins. C/S, F/S, O/S. Bridle Value: $130.00

Those are the top three saddles I've narrowed it down to. I do like the idea of being able to test ride the 3rd one, but they are selling it so hard and it's not as expensive as the others I'm doubting the quality. I have pictures of the saddles if needed. Which do you think is the best value?

[bexj]

The one that is the best value is the one that fits your horse;)

[Daffy Dilly]

Agreed. :)

[Pink's lady]

Personally couldn't careless what it feels like for you, as long as it fits the horse ;) Comfortable for you is secondary.;)

[cvb]

MidnightEscaped

a general comment - have you checked out who else sells these saddles and at what price ? Sometimes you can find the same saddle, non-sale, but cheaper !

I agree with the others that a saddle that does not fit your horses is expensive however much it cost, but appreciate that access to fitters is different where you are to the UK

[MidnightEscapad]

I have definately priced checked. They're more expensive at the tack shops.

I'm in the U.S. but I didn't notice is you can test the Pessoas out as well as the Dovers. I know two people who can give me their opinions as to whether or not the saddle fits.

I agree, the horse's comfort is more important. Besides, if the horse isn't comfortable - neither are you. I refuse to use my Western saddle on my mare since although it looks okay by looking at it, it fits her horribly. It can't be good for horses to have illfitting tack. Too large is just as bad as too small.

I think I'll try out the Pessoa. I'm getting the best reports about them and a friend of mine has the exact model. I'd try it on my mare but hers is a regular tree, my mare needs a wide one. I know they're extremely comfy for the horse and rider if they fit.

Since all the saddles come with a free bridle: How do I know what size to use on my mare? She wears a small horse and large pony bridles, both fit depending on adjustments. Is there any way I could somehow measure her face? Her halter size is a Cob since regular pony is too small and small horse is too large, she would fit best in an Arab style halter.
The sizes with the Pesosa are Large P/S, C/S, F/S, and O/S. I think the Large P/S is Large Pony Size and the C/S is Cob Size? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Question about Bits: She's ridden in an eggbutt snaffle but sometimes doesn't feel it. She was ridden in a pretty harsh bit before (Tom Thumb) that I learned was not a good bit and although with enough pressure she'll respond nicely. Should I try her in a Full Cheek Snaffle?