dressage saddle under $400

[Shadowfox]

I am seeking a dressage saddle under $400. I want leather, with a padded seat and at least a slight knee block. Any suggestions?
I was looking at Statelinetack they have two. I have emailed then to find out about the quality of the leather and other things. Is it possible to find a leather saddle for under $400? I am not looking for serious competion, just something to hack around in. Maybe a schooling show or local show.
I've found two statelinetack brand saddles

http://www.statelinetack.com/scripts/product.asp?company=slt&style=EI3-733098&category=2618
http://www.statelinetack.com/scripts/product.asp?company=slt&style=EI3-733120&category=2618

And two Regent brand saddles, view them at http://www.saddleshop.com

The GT olympic dressage saddle
The Model GG dressage saddle

[Dressage_Luvr]

Hi,

on the first one, i noticed that it said "easy-care leather-LOOK"

what i understand from that is that its not leather, and that you said you wanteed leatgher.

sry if ive made a mistake, but i didnt know if maybe you just hadnt noticed.

bye

[myEllie]

I wouldn't buy a regent saddle. I don't want to get sued or anything, so I won't say too much, but my friend bought one a few years ago and she was not happy with it. I would assume that the Stateline saddles would have to be good quality, as they have a reputation to live up to, and would not want to lose customers over poor quality equipment.

[Shadowfox]

Yes I know that the first one is not leather. Some had told me it was originally.

What does everyone think about the second saddle? I trust the company to provide a nice saddle, but I still don't know too much about english stuff.


If not, where can I get an affordable saddle under $400?

... Can I show training level dressage and equitation (rider judged only), or first show ever type classes?

[Thinkerbell]

When on a budget, always, ALWAYS consider a second-hand saddle (they normally give you value for money!), preferably bought with the help of a reputable saddle fitter, but at least seek help from someone who knows how to fit English tack properly.


Good luck :-)

[schimmer]

What about the Miller's Harness Co Lancers series? They are in your price range. They didn't have a dressage saddle for 2001 but I've not seen the 2002 catalog. Check with them. Their entry level leather saddles are very nice.

[Tina J]

I'd never buy a saddle mail order, simply because different makes fit differently. Much, much better to see if you can find a good second hand saddle locally, that is easy for you to return if it doesn't fit. I've only ever been into one saddlers in the USA though, so I don't know how common it is to have a second hand section in saddleries in your area. Good luck in your hunt though.